"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

Last week we saw how the apostle Paul learned to be content in all circumstances. It was through some painful, harrowing, hungry, life threatening, hard traveling experiences. These must have been humbling to the man described in Philippians 3:4-6, " ...If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church, concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."
Then Paul goes on to say,
"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Vs. 7-8

Our opening Scripture also tells us that Paul 'knows how to live in prosperity.'
Paul had to learn live in prosperity as well. I wonder if prosperity and plenty are even harder for most people. An example of the difficulty is the rich young ruler who came to Jesus to find out what he should do to have eternal life. Read the whole scenario Matthew 19:16-26. I will only included a few verses here.
"...what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? Vs. 16 Jesus answered his question, "But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." Vs. 17 When the young man asked which ones, Jesus lists six and " The young man said to Him, 'All these things I have kept from my youth.
What do I still lack?'" Vs. 20
"Jesus said to him,' If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me," Vs. 21 The tragedy of riches is the dependence and security that is placed in them instead of trust and dependence on Christ.
"But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." Vs. 22

Concerning treasures, Jesus in Matthew 6:19-20 tells us in His Sermon on the Mount, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do no break in and steal."
For me, Vs. 21 gives us two points of view in the one statement depending on where we choose to focus. There is the danger that hanging on to and depending on riches may cause our hearts to go astray. Then there is the focus on Christ Jesus, our treasure who is life eternal, peace and joy.
Verse 21 says,
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Let us examine our own hearts -- are we content right were we are now? If not, let us press on as Paul writes in Philippians 3:12 and 14 "...I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." Vs. 12 "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Vs. 14

To help us in our examination, I will close with Philippians 4:11-13 in the Amplified Bible, "Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or
disquieted) in whatever state I am.
"I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.
"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]."

Thank You Father for Christ Jesus our Lord. We press on to know Him in a greater measure, thank You for the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us into all truth. We love and worship You; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen