Philippians 4:10-23 I CAN, Through Christ!

Paul says here that he can accept all things, he can do all things, and that he has all things.  He wasn’t the victim of circumstances, but the victor OVER circumstances.

“Contentment is not complacency, nor is it a false peace based on ignorance … It’s not escape from the battle, but rather an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of the battle.  ‘I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.’”  Paul had learned through experiences how to have contentment.

Paul listed three spiritual resources to provide contentment:  The first was God’s overruling providence – God sees to it BEFOREHAND.  Not that He simply knows beforehand.  He works in advance to “arrange circumstances and situations for the fulfilling of His purposes … Life is not a series of accidents, it is a series of appointments,” my commentary said.  I agree!

Another spiritual resource we can tap into is God’s unfailing power.  “The most important part of the Christian life is the part that only God sees … I can – through Christ! was Paul’s motto.”  J.B. Phillips’ translation of verse 13 says, “I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me.”  “The Christian has all the power within that he needs to be adequate for the demands of life.  We need only release this power by faith.”

There’s one more resource – The Unchanging Promises of God.  The Philippians had sent Paul help, but Paul didn’t see that help as coming just from Philippi.  He saw it as the supply of his needs from heaven.

“God has not promised to supply all our greeds.  When the child of God is in the will of God, serving for the glory of God, then he will have every need met,” my commentary said.

Father, give me Your abiding peace and confidence in the midst of each and every battle.  Help me learn Your contentment in every situation.  You’ve taught me that life is a series of appointments.  Now continue to teach me a new motto:  “I can, through Christ.”  Also, help me to live for You promises.  Let me see their fulfillments as Your supplying of all my needs.  As Your child, keep me in Your will, serving for Your glory, knowing that You’ve got my back!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford