Contagious Joy
The Book of Philippians
Sunday, October 22 nd , 2023

Philippians 4:10-23
Introduction
Contentment is learned as we trust God for strength and provision
I. Learning to be Content (v.10-13)

v.10 – “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your
concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.”
v.11-12 – “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in
whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I
know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of
facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
“Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which
freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every
condition.” J. Burroughs

Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with
far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often
near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less
one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was
shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in
danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger
from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger
from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in
hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other
things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who
is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I
must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and
Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.”
2 Corinthians 11:23-31
Paul is providing an example for the Philippians on contentment. He is aware of
their needs and what they are experiencing. Paul’s contentment comes because
he is captivated by Jesus Christ. When you love something so deeply other
things just fade away.
Contentment does not come naturally (even to Christians) but only
supernaturally as one learns that this life is no longer me living but Christ living
in and through me.

As Christians, we have to balance two realities. First, is to see ‘things’ as good
and given to us by God Himself to enjoy. Second, is to see ‘things’ in their proper
light – temporal.
“Sin enters our hearts not when we begin desiring things, but when we desire
them out of proportion to their true worth. When our desire for the created
eclipses our desire for the Creator, then we have entered blatant idolatry.” G.
Thomas
v.13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
“The secret of living amid life’s difficulties is simple: trusting God in such a way
that one can say, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. This does
not mean God will bless whatever a person does; it must be read within the
context of the letter, with its emphasis on obedience to God and service to God
and others.” ESV Study Bible
II. Promise of God’s Provision (14-20)
v.14-17 – “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians
yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no
church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I
seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”
Paul is grateful for their generous gift and the love behind it. This church has
supported Paul’s work in the gospel again and again. But Paul is not after the
money, he sees the fruit that comes from a generous heart. Their generosity is
evidence of God’s fruitfulness at work in their lives.
v.18-20 – “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having
received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice
acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory
forever and ever. Amen.”
v.19 – God will supply the need of the Philippians because they gave of
themselves. Their generous gift to Paul is his promise of God meeting their need!
III. Conclusion
Contentment is based on our trust in God, Contentment is a virtue to be learned
and cultivated. Generosity is the fruit of a contented heart. God will supply every
need of the generous person.
God’s glory will be seen in the contented and generous heart of the believer