Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. — Philippians 4:11
Paul is careful to explain his heart. He is not speaking because he is desperate for money. He is commending them, not because he desired their gift for selfish reasons, but because he rejoiced in their participation in God’s work and the fruit that would abound to their account.
Then Paul gives one of the great lessons of the Christian life: contentment. He says, “I have learned.” This was not automatic. Contentment is learned. The word carries the idea of being detached. Over time, Paul learned to find all that he needed in Christ rather than in circumstances. This poor church had given sacrificially, and Paul’s joy was not merely in the gift itself, but in what it represented spiritually.
Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim to be happy. Surely this must look further than the present world; for man's life on earth consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What man is he that would see the good of that where all bliss is perfect? Alas! few have this good in their thoughts. That
religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace’ sake. It is the constant practice of real believers, when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin, and are low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to
true godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every self-confidence. In this soil every grace will flourish, and nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the special protection of the Lord, yet they have their share of crosses in this world, and there are those that hate them. Both from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles befal them,
shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from sinning in troubles. No man is desolate, but he whom God has forsaken.
Paul is careful to explain his heart. He is not speaking because he is desperate for money. He is commending them, not because he desired their gift for selfish reasons, but because he rejoiced in their participation in God’s work and the fruit that would abound to their account.
Then Paul gives one of the great lessons of the Christian life: contentment. He says, “I have learned.” This was not automatic. Contentment is learned. The word carries the idea of being detached. Over time, Paul learned to find all that he needed in Christ rather than in circumstances. This poor church had given sacrificially, and Paul’s joy was not merely in the gift itself, but in what it represented spiritually.
Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim to be happy. Surely this must look further than the present world; for man's life on earth consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What man is he that would see the good of that where all bliss is perfect? Alas! few have this good in their thoughts. That
religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace’ sake. It is the constant practice of real believers, when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin, and are low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to
true godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every self-confidence. In this soil every grace will flourish, and nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the special protection of the Lord, yet they have their share of crosses in this world, and there are those that hate them. Both from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles befal them,
shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from sinning in troubles. No man is desolate, but he whom God has forsaken.