The Secret Of Contentment Series

Technicolor JOY: Philippians 4:10-13

Pastor Jefferson M. Williams

Chenoa Baptist Church

09-17-2023

Red Diamond

In 1990, a farmer in Brazil needed some water for his field. He noticed a rock covered in mud and picked it up to examine it.

He had no way of knowing that he had just found the largest red diamond in history - 13.9 carats!

Diamonds are uncommon but red diamonds are incredibly rare. It was cut into a 5.11-carat triangle now known as the Moussaieff Red Diamond and sold in 2001 for 8 million dollars.

In 1648, Puritan pastor Jeremiah Boroughs’s sermons were collected into a book after his death entitled, “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.”

In it, he makes the case that contentment is rare but is more precious than any gem ever discovered.

This morning, we are going to explore his definition of contentment as we study these verses in Philippians 4.

Turn with me to Philippians 4:10-13.

Prayer

Paul’s Joy

“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.”

Let’s remember where Paul is as he writes these words. He is under house arrest in Rome, chained to a Roman soldier. He is awaiting trial before Caesar which could either result in his execution or being set free.

When a prisoner was under house arrest, they were responsible for their food, the rent for the house, and even blankets. Nothing was provided.

They got word that he was in jail in Rome and they sent Epaphroditus the eight-hundred-mile journey with a love offering for Paul.

This led Paul to do what he had been doing the entire letter - exploding with JOY! The Greek word is preceded by mega. He had mega joy when Epaphroditus arrived with the gift.

Let me remind you, one more time since this is the last mention of joy, that happiness depends on outward circumstances while joy is found in following, loving, and serving Jesus.

Philippians is only 104 verses, about 2,400 words, and takes about ten minutes to read but it is dripping joy in every verse from a man who was in prison!

Jesus…Others…You. If you get that in the right order, you will discover joy through Jesus and through the little book of Philippians.

What was Paul so joyfully thankful about? He was overjoyed that the Philippians had at last renewed their concern for him.

The word “renewed” or in your translation, “revived,” is a beautiful word picture of flowers blooming again after a long winter.

Their love for Paul wasn’t in hibernation. They might have been poor but they were hilariously generous.

This is something that we have called to have - open hearts and open hands. Let’s be hilarious and generous in our giving like we did when we sent over 700 dollars to the churches in Hawaii.

But was this a backhanded compliment? “Thanks for the love gift but where have you been for the last five years?!”

Not at all. In fact, he wants to make sure that they don’t take it that way. He affirms that he has never been far from their hearts but they had no opportunity to show it.

The Philippians were the first church to support Paul financially after he left Philippi and went to Thessalonica. But, after years passed, they lost contact with Paul.

Once they found out where he was, their generosity and love for Paul overflowed into a financial blessing.

They might have lacked opportunity but not concern.

We support three missionary families and the Hope Center. We want to make sure that they know that we love them, are concerned for them, and will celebrate and support their ministries.

How can you do that? Make sure you are on their mailing/email list. If you are not, we can make that happen. Pray for them, every day, by name, for protection and open doors of opportunity for the Gospel. Write birthday cards. Send gift cards. Call them.

As a small church, we have the opportunity to be hands-on and very supportive of our missionaries.

How are you doing in this area?

Paul’s Education

Paul continues:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Again, this could taken wrong. Paul is not saying, “Thanks for the gift but I don’t need it.” It’s not a “thankless thanks.”

Paul is thankful for the gift and the food and blankets it will buy. But he was content before the gift arrived and he will be content when all the food is gone.