Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,[c] who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
Paul’s Final Greetings
21 Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. 22 And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.
23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
5 comments:
I love the book. It would be a good way to start every month just to read this. Lord I pray for contententment that only be found in You.
Amen,
cas
12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Something we should strive for everyday.
- LT
I think I'm content but it's usually after I've impulsively stuffed my face with a late night snack...I need to balance the art of self-control and contentment.
Have a great day guys!
Contentment? How will we really know when we are? What do we have to do or not do to exhibit contentment? Is striving for something bigger a sign of mal content, or is that "working as unto the Lord?" Is it better to not try to reach higher or wider? Is having and getting more a sign of missing contentment?
Or is a measure of our contentment, our willingness to give to the point of pain and sacrifice.
Thinking "out loud": Perhaps this is it. If we are still holding on to what we have (much or little) and not giving generously, then we probably aren't content with what we have.
Thoughts?
I think contentment is the opposite of coveting. The 10th commandment is by far the hardest one...the most internal one. It gets to the heart of our life.
Contentment is what allows us to move from legalism to sacrificial love. I think Paul's ability to truly grasp what the Cross of Christ and His Resurrection really meant for his life, his ability to let the past go (both his own sins and the sins of others), as well as taking each day as it came allowed him to learn contentment. JMB I think the heart is what you stated near the end, it is reflected in the early church (check out the difference in Barnabas and Ananais and Saphirra). Why does God provide abundance for some? To be used in a massive blessing to others. Radical. Counter-cultural. Worth our prayers, pursuit, and perseverance.
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