Saint Paul on Living Joyfully

Seeking Spiritual Stability in the Lord. Philippians 4:1-7

The Apostle Paul was a great ambassador for the Christian faith. Paul’s desire was never to elevate himself, but only to encourage others to seek and know the Lord Jesus Christ in their daily lives. In Philippians 4:1-7 Paul encouraged 4 attitudes that would lead to spiritual stability in the Lord. They are:

1. Unity in the Lord 4:1-3
2. Joyfulness in the Lord 4:4
3. Gentleness in the Lord 4:5
4. Prayerfulness in the Lord 4:6-7

The means by which we can stand fast in the Lord is being united, joyful, gentle, and prayerful. May God challenge each of us in these areas today.

Finding Contentment in the Lord. Philippians 4:10-23

Have any of you ever heard of Fanny Crosby? She was a great writer of gospel songs who was blinded when only 6 week old by a country doctor who thought he was treating her with eye drops. Yet her indomitable, unyielding attitude soon manifested itself. At age 8 she wrote this poem:

“Oh what a happy child I am, although I cannot see!
I am resolved that in this world contented I will be.”

When we examine the life of Fanny Crosby, we will find that she found her contentment and satisfaction in the Lord. In fact, her debilitating circumstances encouraged her to find contentment in the Lord. When Christians find satisfaction and contentment in the Lord, they will be content with whatever they have and whatever their circumstances. Heb. 13:5. They will be content with food and clothing (1 Tim. 6:8), they will be content with their wages (Luke 3:14), and they will be content because they will know God’s presence and provision. (Phil. 4:10-12)

In Philippians 4:10-20 we discover 4 principles for finding contentment in the Lord.

They involve:

1. Being confident in Gods providential care (4:10)
2. Being impartial to our circumstances (4:11-12)
3. Being strong in the resources of the Lord (4:13)
4. Being interested in the well being of others (4:14-20)

May God teach us to express our contentment in the Lord in the way we live and the way we give.