"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity." Philippians 4:11-12

The letter to the Philippians is written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome and it is a letter of joy and encouragement in the midst of adverse circumstances. I encourage each of us to read the whole Letter. Chapter one gives an account of his present circumstances and tells us that his afflictions promote the gospel, exalts the Lord and gives and exhortation to the afflicted. Chapter two gives examples of humility. Chapter three gives warning of confidence in the flesh, living in the flesh and an exhortation to know Christ. Chapter four speaks of peace -- with the brethren, with the Lord and in all circumstances.

'I have learned to be content'
"The Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible" Herbert Lockyear, Sr., Editor defines contentment as -- freedom from anxiety or worry. The idea of contentment comes from a Greek word (AUTARKES) that means 'independence' or 'self sufficiency.' But the apostle Paul used the word in a Christian sense to show that real satisfaction or sufficiency comes from God:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13"

Paul had become independent of circumstances, conditions or surroundings.
Read Acts 16:25-34 as an example of this. It is the account of Paul and Silas in prison at midnight praying and singing hymns of praise to God and the jailer's conversion.

2 Corinthians 11:23-30 gives a list of Paul's suffering as he defends his apostleship, but his dependence on Christ brought him to the place of contentment. He has labored more, been imprisoned more, beaten times without number, often in danger of death, five times received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes, three times beaten with rods, once stoned, shipwrecked three times, a night and a day spent in the deep. He was on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my country men, dangers from the gentles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren. He has been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from all these external things, there was the daily pressure upon him of concern for all the churches.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 concerning the thorn in the flesh we read, "Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, that the power of Christ may dwell in me." Vs. 8-9

The therefore in verse 10 tells us that it is settled and he is content!
"Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

As he tells Timothy and us in 1 Timothy 6:6-8, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."
Then he says,
".Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness."
Vs. 11

How awesome is the work of Christ in an earthen vessel with a heart that is committed to Christ to trust and obey. How grateful we are for the apostle Paul's commitment to Christ and the Church -- for God's mighty work in and through that great apostle.

Thank you Father for Paul and Your words through his many Letters. Help us by the Holy Spirit to come into a greater knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord through them. Amen