THE SECRET OF PAUL

Carol and I attend Hope Fellowship, a wonderful church in Frisco, TX, (Senior Pastor, John McKinzie). Frisco is a fast-growing area just north of Dallas and the growth of the church mirrors the growth of the area.

This summer on four consecutive Tuesday nights, the church presented a Bible study on the book of Philippians. The four chapters of the book had four different teachers each covering a chapter. 

I was elated when I was asked to teach on Philippians 4. I felt they had given me a gold mine to play in. What a chapter — so rich, so full of incredible truth! I actually felt just a little sorry for the other teachers, as I felt I got the best of the letter to teach from.

Among the great truths Paul presents in chapter 4 is his teaching on God’s provision and learning to be content. The apostle makes the following statement: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content . . . I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13, ESV).

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” is one of the best-known of all Paul’s teachings. It is important that we understand the context, however, before we make broad, generalized statements about this powerful truth.

Paul founded the church in Philippi about eleven years before this letter was written. Over the years Paul had nurtured the church, visited them, and stayed in contact through his letters. The church became one of Paul’s staunchest support groups and on more than one occasion they sent financial gifts to help in his missionary travels. At the time of this letter, the church was concerned for Paul because he was in prison in Rome. They expressed their love and concern by again sending a gift of support. Paul’s wrote this letter to thank the church, to let them know how he was, and to encourage them to keep on serving God.

For Paul to make the statement, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content,” is truly amazing on several levels. First, Paul was raised in the lap of luxury. He came from a wealthy family that lived very well. He was educated in the best schools, available only to those with the wealth to afford them. Those who have known wealth and lived in luxury often have a difficult time when their standard of living is adjusted downward. Second, Paul had gone through some very difficult and trying circumstances: being imprisoned, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and in danger (see 2 Corinthians 11:24-27). Yet Paul could say, “I have learned to be content.”

Years ago a staff member sat in my office and poured out a story of personal frustration and disappointment. I was serving as Executive Vice President of a missionary evangelism ministry in Los Angeles. The ministry had about 125 staff working in and through the U.S. office and this staff member was one of our key leaders.

After the leader finished talking to me, I shared the following: “I know you like to play Rook (a card game). At the beginning of a hand when the dealer is passing out the cards, do you get to choose the ones that make up your hand? Of course not! You play the hand you are given and you do your best with what you have been dealt. Our life as Christians is somewhat similar to playing a card game. You play the hand you are given. But as followers of Christ we have a huge advantage over those who are not. We have Christ’s promise that He will be with us every moment. In addition, we have God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to comfort, lead and guide us.” (It took me about ten minutes to say what I have just summarized in three or four sentences.)

Together the staff member and I talked about God’s promises and about having a realistic view of the Christian life, and then we prayed together. Early the next morning when I walked into my office, I found a small gold picture frame in the middle of my desk with a single Rook card in the frame. I knew the staff member had gotten the message and was learning the secret of facing every situation and saying in faith, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The word content as Paul uses it in verse 11 is referring to “needing no assistance, sufficient in one’s self.” I believe Paul is saying that his contentment in life is not wrapped up in his circumstances, good or bad, but is found in his relationship with Jesus Christ — and he doesn’t need more than that.

That is why Paul could say, “I have found the secret!”