Today’s passage: Philippians 4:10-13
Helpful thoughts:
- Paul is thanking the church for a gift they sent him to help meet his needs and further the ministry.
- Paul’s contentment allowed the church to give out of love and not under coercion.
- Contentment is found in Christ and Christ alone. Anything this world could offer would never be enough, and anything this world could offer is truly God’s to give or take away. We are stewards of all that is His.
- Verse 13 is often used in a sporting context, or in some other way that speaks of success. It is often used like a motivational rally cry. In truth, taken in its context, this verse should encourage any athlete to be content whether they win the championship or lose every game all season. They can do all things with contentment because Christ is their strength, not winning or losing.
Questions to consider:
- How does the comment above concerning verse 13 help us to learn how to read our Bibles better? Where do words and sentences get their meaning? What part does context play?
- How does Christ’s promise at the end of the Great Commission ensure us that we are always winning in this life? (Matthew 28:19-20) Win or lose, rich or poor, does Christ’s love come and go?
- How does the Gospel and the promise of Philippians 1:6 confirm this hope and contentment in this life? Why/When are you on the victory side?