Scripture: Philippians 4: 10-13

 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were 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 all this through him who gives me strength.

Scripture Commentary: Are you content in any circumstance that you face?

The secret to being content is drawing on Christ’s power for strength.  Do you have great needs?  And are you discontented because you don’t have what you want?  Learn to rely on God’s promise and Christ’s power to help you be content.  If you always want more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment.

If you detach yourself from the non-essentials, you can concentrate better on the Lord.

The Lord will take care of all of your needs

Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in your life.  The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do His will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it.

Ask yourself, is it need or is it greed?  The Lord Jesus Christ fulfills all your needs.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Philippians 4

Scripture: Philippians 2: 1-3

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Scripture Commentary: Humility involves having a true perspective about ourselves

Selfish ambition can ruin a person and a church but genuine humility can build both.  Many people, even christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves.  Self ambition and/or vain conceit brings discord.  We are to value others above ourselves.

Paul stressed spiritual unity, asking that everyone love one another and be of one spirit and purpose with Our Lord Jesus Christ.  If we work together, caring for each other’s problems as if they were our own, then we are living by Jesus’ example of putting others first.

This doesn’t mean that we’re putting ourselves down.  This just means that  we work to move out of our selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy.

You can approach life expecting to be served or you can be a server for God

We are all sinners before God, saved by His grace.  Because He saved us, we have great worth in His kingdom.

Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up His rights to obey God and serve us.  We are to serve out of love, not guilt or fear.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Philippians Chapter 2

Scripture: Philippians 4:19-20, 23

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. A-men!(19-20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.(20) 

(To thePhilippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.)

Scripture Commentary: You have everything you need – you can do anything through Christ

You can do anything Christ-like through God. However, this doesn’t mean superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can imagine without regard for our fellow man.

The power God has given you is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that will arise in doing his work. Be like Paul and be content and God will show you the way.  Be focused on what you are supposed to do, not what you feel you should do.

Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful, because he followed God’s teachings. Detach yourself from worldly things, so you can concentrate on God as he directs your path. We can trust that God will always meet our needs.

Whatever we need on earth he will always supply, even if it is the courage to face death. By trusting in Christ our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provisions and power to live for him. We can live confidently for him because we have “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” with us.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Philippians Chapter 4