God's stabilising Force

Turn with me to Philippians 4 and let's read together verses 10 to 13....

Note, for Paul, true joy was not a surface emotion which depended on the favourable circumstances of that moment. But rather, his joy stood independent of all outward conditions. His delight was in the Lord, and the pleasure he took in God was his strength. True joy can only be found in a dynamic personal relationship with Christ; and in the faith and assurance that our heavenly Father is able to turn adverse circumstances to our good [but to His glory]. The joy Paul was constantly expressing came from an inward steadfast contentment, which was established and rooted in strong faith. He was fully persuaded that every adverse situation was subject to change, and 'by faith' he knew it was going to shift in his favour [to his benefit].

Verse 10 - "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly....." Notice he didn't rejoice in the circumstances, he rejoiced in the Lord. In other words, he rejoiced despite the circumstances. God doesn't necessarily want you to rejoice outwardly [much or many times], but inwardly [with great dimension and depth].

Verse 11 - Now this is a truly wonderful verse of scripture. Having praised the Philippians, Paul immediately introduces a disclaimer: The original Greek reads, "Not that I speak with regard destitution;....." or "my gratitude is not like a beggar's thanks for charity." The fulfilment and satisfaction of Paul's needs were neither the reason or the measure of his joy. He immediately severs himself from any suggestion that he is expectant upon man to meet his needs. This makes him truly self-sufficient - because his sufficiency is in God! Hence, verse 19 .. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

With this powerful understanding Paul confidently declared that he "learned in whatever state he was in to be content." Notice that Paul had to teach himself to be satisfied and content, so it couldn't have come naturally. The primary lesson he learned from the university of 'hard knocks' was to be self-sufficient in all circumstances of the moment. Remember, self-sufficiency in nothing to do with selfish independence!

So what exactly was this Godly attitude that Paul had taught himself to abide in, and how can we also attain it ? The Greek word used here is an adjective and it only appears once in the New Testament - it is the word "aftarkis". This word was mostly applied philosophically when describing a person who was 'self-sufficient in all circumstances', and the ancient word literally means "sufficient in oneself." It was used to describe a person who, through discipline, had become independent of all external circumstances. And, who discovered within himself resources that were more than adequate for any situation which may arise.

Note, Paul was not trying to imply that he was completely self-sufficient because he expressly disclaims this fact in 2 Corinthians 3:5 and 9:9... "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers..." However, Paul was self-sufficient in all circumstances because he was not dependant on them [or man].

The self-sufficiency of any Christian should be relative: an independence from the world through dependence upon the Lord. Paul's sufficiency was in Christ, and therefore, he could enjoy lasting peace by being detached from the circumstances and attached to Christ [the Rock].

Paul knew, and was fully persuaded, that every adverse situation was in the process of being changed for the better. His eyes were not on the circumstances [which are subject to constant change], but on the Rock of his salvation - Jesus Christ! Furthermore, this total dependence [which gave him his independence], also gave him joy - and brought him strength in times of need.

Whenever you are caught up in the turmoil of possible destitution [in a state of being with insufficient resources], you ought to learn to be content [at peace]. You must understand and truly believe that God's your source. And that "He shall supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus." Thereafter, you must be able to detach yourself from the circumstances and rejoice in the Lord [in spite of them]. This will always be made easier if you see your position as being 'subject to change' according to God's promises. Yes, you must see yourself benefiting from every adverse situation, and God being glorified IN it.

Verse 13 - Paul now reaffirms his self-sufficiency and qualifies it in these his most famous words ...."I can do all things." It is very important to note that the emphasis here is not so much on achievement, but rather, on the willingness we have to allow Christ's power to sustain us in difficulty and adversity. Those translations which give the impression that Paul meant he [or we] could do anything, and that nothing was beyond his powers, are misleading.

"All these things" ['panta'] is used here and can only be referring to "all these things that are available for me to do now.” You should have the steadfast faith that believes for all of Christ's sufficiency when facing life's challenges. Thus, Paul adds the most important phrase... "in union with the one who infuses me with strength" [Amp].

I am convinced that the only way we can do "all things through Christ who strengthens us" is by constantly rejoicing in the Lord with great dimension and depth! This spiritual process ensures us access to His mighty strength whenever we need it. And furthermore, as we receive His supernatural energising, it will provide us with the ability to succeed in everything - TO HIS GLORY!

You can equip yourself with a great stabilising force - contentment! And through this, you have been given the resources to master all circumstances. And, you also have the strength to face them!

You must truly believe that you can prevail over, and be absolute master of, all negative circumstances. Furthermore, you should capitalise on them because they will cause you to grow in character. The bigger the character the larger the vessel! This equals even bigger success - success that will last!

Chris Demetriou, 09/10/2005