STUDYING THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS #14
Phil. 4:8-13
By David J. Riggs
Intro.
I. Phil. 4:8
A. "Finally brethren" - We now sense Paul's movement toward the
closing of his epistle.
1. In closing, he gives a few final words of encouragement and
exhortation.
2. Also, he gives thanks to the Philippian brethren for their
support in the gospel.
B. "Think on these things."
1. We are what we think. Prov. 23:7
a. Think of all the corruption that people feast their minds
on today through the television, in the movies, and in
books and magazines. "Garbage in, garbage out!"
b. Let us think on the holy, righteous, spiritual things.
2. An application, along with the immediate context, is to
remove negative thoughts so that we can have peace of
mind.
a. When we think about good, spiritual, pleasant things, it
helps us to have peace of mind.
(1) Negative thoughts tend to depress us and make us
miserable.
b. There is always something about which we can thank
and praise God.
c. Here is Matthew Henry's words which he wrote after he
had been robbed: "Let me be thankful first, because he
never robbed me before; second, because, although he
took my money, he did not take my life; third, because,
although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and
fourth, it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed."
d. To constantly let our minds dwell on good, pleasant
things, with grateful hearts, will help in bringing peace
of mind.
II. Phil. 4:9
A. This verse shows that the Bible teaches by example, as well as
by precept and necessary inference.
1. Paul urges them to follow the things set forth in his own
life. They were to practice them as they had heard them
presented in his teaching, and seen in his manner of life.
2. If they followed Paul, as he followed Christ, God, who is
the supreme source of peace, would be with them.
B. Again, we would not limit the application of this verse to
bearing burdens, but it helps us to look at what Paul did when
he faced heavy burdens.
1. Are your burdens heavier than the apostle Paul's? For
example - 2 Cor. 6:4-10
a. You might say, "Yes, I believe my burdens are heavier
than Paul's."
2. Are they heavier than Job's?
a. He lost all of his possessions, all of his children, was
covered with sores from the crown of his head to the
soles of his feet, and was told by his wife to "curse God
and die."
b. However, Job triumphed. Job 1:21-22
III. Phil. 4:10-13
A. Paul rejoiced in the Lord greatly because of the Philippians.
1. Notice his diplomacy in his choice of words. He guards
against offending them by connecting "your care for me has
flourished again" with the statement in the next clause,
"though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity."
2. The opportunity had again presented itself, and they took
advantage of it and helped him.
3. Notice, too, how the Holy Spirit is teaching us by means of
the example of Paul.
a. The Holy Spirit took the righteous feelings and conduct
of the apostle and revealed them for all people of all
time.
B. "Not that I speak in respect of want."
1. He shows that he is not writing as though he wanted
something from them, because he had taught and trained
himself to be content in whatever state he was.
C. "For I have learned" - Thus, contentment is something to be
learned, sought after, and gained. It is not given
automatically or miraculously when one becomes a Christian.
D. Paul knew how to be abased, and to suffer need. Vs. 12 (The
negative side)
1. At times, he was without physical health. Gal. 4:13-15; 2
Cor. 12:7-10
2. He was often without the admiration and approval of his
brethren. 2 Tim. 4:16-17
3. Several times, he was without freedom. He was a prisoner
even as he wrote these things. Phil. 1:12-13
a. In contrast, we often complain about restrictions placed
upon us; e.g., in the work place, in school.
b. While living in Florida, I had several friends who
worked cleaning rooms at a nationally known Inn
located directly on the white sands of the Gulf of
Mexico. They spent their work-breaks running barefoot
in the sand. A problem arose when the owners of the Inn
required all employees to wear shoes at all times while
working. I noticed that the employees responded in two
ways: The majority thought the rule restricted their
freedom. The rooms had shag carpeting, delightful to
bare toes. To them the rule to wear shoes was nothing
more than employer harassment. However, the minority
looked at the rule differently. Sometimes, late night
parties would produce small pieces of broken glass.
Occasionally, a stickpin would be found hidden in the
deep shag piles. Some knew the pain of skinning bare
toes on the steel bed frame while making a bed. This
minority saw the rule as protection, not restriction.
(From Timothy Munyon).
4. Let us, who are of the minority, strive to have the attitude
Paul did in the difficulties he faced.
E. Also, Paul knew how to abound and to be full. Vs. 12, 15-18
(The positive side)
1. For some, knowing how to abound is more difficult than
being content in want.
a. When they receive plenty, they sometimes lose all sense
of restraint.
b. "The more they get, the more they want."
c. Some can't go back to want, once they have been
blessed with plenty.
d. Prov. 30:8-9
F. Christians, as did Paul, must learn contentment through Christ.
Phil. 4:13
1. We must rely on the Lord for all things; he will abundantly
bless. Matt. 7:7-8
IV. LET US CONSIDER TWO OTHER PASSAGES ON CONTENTMENT.
A. 1 Tim. 6:6-8
1. In this passage we learn the extent the Christian is to be
content. It gives the exact amount with which he is to be
content.
a. The Bible places great emphasis on doing God's will, by
solemnly warning those who do not do it. Mark 9:43-
48.
b. Thus, everyone will be without excuse at the judgment.
One can't say, "Lord, you didn't warn me of the
punishment for disobedience."
2. Likewise, the Bible places great emphasis on contentment --
"...Having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
Are we content with just these?
a. The ones who are more interested in gaining this world's
goods than serving the Lord will be without excuse at
the judgment day. They can't say, "Lord, you didn't
reveal that with which we were to be contented."
3. Our Lord goes a step beyond Paul's teaching and instructs us
to not even be worried or concerned about food and
clothing. Matt. 6:25-34
a. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness. God will provide for us and take care of
us. 1 Pet. 5:7
b. What is your primary concern in life? Do you put the
kingdom above all else?
B. HEBREWS 13:5-6
1. Herein lies the reason why many Christians are not content-
-they are covetous.
a. Many Christians are not content but are continually
striving after more of this world's goods.
b. They neglect the kingdom of God to have more; some
will even stoop to ungodly means to obtain more.
c. These are trying to serve two masters. They have only
enough religion to make themselves miserable. 1 Tim.
6:9-10
2. It is better to have only a little than a lot with much
sorrow and headache. Prov. 15:16-17; 16:8; 17:1; Eccl. 4:6
a. Instead of continually seeking and coveting more, doing
the Lord's will should be our primary concern.
b. Let us be moved to be loyal and dedicated to Him rather
than trying to serve mammon.
c. Let us be content and put our trust in the Lord and He
will provide.
d. Let us acclaim with great boldness, "The Lord is my
helper, and I will not fear..."
Concl.
A. Let us be content with what we have, and serve the Lord with a
true heart.
1. The Lord is our helper in all problems and difficulties in
life.
2. With the Lord on our side, what could anyone do to us?
3. We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.