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A Study in the book of Philippians Running Contently Philippians 4:10 - 13
A Study in the book of Philippians
Running ContentlyPhilippians 4:10-13
The Goals-1. An increase in love for God that flows over to loving others.2. Grow in your knowledge and depth of insight of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.3. Apply what you receive from God in making the best decisions possible.4. Live in dependency and obedience so that you do not stumble or cause others to stumble.5. Strive to live this way until Christ Returns.
“Praying for the Road Ahead”
“Running for Heaven, but needed on Earth”
“The Runners Mindset”
“Running Together”
“You were Created to Run Like Christ”
“Focused Running”
“Peaceful Running”
“Running Contently”
“Thoughtful Running”
Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV) 10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
The high rate of consumer debt.The high rate of mobility.The high rate of divorces.The high rate of law suits.The high rate of money spent on gambling.
I. WHAT IS CONTENTMENT?The difference between the Stoics and Paul. • The Stoic said, “I will learn to be content by a
deliberate act of my own will.”• Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ Who
infuses His strength into me.” • For the Stoic, contentment was a human
achievement• For Paul it was a divine gift. • The Stoic was self-sufficient• Paul was God-sufficient. Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series: The Westminster Press
I. WHAT IS CONTENTMENT?“Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”
John Wesley
It is an inner sense of rest or peace that comes from being right with God and knowing that He has a purpose for your life and therefor is involved in your life.
II. WHAT ARE THE OBSTACLES OF CONTENTMENT?
A. The world
1 John 2:15 (NIV) 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.(1) craving for physical pleasure
(2) craving for everything we see
(3) pride in our achievements and possessions
II. WHAT ARE THE OBSTACLES OF CONTENTMENT?
B. Our sinful flesh
Galatians 5:17 (NIV) 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
III. HOW DO WE ACQUIRE CONTENTMENT?
A. The Sovereign One to whom I must Submit.
Paul’s Predicament
2 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV) 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
III. HOW DO WE ACQUIRE CONTENTMENT?
A. The Sovereign One to whom I must Submit.
God’s Responses
Philippians 4:12 (NIV) 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
III. HOW DO WE ACQUIRE CONTENTMENT?
A. The Sovereign One to whom I must Submit.
Paul’s Demeanor
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
III. HOW DO WE ACQUIRE CONTENTMENT?
B. The Savior whom I must Serve.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. .
Matthew 6:21 (NIV) 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
A.W. Tozer – “Unless we have the right matter in our minds intellectually and in our hearts affectionately, we will be hustled out of usefulness to God. “
III. HOW DO WE ACQUIRE CONTENTMENT?
C. The Sufficient One whom I must Trust.
13I can do all things in Him who continually infuses me with strength”
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV) 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
A Study in the book of Philippians
Running ContentlyPhilippians 4:10-13
