“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. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4: 10-13).
These are the Holy Spirit inspired words of the Apostle Paul. They are relevant to every culture of every age, but especially to Americans in the 21st Century. Often we are not content with what we have. We live in a society of more. We want more of everything. We need to heed the words of Scripture regarding God’s wonderful blessings in this life. Whatever we have, however much of it we have, is all by God’s wonderful grace.
Notice, Paul’s hope and encouragement is true contentment. There is a difference in just being resigned to the reality of our lot in life and true contentment. Paul says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” In other words, he can face any adversity through the power of Christ. Often that verse is quoted to encourage people to do things that seem impossible. That may be a part of it, but the verse is not first and foremost about trying great things. The better sense of the verse is that we can face all difficulty and all circumstances through the power and the grace of Christ who strengthens us. We don’t have to go through it alone. Regardless of the adversity, whether disease or famine or financial failure or destruction of relationships, we can be content because Christ is our ultimate treasure above all those things.
Contentment in the life God has granted us does not mean satisfaction with the status quo. Contentment should never be an excuse for laziness or inaction in the areas God has called us to “contend for the faith.” For example, I can’t say I’m content that my neighbor is lost or I’m content that sin is rampant in the culture. No, contentment means that we strive in holiness yet we are satisfied in the results that God sovereignly allows. At Oak Crest let’s never be satisfied, but always be content. In doing so, God is glorified and we are joyful.
In Christ,
Blain Craig
These are the Holy Spirit inspired words of the Apostle Paul. They are relevant to every culture of every age, but especially to Americans in the 21st Century. Often we are not content with what we have. We live in a society of more. We want more of everything. We need to heed the words of Scripture regarding God’s wonderful blessings in this life. Whatever we have, however much of it we have, is all by God’s wonderful grace.
Notice, Paul’s hope and encouragement is true contentment. There is a difference in just being resigned to the reality of our lot in life and true contentment. Paul says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” In other words, he can face any adversity through the power of Christ. Often that verse is quoted to encourage people to do things that seem impossible. That may be a part of it, but the verse is not first and foremost about trying great things. The better sense of the verse is that we can face all difficulty and all circumstances through the power and the grace of Christ who strengthens us. We don’t have to go through it alone. Regardless of the adversity, whether disease or famine or financial failure or destruction of relationships, we can be content because Christ is our ultimate treasure above all those things.
Contentment in the life God has granted us does not mean satisfaction with the status quo. Contentment should never be an excuse for laziness or inaction in the areas God has called us to “contend for the faith.” For example, I can’t say I’m content that my neighbor is lost or I’m content that sin is rampant in the culture. No, contentment means that we strive in holiness yet we are satisfied in the results that God sovereignly allows. At Oak Crest let’s never be satisfied, but always be content. In doing so, God is glorified and we are joyful.
In Christ,
Blain Craig
RSS Feed
