Joy Recovery Project (2)

Philippians 4:11–20

Paul is now bringing his letter to the Philippian believers to a close.

In chapter 1, he reminded them that our fellowship began with God who started a good work in us (thinking back to the time when the Philippian church was established during his second missionary journey). That fellowship became the reason for joy, even in the midst of suffering caused by persecution from Roman citizens.

In chapter 2, he exhorted them to recover joy in a self-centered world by imitating the servanthood of Jesus, just as Paul himself served them.

In chapter 3, he urged them to restore their joy that had been shaken by the “false teachers” who had crept into the church.

And now, in chapter 4, Paul speaks with urgency that even in the difficulties of relationships, they must stand firm in joy.

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

Present your requests to Jesus with thanksgiving.

Think and practice the seven virtues.

And Paul says, “I myself have lived this way—therefore imitate me.”

Philippians 4:9

“The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Now Paul turns to what he truly wants to share—his personal testimony. His circumstances were marked by poverty, criticism, and judgment—situations that should have robbed him of joy. Yet he explains how he overcame them and remained joyful: through contentment.

Verse 11 says,

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

Contentment means “being satisfied within.” So, what was Paul content in?

1. Contentment in what he had already received (v. 10)

The Philippian church had heard of Paul’s imprisonment and longed to help him. Though they didn’t know how to do it at first, eventually through Epaphroditus they sent financial support. Paul rejoiced greatly in this:

Philippians 4:10

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.”

Some opponents twisted Paul’s words, accusing him of being a man who secretly desired money and material gifts, implying that he was not a sincere servant of God. But that was a malicious misrepresentation. Paul’s expression “revived” was probably inspired by the spring season in Rome, when new sprouts were breaking through the ground. He was describing the revival of the Philippians’ concern for him, not his craving for material help.

For Paul, the gift itself was less important than the pure and loving heart behind it. This deeply moved him. Their generosity was evidence of their heavenly citizenship and Christlikeness.

He recalls their past faithfulness as well:

Philippians 4:15–16

“You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.”

This refers to the time when Paul had to leave Philippi suddenly due to persecution and went to Thessalonica (around AD 49–50). Even though his stay there was brief, the Philippians sent support multiple times.

Paul’s gratitude was not rooted in the size of the gift but in the love and faithfulness it represented. Unlike people who might become entitled when receiving regular support, Paul never treated their generosity as something “owed” to him. He received it with gratitude and joy, and that filled him with inner peace.

Beloved brothers and sisters, we at Greenville Grace Church have also received much love and care in different ways over the years. Let us recall these spiritual memories and be satisfied in them. Instead of treating kindness as something expected, may we turn it into thanksgiving, saying from our hearts: “I am content.”

2. Contentment in his present circumstances (v. 11)

Paul continues in verse 11:

“Not that I speak from want…”

He is not saying that his desperate need was met only because of their gift. Throughout his ministry, God had provided through various people, though Paul never had abundance. Yet he learned to be satisfied and thankful for daily provisions.

He gave thanks even in the discomfort of prison in Philippi.

He endured beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, hunger, thirst, and exposure, receiving them as trials from God and experiencing His provision.

Paul even worked with his own hands as a tentmaker in Corinth to avoid being a burden to struggling believers. For him, contentment in his situation was a confession: “God Himself is my provision. He is the giver of daily bread.”

Corinthians 8:1–2 reminds us that the Macedonian churches, though extremely poor, gave generously with overflowing joy. Abundance is not measured by wealth but by gratitude and love.

Paul testified:

Philippians 4:12

“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”

We must also learn this secret. True satisfaction does not come from worldly methods of coping—alcohol, drugs, or pleasure. We will all face times of lack and times of plenty. In those moments, let us confess:

“God is all I need. In Him I find everything. He lifts up the fallen, strengthens the weary, heals the sick, and guides the blind.”

3. Contentment through the source of strength (v. 13)

Paul declares,

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

This verse is not about guaranteed success in everything, but about the strength to be content in every circumstance. His ability to endure both poverty and abundance came from Christ alone.

As he wrote elsewhere:

2 Corinthians 12:9–10

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness… Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

When trials such as poverty or sickness come, we cannot overcome them by our own strength. But when we thank God for what we already have and even for our present circumstances, then His power flows into us.

And like Paul, we too can say:

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

A life of contentment is a life that seeks to please God. It is a life that recognizes His hand in everything, and offers gratitude in all things.