In Whatever State – Content Philippians 4:11

As Paul the apostle continued his letter to the Philippians, he wrote to them concerning times of worry, peace that passes understanding, things to think upon, following his example, and commendation for their care for him. In chapter four and verse eleven of his letter, Paul shares how he has learned to be content where we read:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

The verse begins, “Not that I speak in respect of want:” As a supplement to Paul's commendation for the Philippian church members' care for him, Paul insures they know he is not speaking “in respect of want” which means “because he wanting or impoverished”. In other words, Paul is not begging from them because he is in great need.

The verse goes on to say, “for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” The reason Paul is not “in respect of want” is because he had “learned” which means to be “apprised, increased in knowledge, and informed” “in whatsoever state I am”, no matter whether he had abundance or penury, “therewith to be content” or “sufficient for one's self, strong enough or possessing enough to need no aid or support, independent of external circumstances, or satisfied with one's lot”. Paul knew that his circumstances and situations would alter from time to time in his life, and he “learned to be content” no matter what came his way.

When we consider Paul's concern for letting the Philippians know that he wasn't begging from them, we once again see him considering the church members before himself. We will see in future verses why it was important that they know this, and still because of his words we are challenged to examine our own lives to determine whether we are “content” or not. Would we be determined “content” if we were examined? Are we “content” whether we have abundance or penury? We must keep in mind Paul's maturity in Christ Jesus as we read his words, and realize that he too “learned” to be “content” which means he didn't always know this state of satisfaction. While we ponder this idea, let us join together in prayer for ourselves and one another that we too will learn even as Paul “learned to be content” with whatsoever our lot may be.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians about his varying degrees to contentedness, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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