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*“Spiritual Investments”*
*Philippians 4.10-23*
This morning, we are concluding our study in the letter to the Philippians.
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, there have been some things that I had expected when entering the study: Paul’s joy despite his imprisonment, his eternal perspective on his difficult circumstances, etc.
But there have been some things that I did not expect, namely the emphasis on unity and partnership within the church and their relationship with the apostle.
And I believe that this ending is an appropriate bookend for this theme.
First, let’s look back to see where we’ve been and how this passage fits within context.
Chapter 1 contains Paul giving thanks because of the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel because they, too, were partakers of God’s grace.
He reassured them that what God had started in them, he would be faithful to complete.
Paul’s affection for them emerges and his pride in their spiritual progress.
Their love was abounding and Paul was encouraging them to continue in that pursuit.
Paul then informed them that his present imprisonment has served to advance the gospel.
He had received and even wider audience for the proclamation of Jesus Christ.
The imperial guard was now witness to how Jesus had changed Paul.
Other Christian preachers were also emboldened because of his imprisonment.
And Paul could then rejoice because Christ was being proclaimed.
Paul could confidently assert that it was through the prayers of the Philippians and the help of the Holy Spirit that he would be bold and glorify God whether he lived or died.
And this thought prompted him to have an inner struggle where he wrestled his desire to die and be with Christ or to remain for the sake of his fellow believers.
In the end, it would be a win-win situation for him (and for all believers).
For to live is Christ and to die is gain!
And then chapter one concludes with Paul exhorting his readers to let their manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
He wanted the next report (whether personally or not) to indicate that they were standing firm in one spirit and with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
They would be standing firm, even in the midst of suffering.
Chapter two begins by reminding them of the comfort from love and participation in the Holy Spirit that they enjoy.
And then Paul once again exhorts them to be of the same mind, have the same love, be in full accord and to be humble.
Lest they despair, Paul sets forward the example of Jesus.
There is no greater example of humble obedience than Jesus.
The Son of God who came to earth and live and die as a human for our sin.
Based on the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Philippians are exhorted to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
The mysterious tension is that it is God who is truly at work in their efforts.
As the readers would do all things without grumbling and questioning, they would shine as lights in the world – holding fast the word of life.
Though Paul could not presently visit this church, he hoped to send both Timothy and Epaphroditus to them for mutual encouragement.
These men were very instrumental and faithful partners of both Paul and the Philippian church.
In chapter three, Paul recalls his past credentials in religion and considers them rubbish for the sake of knowing Jesus Christ.
All of his external pursuits he counts as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.
It is because he now understands that it is only by acquiring the righteousness of Jesus that has any value.
Man’s righteousness is nothing.
Paul recognizes that he has not yet been perfected and yet he presses on because Jesus has made him his own.
He doesn’t let his past weigh him down, but he forgets what is behind and strains forward to what lies ahead.
He is after the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
It is these who are the mature.
These are the ones worth imitating.
Keep your eyes on these examples.
If you look to the wrong example, you may find yourself as an enemy of the cross of Jesus.
And now chapter 4. Doug made a nice observation when he indicated that these beginning verses of chapter 4 serve largely as a summary of the letter – and bullet point action steps to carry much of this out.
And then in verses 8 and 9, Paul points out those qualities of things that should be meditated on.
And that which is pondered is to be practiced.
The things we dwell on should become a part of our daily lives.
Practice these things.
This brings us to our present text, and concluding section of the letter.
Please turn to Philippians 4.10-23.
*READ.*
* *I’ve entitled the sermon *“Spiritual Investments” *because we are going to see the dynamic of how our earthly investments are related to our spiritual growth.
We will see this reality intertwined throughout the entire passage.
Sometimes the distinction is clear.
And sometimes both physical and spiritual are intended.
The first point we will look at is *Circumstantial Contentment.
*We will see this largely in verses 10-13.
Paul begins by indicating that he rejoiced in the Lord because the Philippians’ concern for him had been revived.
Through Epaphroditus, the church had sent Paul some provisions.
It would seem as though this effort was not immediately carried out.
This is why Paul acknowledged their willing concern, but their lack of opportunity.
And for whatever reason, the Philippians were unable to assist him.
A few suggestions are possible.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul mentions a “severe test of affliction” among the churches of Macedonia and extreme poverty.
Or perhaps it was merely Paul’s imprisonment that made him temporarily inaccessible to the Philippians.
Whatever the case, it appears that their inability did not pertain to a lack of desire to minister to Paul.
Paul uses an imperfect verb here “you were concerned” which suggests a continuous interest in his welfare.
And then in verses 11-12, Paul adds these rather curious statements.
He says, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for 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 any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
I think a couple of things are in play here.
When Paul indicates that he is not speaking of being in need, Paul is trying to emphasize that their partnership is not simply a mutual exchange of material support.
He wants to make sure that they realize that he doesn’t merely value their concern for him because his needs are supplied by their support.
So this is why he says “not that I am speaking of being in need,” for I’ve learned to be content… in any circumstance.
And in verse 12, he elaborates on the circumstances.
Paul says that he knows how to be brought low and how to abound.
*/In any and every circumstance, /*I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need.
I believe that he is saying the same thing three times.
Paul knows what it is like to have plenty of provisions and what it is like to have none.
And he is content.
It’s probably easier for us to identify with his inclusion of being content when he is lacking.
It’s likely not as easy for us to carry out.
But this is a concept that we understand.
Paul can be content */even when /*he does not have physical provisions.
But what about having plenty?
What does it mean for Paul to be content when he is “abounding, facing plenty and abundance”?
Perhaps it is because the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils and promotes craving.
Those who have great possessions are often not content until they have even more.
Consequently, their hope is in their possessions and not God.
Paul says that he had */learned/* in whatever situation I am to be content.
This is a lesson he did not learn overnight.
It is more likely that he learned these things throughout a lifetime of ups and downs.
His experiences in life provided the many opportunities to learn contentment.
And yet he refers to this as “learning the secret”.
What is this secret he is referring to?
I believe that it is verse 13.
Paul says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
This is a familiar verse to many of us.
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