The Apostle Paul had a special relationship with the church in Philippi. He built that church up and many people came to the faith. In this portion of Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, he is acknowledging a gift that was given to him by the church, probably a gift of money. This gift brought him a special joy. Not in its monetary value, but in the care, love and concern behind it. He reminded them that he is not relying on gifts to provide for his physical comfort because he had learned how to be content. He has known what it is like to be prosperous and what it is like to be in need. Since contentment can be so elusive to man, Paul calls it a “secret”.

“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:10-13)

Paul found the secret for contentment in life was in the source of strength found in Christ. He proclaims, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Whatever the Lord brought to in his life, the good and the bad, Paul was confident he can do it because by faith he was in Christ. Jesus says, “Remain in me and I will remain in you.” (John 15:4) When Paul pleaded for strength and help to overcome painful trials, Jesus responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) Whatever happened to Paul, he was content because he knew that Christ was supplying his every need.

We can have this same assurance because we are also in Christ. He gives us strength to stand firm in this difficult world and to live out our lives for His glory. The secret is in our weakness. When we are weak, than we are strong. “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

HOW CAN WE LEARN THE SECRET?

Paul says that he has learned the secret to be content. The Greek word for “learn” could also mean “to acquire the habit” or “to understand”. As Paul put into practice what he had learned or received, he acquired the habit of being content. The Israelites were to hear God’s Word so they might “learn by practice” or “acquire the habit” of obeying God (Deut. 4:10, 5:1, 14:23). A coach can devise plays in the locker room, give lectures on techniques, and plot out strategies, but the bottom line is that athletes need to go out and do it. Through practice, we can learn or acquire the habit of being able to do what the coach wants us to do.

When we examine the world “secret” we are given some more clues. The Greek word used by Paul could also mean “I have been initiated”. This word was used by Greek philosophers to describe that they are self-sufficient for all things or independent of external circumstances. This word was also used for the feeding of animals, so a fattened or satisfied animal was described this way. Through Christ, Paul was initiated and learned the secret of contentment as a result of faith. Those outside of the faith are not initiated and do not know, nor understand the secrets behind this truth. As a result of this secret, Paul has the possession of the strength made possible to do all things that God wanted him to do as a result of his weakness.

Finally, we are reminded that we can do everything through Christ who gives us strength. The Greek word for “can do” means to be strong, able, forceful, or to prevail. It can also mean to use physical strength and strength to overcome. The word was used to describe an army who has the strength and ability to overcome another in battle. The Lord equips us to give us strength (Eph. 6:10-18) and it is the same strength that made the Old Testament heroes strong (Hebrews 11:34).

The secret to be content in life is found only be being in Christ. He provides all of our physical needs, but also provides the strength to overcome any obstacle. Our power is found in our weaknesses. We are granted the opportunity in our weaknesses that we cannot on our own obtain the life that we desire. When we finally realize that God can be fully trusted, fully accepting the promises of God, our life is transformed and we receive true peace and contentment.

Letters to a Young Believer Part 37