Day 18 of Journey Through Philippians: Content in Any and Every Situation

Commentary Today’s reading includes the conclusion to the main body of Paul’s letter. In this section, Paul gives thanks to the Philippians for some gifts they had recently shared with him. This is not the first time in this letter that Paul has expressed his gratitude for these gifts. In Philippians 1:3-5, he thanked God for their “partnership in the gospel.” In Philippians 2:25-30, he honored Epaphroditus for delivering these gifts. However, this is his most heartfelt thank you, encompassing a full ten verses. In the middle of this extensive thank you note, Paul does something curious. He writes a short aside saying that he didn’t really need their gifts: “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” (Philippians 4:11-12). This is an odd statement, because it seems to undermine his thank you. But there are a couple of reasons why Paul makes this digression. First, in Philippi’s society which was driven by honor and shame, all sorts of power dynamics could be involved in the giving and receiving of gifts. Those who gave gifts to others could advance in status, and those who received gifts could find themselves subordinate and indebted to the gift giver. By emphasizing that he was “content” no matter his circumstances, Paul made sure that the Philippians knew that their gifts were just that, gifts. The gifts did not obligate him to them or make him subordinate to them in any way. In the kingdom of heaven, gift-giving is motivated by generosity, not by the pursuit of power or influence. Second, as the Philippians faced the prospect of suffering for their faith, Paul wanted to pass along what he had learned from his own life experience about contentment. Contentment is not found in material possessions and it is not found in one’s own inner strength like some contemporary Greek philosophers taught. True contentment is found “through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). This is an important lesson for us living in modern America. Despite the overwhelming blessings most of us enjoy compared with the rest of the world, it is quite common for us to feel discontent, especially when we compare our situations with others. We think that when we get the right job, house, possessions, or spouse, then we will suddenly be happy. Usually, we are just let down. What Paul teaches and models is that contentment is possible in any and every situation. To be truly content we must remember that a relationship with Jesus is the most valuable thing in this life, and that God alone can “meet all [our] needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8; 4:19). PHILIPPIANS 4:10–20 THANKS FOR THEIR GIFTS 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your con- cern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Day 18 Questions Philippians 4:13 is one of the most memorized verses in all Scripture. When read in isolation and in other translations, this verse seems to say that believers have the ability to do anything they set their hearts on: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”. But how does the surrounding context change how we read this verse? What is Paul really saying that he has the strength to do? How do you struggle with contentment in your own life? What would it take for you to be content with the situation God has given you today?