Contentment – Part 1
As we start our sermon series on Philippians, one of the more popular passages is Philippians 4:11-12.
11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I 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. [Philippians 4:11–12 (ESV)]
Paul writes to express his gratitude for the Philippians’ support and writes to let them know that even in difficult circumstances, he has learned to be content.
As I think about the topic of contentment, I realize that it is far easier to quote the passage than to truly live it out. Many of us are living discontent lives and failing to recognize that God has called us to a better life. Jeremiah Burroughs, in his book, “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment,” writes, “Christian contentment is the duty, glory, and excellence of a Christian.”
The more I reflect on Philippians 4:11-12, I have more questions than answers, like:
What does it mean to be content?
How do I, like Paul, learn to be content?
Why do I find discontentment so easy?
Am I supposed to be content in every circumstance?
What is the difference between being content and being apathetic or lazy?
Maybe discontentment is something you are struggling with?
As we go through our sermon series on Philippians, I would like us to reflect on “Christian contentment,” to wrestle with the question “have I, like Paul, learned to be content in every situation?”
My hope is that I will be able to share with you in upcoming pastoral letters some answers and insights I gain as I seek to learn about Christian contentment. And I would like to hear from you, your insights and reflections on the topic of contentment. But let me leave with you Jeremiah Burroughs’ helpful description of Christian contentment:
“Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.”
You if you would like to read “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” here is a link (https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/sdg/burroughs/The_Rare_Jewel_of_Christian_Con_-_Jeremiah_Burroug.pdf) to a PDF file.
Pastor Kyu