The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

12. LOVING CONTENTMENT AND SURE SUPPLIES (Philippians 4:10-23)

12.1. GODLY CONTENTMENT (Philippians 4:10-17)

To be anxious for nothing does not mean to be conscious of nothing. Needs are to be recognised and the gracious ministry to those needs is to be rejoiced in. No matter what the circumstances, be content.

12.1.1. THEIR CONCERN FOR PAUL HAS A FRESH BIRTH

It "flourished again" (Philippians 4:10 KJV). Their love gift by hand of Epaphroditus causes Paul great rejoicing. To him it seems as if their interest has revived afresh.

12.1.2. THEIR CONCERN FOR PAUL HAS A FULL BEAUTY

You "have done well" (Philippians 4:14 KJV). In telling them that he had learned to live content, the apostle is not depreciating their gifts or discouraging the giving. One translation would be 'you have done a beautiful thing'.

12.1.3. THEIR CONCERN FOR PAUL HAS A FINAL BEARING

"I desire fruit that may abound to your account". (Philippians 4:17 KJV). Fruit borne for eternity - he desired nothing for himself, but everything for them. He does not want them to be barren in the fruit of giving, so they may have a full reward. If we are lagging in our giving, we are lacking in grace.

2 Corinthians 8:1,2,6 "Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well."

Failing to give, means, failing to produce for eternity.

12.1.4. SHARED SECRETS OF CONTENTMENT

The Spoiler Of Contentment
No need in Paul's life prompted his teaching on giving. "Not that I speak in regard to need" (Philippians 4:11 NKJV). Like the depth of an ocean, he is unmoved, undisturbed by the rise and fall of the sea of fortune. People are always wanting something. The craving spirit of want is the great spoiler of contentment. Something always keeps coming up that keeps WANT wanting.

The Secret Of Contentment
Even Paul had to learn contentment (Philippians 4:11,12 ). Experience has instructed him till he is able to say,

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;"

No matter what the circumstances, inner contentment prevails. The contentment of the Christian amazes unbelievers. Especially as it does not require the essentials which they count on for contentment. They have to learn the secret.

Luke 12:15 "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

If we have an inner sufficiency of grace, we will not be swayed by the sudden turns of life.

The Strength Of Contentment
"Through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13 KJV). Paul lives independent of circumstances, but not of Christ. He can meet the unkindly changes of life through the strength that comes from above.

This is a practical strength - "I can do" - Adaptable to the needs of the moment. God's strength
is practical, there is no frustration, backed by His omnipotence. "I can."

This is perpetual strength - "Which strengtheneth me." We need never be caught with depleted
strength. In going all-out for Jesus we need never get all-in.

This is a proportionate strength - The Lord suits to our need just the kind and extent of strength.
Endure - overcome - succour.

This is a personal strength - "Me" No one holds monopoly.

This is a positional strength - "Through Christ" or "in Him." Our Lord is both cause and channel.
Through Christ he prevails. In Him he is sufficient for anything. Contentment is a matter of
relationship to Christ.

12.2. SURE SUPPLIES (Philippians 4:18-23)

Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Substantial gift 'I have all'. Gift prompted by the Lord's sacrifice, counter balancing Paul sends promissory note to bank of heaven (Philippians 4:19 ). They have fulfilled Paul's needs. God will fulfill their needs.

12.2.1. THE SOURCE OF THEIR SUPPLIES

This wealth is located in glory "His riches in glory". All earthly wealth is insecure. Heavenly reserves are always available. These supplies are allocated by God "My God shall supply". God controls and allocates it to our needs. No favouritism - He will not fail. "My God". Paul has proved for himself through faith we can lay hold of His provision as we supplicate. "My God."

12.2.2. THE SUPPLY OF THEIR SUPPLIES

The supply is certain, "shall". To doubt is to cast a reflection on God's character. He cannot fail. The supply is sufficient as to our needs. "All your need." Not WANTS - but NEEDS, known and unknown. Present and future. No need will be denied. The supply is infinite in its nature. "According to His riches." Not of angels, or of men, but of God. His riches are untold, vast, various. Riches of mercy - grace - goodness- wisdom - glory. Every sort to meet every need. "According to" - not out of. Exhaustless. God is not impoverished by His giving, according to His undiminishable riches.

12.2.3. THE SIGNATURE FOR THEIR SUPPLIES

Promissory note signed by Lord Jesus. "By Christ Jesus." It will be honoured.

2 Corinthians 1:20 "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."

Every blessing comes by the Lord Jesus. No wonder Paul bursts forth in doxology (Philippians 4:20 ). Who could refrain ascribing endless praise and glory to God, after such gracious commitments? The Epistle closes with mutual salutations and final benediction of the grace of our Lord Jesus. It is glory to God.

Greetings to the saints (Philippians 4:21,22 ) and grace with them all (Philippians 4:23 ). A fitting close, glory and grace made every provision for our need. We leave with a cheque fully made out to cover all our needs and hereafter. All it needs is to be endorsed and presented when necessity arises. Let us cash in on God's promise. He will never fail us.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

What do you say is the spoiler of contentment? (Philippians 4:11-12 ).
Does the inner strengthening of Christ keep you content even in the unkind changes of life? (Philippians 4:13 ).
What makes you certain that your needs will be supplied? (Philippians 4:19 ).
Do you see these practical precepts of Philippians Chapter 4, being lived out in those of the fellowship?

	This is a practical strength - "I can do" - Adaptable to the needs of the moment. God's strength is practical, there is no frustration, backed by His omnipotence. "I can."
	This is perpetual strength - "Which strengtheneth me." We need never be caught with depleted strength. In going all-out for Jesus we need never get all-in.
	This is a proportionate strength - The Lord suits to our need just the kind and extent of strength. Endure - overcome - succour.
	This is a personal strength - "Me" No one holds monopoly.
	This is a positional strength - "Through Christ" or "in Him." Our Lord is both cause and channel. Through Christ he prevails. In Him he is sufficient for anything. Contentment is a matter of relationship to Christ.