Memorize: Sufficiency of God’s provisions
Key Verses: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 19,
Do you sometimes have problems getting along with people in your church? Are there some who get on your nerves or with whom you disagree politically or theologically? Well, you are not alone. Paul specifically mentions two women with whom he has worked that seem to be in some kind of dispute. This is one of the beauties of the Church. We can disagree on so many things, and yet in Christ we can come together, and all those other things just don’t seem to matter as much.
There is one characteristic that should be evident in the life of the Jesus-follower: joy. We have so much for which we should be thankful. Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is based on temporary circumstances and feelings. It can come and go in an instant. Joy is a deep-seated emotion, flowing from the intersection of spirit and soul. Joy is a God thing, not a human thing. I believer’s joy flows from our new position in Christ, a position that is secure and is in heaven. Joy can’t be manufactured. Joy flows out of our relationship with Jesus, just like apples flow from the essence of the apple tree.
There are some things we can do to open up joy in our life. We can pray! When our hearts are in God’s presence His peace will flood our spirits and bring direction to our hearts and minds. Then we will be able to focus our hearts and minds on godly things. We can choose where we want our mind to focus. You know people who always focus on the negative. Are they any fun to be around? Does anyone want to be like them? Is there joy in their lives? But if we focus on the things in verse eight, God’s peace is able to rule.
This brings contentment. The physical comforts and temporary conveniences will all disappear, but God’s peace can sustain us always. Notice Paul learned contentment at the top and at the bottom. It is “easy” to be content when all the bills are paid and the bank account is full. At least from the outward, we would think this. But so many people who have it all are very discontent. There is an internal struggle that few see, but it manifests itself in a constant striving for more. When we have learned to be content, then we are able to say that we can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
And likewise, when we have given generously we can say that God will meet all our needs. It is out of the abundance of the Philippian believers’ lives that they were able to see God’s provision for them. Without their generosity, they would not have known God’s abundance.
The Arnold Journey 