CONTENTMENT ~ Philippians 4:10-23….09/24/21
THEME: Christ our Strength
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your[c] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [d]be abased, and I know how to [e]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through [f]Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I [g]have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with [h]you all. Amen.
VS.10) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your[c] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity
Has Flourished… This Greek phrase was taken from this OT. Verse…(EZE. 17:24 All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish….I the LORD hath spoken & I will do it)
Meaning to sprout or blossom again…”Ye have caused your thinking on Me to Bloom anew, ye revived your thought for me”~ Vincent…”Ye budded forth again in caring for my interest”~Alford…In other words the Philippian allowed their care & concern for Paul come to fruition ONCE AGAIN. POINT HERE: This is in regard to the Gift the Philippians had sent to Paul via Epaphroditus (Phil. 1:3-5,4:11,15-19)
This was a delicate situation, that though Paul was touched by it & cared very much about responding to them in thankfulness he had to be careful as a general rule he did not receive ‘monetary support’ so as to look like false teachers who constantly fleeced the people.
Lacked opportunity most likely due to Epaphroditus becoming sick enroute to see Paul
LUKE 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
I have learned The Greek language conveys the idea of entering into a NEW CONDITION…meaning for Paul coming from a place of being
