How to Learn the Secret of Contentment
Paul talks about learning contentment as a secret (Philippians 4:12). What does he know that I might not? Just to save me the keystrokes, assume that every verse reference comes from Philippians.
What does Paul know about God?
God won’t stop working (1:6)
The Spirit will work through prayer to deliver (1:19)
Belief and suffering in Christ are considered gifts (1:29)
Knowing Christ = value (3:7)
Jesus will transform us from one humble condition to the likeness of His glorious body (3:21)
Peace of God can guard our minds and hearts (4:7)
Strength to do all things is in God (4:13)
My God will supply all our needs (4:19)
What does Paul know about himself/his situation?
His imprisonment = advancing the gospel (1:12)
He is a vessel for honoring Christ (1:18-20)
Living = Christ (1:21)
Life is all about fruitful work (1:22)
Life is all about progressing others’ joys (1:25)
Life is about giving others confidence (1:26)
Joy is found in sacrificing and serving others’ faith (2:17)
Exaltation comes after emptying himself (2:1-11)
Gaining Christ > losing everything (3:7-9)
His goal is to know Christ’s resurrection, suffering, and death (3:10)
He assumes he’ll resurrect (3:11)
He should always take hold of Christ (3:12)
Forget what’s behind, take hold of the prize to come (3:12-14)
Assurance of God’s peace can be in what we think and do (4:8-9)
What does Paul know about others?
God completes the work in others (1:6)
Others have gained confidence by his imprisonment (1:14)
Others’ motives don’t get to him (1:18)
Others’ prayers work (1:19)
Sanctification can occur through my prayers for others (1:9-11)
He aimed to not have labored in vain (2:16)
He considered the church his family, joy, crown, and friends (4:1)
What does Paul know about the world?
Death = gain (1:21)
Unity and faith in the gospel resolves fear of opponents (1:27-28)
He confidence wasn’t in his life’s gains (3:1-7)
All concerns can be prayed about (4:6)
