BE CONTENT AND GENEROUS

Passage: Philippians 4:10-23

Key verse: 4:13

NIV

Thanks for Their Gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.(A) Indeed, you were 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(B) 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,(C) whether living in plenty or in want.(D) 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.(E)

14 Yet it was good of you to share(F) in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days(G) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,(H) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;(I) 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica,(J) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.(K) 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.(L) 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus(M) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant(N) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs(O) according to the riches of his glory(P) in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father(Q) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(R)

Final Greetings

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me(S) send greetings. 22 All God’s people(T) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ(U) be with your spirit.(V) Amen.[a]

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Footnotes
  1. Philippians 4:23 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

God's Provision

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length (A)you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be (B)content. 12 I 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 (C)hunger, abundance and (D)need. 13 I can do all things (E)through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you (F)to share[a] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that (G)in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, (H)no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 (I)Not that I seek the gift, but I seek (J)the fruit that increases to your credit.[b] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, (K)having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, (L)a fragrant offering, (M)a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God (N)will supply every need of yours (O)according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To (P)our God and Father be (Q)glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. (R)The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 (S)All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

23 (T)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

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Footnotes
  1. Philippians 4:14 Or have fellowship in
  2. Philippians 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

First, how to be content (1

-13). Paul knew the secret to being content in every circumstance. He had experienced poverty and abundance and in both, he rejoiced in the Lord. Paul declares, 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength.' God gives us the strength and wisdom to live for his glory wherever he leads us. Nothing can separate us from the loving care of God! We can rest in this be content. Our Father knows all our needs and He promises to provide for us. We bring glory to His name when we are content with His provision. Second, a fragrant offering (14-23). Although Paul was very thankful for their gift, the gift itself was not what mattered. What mattered was this: their concern for Paul, their sharing in his troubles, their partnership in the gospel, and their credit in heaven. Paul says that their gifts were 'a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.' Our generous support of others is a form of worship and when we worship God this way, he promises to meet all our needs according to the infinite riches of Christ. Paul concludes his letter with worship and greetings to all the members of the church in Philippi. When we live in unity with each other and in the fellowship of the gospel, such greetings are the best thing ever.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be content and generous in Christ.

One Word: God will give you strength