18. BEING CONTENT AND DOING ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST (PHIL 4:10-13)

18. BEING CONTENT AND DOING ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST (PHIL 4:10-13):

After encouraging the Philippians to rejoice always, Paul conveys to them that he rejoiced in the Lord greatly that then at length, he had revived their concern for him. They were indeed concerned for him, but they had no opportunity. Philippians had supported Paul at the times of his need, and then also they had continued their support to him, because of which Paul rejoices by remembering God’s provision through the people in Philippi. They were very genuine and lovely people who were always willing to support Paul, but they were able to contribute only at times because there wasn’t much scope for it.

Paul then clarifies that he is not writing to them that he is speaking of being in need, for he had learned in whatever situation he is to be content. He knows how to be brought low, and he knows how to abound. In any and every circumstance, he had learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Paul genuinely appreciates the heart of giving and supporting, and doesn’t have any hidden agenda like getting their support continuously, for he has a greater satisfaction of being content irrespective of the situation, whether it is favourable or unfavourable. Paul knew how to live with just the basic things and with the abundance of things, by rightly using them and without being reliant on them. The secret of being full with peace and the quality of being content is only possible with God, though there may be times of starvation and there might of times of abundance.

Paul writes conclusively that he can do all things through Him who strengthens Him. After acknowledging the believers of the Philippians that he can be the same in the Lord irrespective of whatever he has or not, whatever he is or not, Paul affirms that he can do everything, by being not reliant on the possessions or positions but by being reliant on the Lord who alone truly gives the strength and makes things happen, even the possibility for something is near nil.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      For what did Paul rejoice in the Lord?

2.      How did the Philippians have concern for Paul?

3.      How shall we have concern for the ministers of God?

4.      What does Paul clarify to the Philippians about his need?

5.      What had Paul learned?

6.      How shall we learn from every situation to be content?

7.      What does Paul mention that he knows?

8.      How shall we be balanced in the extreme situations of lowness and highness?

9.      How can Paul do the things?

How shall we do all things in the Lord?

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