Phil. 4:10-23, Contentment

Paul’s major concern in this letter has been that the Philippian Church would have the same mind as they stand fast in the Lord.  But the fact is that Epaphroditus, when he came to visit Paul in Rome, brought a financial gift to him from the church (4:10).  Thus the concluding section of the letter addresses this gift.


Paul is again rejoicing in the Lord greatly.  His joy is not because he had been worried about his financial situation (because after all, he can do all things through Christ, v11-13).  Rather his joy revolves around the blessing that will come to the Philippians because of their giving (God will supply all their need abundantly, v14-20).  In other words, this closing passage centers on the two verses in it that are most well-known: v13 and 19.  While this is a separate section it does nothing but build on the message of the Epistle which has been dominated by the truth of 1:21: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  Ch. 4:10-23 just gives us more reason to believe in the excellency of the knowledge of Christ (3:11).


Let us consider the Biblical concept of contentment.  It is not exactly the most popular character trait in our world.  But it is, of course, a trait that most fully fits those who trust in the Lord.

·        Definition:  The Greek term means to be strong, having a sense of sufficiency, that I have enough.  A working definition I have always like is this: contentment is realizing God has provided everything I need for my present happiness. 

o   Lightfoot emphasizes independence of external circumstances; not depending on externals for my happiness.  Kenneth Wuest points out the contrast between Paul and the Greeks around him: The Greeks meant self-sufficient, competence in one’s ability; Paul’s independence was in fact dependence on Christ.

o   The opposite of contentment is not “being rich” but “the desire to be rich” (Heb. 13:5-6; 1 Tim. 6:6-12).  It is covetousness or greed.  Consider four indications that I am not content but am rather covetous:

§  Ex. 16:2-3 (Israel in the wilderness): I complain about my situation.

§  Gen. 13:5-13 (Lot): I make decisions based on material (financial) ambition.

§  1 Sam. 18:6-9 (King Saul): I am driven by jealousy/envy, what others have.

§  Mark 10:35-45 (The Twelve): I dream of personal ambition, higher positions.

·        Underlying principle: Contentment is based in the nature of God and who He is to His people.  God is my Portion (Lam. 3:24; Ps. 73:25f; 119:57).  As was said to the Levites, so it is to be true of all the righteous: the Levites had no inheritance because God was their inheritance!  God is El Shaddai, a name that bears out this idea that He is our sufficiency.  God gave this name first to Abraham (Gen. 17:1), amplifying what God had previously told him: I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward (Gen. 15:1).  God then repeated the name to Isaac (Gen. 26:23-25) and to Jacob (Gen. 35:9-13).   This is who God is: the All-Sufficient One!