Philippians #069 - Learn the Bible Broadcast - Philippians 4:10-11
Pastor Andrew B. Ray

Antioch Baptist Church
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Knoxville, TN 37918
http://www.LearntheBible.org

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Philippians #069 - Learn the Bible Broadcast
Philippians 4:10-11 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I. THEIR RENEWED SUPPORT (Philippians 4:10)

A. The Cause of Paul’s Rejoicing

1. The nature of Paul’s rejoicing—“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly,”
a. The place of his rejoicing—“in the Lord”
b. The extent of his rejoicing—“greatly”
(1) Paul had already admonished the believers to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4).
(2) Though Paul, no doubt, sought to “Rejoice in the Lord alway,” this was a time of increased joy and rejoicing.
2. The kindling of his rejoicing
a. The time of their renewed support—“now at the last”
(1) Too often we dwell on the failures of peoples’ pasts
(2) Instead, we ought to rejoice in the success of the present
b. The level of their renewed support—“your care of me hath flourished again;”
(1) The scriptural nature of their support (Galatians 6:6)
a) “Let him that is taught in the word”—the Philippians
b) “Communicate unto” (Hebrews 13:16-17; see with Philippians 4:14-15; 1 Timothy 6:18)
c) “Him that teacheth in all good things”—Paul
(2) The description of the giving; The world flourish means to grow or blossom (Psalm 90:6; Psalm 92:12).

B. The Cause of Their Hindrance

1. Not because of lack of concern
a. The people were careful though they had no means of assisting.
b. There will be times when you desire to help others but cannot do so.
c. The Bible teaches a great principle in Proverbs 19:22 where we learn that “the desire of a man is his kindness.”
d. The Philippians had not wronged Paul. They still desired to help Paul, and he understood that this was an act of kindness.
2. Because of lack of opportunity
3. Note: It is interesting to notice Paul’s seeming discomfort when speaking of the financial support given to him by the believers at Philippi. He follows up his first statement concerning their giving with the phrase, “Not that I speak in respect of want” (11" class="scriptRef">Philippians 4:11). His second series of statements concerning their giving is followed up with the words, “Not because I desire a gift” (Philippians 4:17). It should be obvious to all that Paul was not in the ministry for “filthy lucre” (1 Timothy 3:3, 8; Titus 1:7, 11; 1 Peter 5:2). One should always be leery of those who continually demonstrate no reservations when speaking of personal monetary support.

II. PAUL’S EDUCATION IN CONTENTMENT (Philippians 4:11-13)

A. The Basics of His Education (Philippians 4:11)

1. The enemy of contentment—“Not that I speak in respect of want:”
a. The choice for contentment—respect
(1) The word respect suggests preferential regard or selection.
(2) Consider its use in scripture
a) The LORD had respect unto Abel and his offering, but not unto Cain and his offering (Genesis 4:4-5).
b) God looked upon the children of Israel, and had respect unto them (Exodus 2:25).
c) The Israelites were not to respect persons in judgment (Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 16:19).
d) The people did not respect the priests or favour the elders (Lamentations 4:16).
e) Moses had respect unto the recompence of the reward (Hebrews 11:26).
f) James warned of having respect of persons (James 2:1-3).
(3) The idea is that Paul, as are we all, was faced with two options…want or contentment. His current speech was not “in respect of want.” In other words, he was not giving preferential treatment to want over contentment. Paul CHOSE contentment.
b. The hindrance to contentment—want
2. The process of contentment—“for I have learned,”
a. The need for learning; Man must learn to be satisfied with the Lord and the things with which the Lord has blessed him (Hebrews 13:5).
b. The outcome of learning
(1) “I know” (Philippians 4:12)
(2) “I am instructed” (Philippians 4:12)
(3) “I can” (Philippians 4:13)
3. The conditions of contentment
a. “In whatsoever state I am,” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28)
(1) The word state speaks to a man’s circumstances or conditions.
(2) A man’s state can vary, but contentment is still possible regardless of whether partakes of blessings or trials.
b. “Therewith to be content”
(1) The word therewith suggests that contentment is not about any other circumstances than the present circumstances.
(2) Contentment only demands two things (1 Timothy 6:6-9)