“Paul’s Secret of Contentment” # 1 Philippians 41-9

TRANSCRIPT

Date: July 20, 2025 Author: Wayne J. Edwards

In 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, the Apostle Paul told us about a time in his life when even his faith was put to the test in such a way that he thought he could not survive. He said he was so burdened beyond his strength to endure that he wanted to die. However, when he realized that his suffering was not from Satan to destroy him, but from God, who was proving Himself to him, he discovered the secret of contentment was not to depend upon himself, or even upon his fickle faith, but to trust in God, who has the power to raise the dead back to life again. Therefore, in Philippians 4:11-13, Paul said , “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me .” Please, enough of the silly illustrations about Jesus helping us achieve some self-centered, narcissistic, egotistic, self-admiring earthly goal. Paul was not referring to winning a race or even being content to come in second. Paul was suffering the physical effects of his travels, his beatings, his lack of food and sleep, his age, and the increased afflictions that come with the approach of death, which we will all face one day. And beloved, the only secret to contentment for that distress is the all-satisfying sufficiency of knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. The title of this sermon from Philippians 4:1-9 is: The Epistle of Joy, “Paul’s Secret of Contentment.” This will be part one of a two-part sermon. Thank you for your continued support and for sharing these sermon study guides with those you think might be interested. We are truly encouraged by the response we’ve received from viewers worldwide.

In 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, the Apostle Paul told us about a time in his life when even his faith was put to the test in such a way that he thought he could not survive. He said he was so burdened beyond his strength to endure that he wanted to die. However, when he realized that his suffering was not from Satan to destroy him, but from God, who was proving Himself to him, he discovered the secret of contentment was not to depend upon himself, or even upon his fickle faith, but to trust in God, who has the power to raise the dead back to life again.

Therefore, in Philippians 4:11-13, Paul said , “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me .”

Please, enough of the silly illustrations about Jesus helping us achieve some self-centered, narcissistic, egotistic, self-admiring earthly goal. Paul was not referring to winning a race or even being content to come in second. Paul was suffering the physical effects of his travels, his beatings, his lack of food and sleep, his age, and the increased afflictions that come with the approach of death, which we will all face one day. And beloved, the only secret to contentment for that distress is the all-satisfying sufficiency of knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.

The title of this sermon from Philippians 4:1-9 is: The Epistle of Joy, “Paul’s Secret of Contentment.” This will be part one of a two-part sermon.

Thank you for your continued support and for sharing these sermon study guides with those you think might be interested. We are truly encouraged by the response we’ve received from viewers worldwide.

Download the following translated Sermon guides:

Old Testament Reading – Psalm 63:11 New Testament Reading – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Paul’s letter to the Philippians was to thank them for their financial gifts and Epaphroditus personal assistance while he was under house arrest in Rome, but to also counsel them regarding how to deal with those Satan was using to distract them from their spiritual growth.

True contentment is now about what we have, but who has us!

Six statements Paul made that are foundational to a believer being able to live in a biblical level of contentment.

True contentment cannot be achieved apart from one’s personal, intimate relationship with God through their faith alone in Christ alone. However, there is a level of contentment we will not achieve until we are with the Lord in heaven.

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