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Philippians 4:12
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Philippian Generosity

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last ayour care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.  
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, ato be content:  
12 aI know how to1 be abased, and I know how to2 abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  
13 I can do all things athrough Christ who strengthens me.  
14 Nevertheless you have done well that ayou shared in my distress.  
15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, ano church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.  
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek athe fruit that abounds to your account.  
18 Indeed I1 have all and abound. I am full, having received from aEpaphroditus the things sent from you, ba sweet-smelling aroma, can acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.  
19 And my God ashall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  
20 aNow to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.  

Greeting and Blessing

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren awho are with me greet you.  
Commentaries:
Forerunner Commentary
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<< Philippians 4:11   Philippians 4:13 >>

What Does Philippians 4:12 Mean?



Philippians 4:12-13

Be aware, be warned, and be exhorted that, if we have any desire to overcome faults, if we sincerely desire to be in God's Kingdom, if we desire to be like God and glorify Him, we need to protect our relationship with Him. He is the Source of the power to do all things, even to grow while also enduring these intense times. Paul is saying that he knows how to discipline himself and thus keep on track in every circumstance of life. By this time in Paul's life, he had the skills required for making the best of every situation.

He is not suggesting that he did this alone through mere human discipline and skill that anybody can achieve, but that he was enabled because of his faithful relationship with Christ. The real dynamic is that Christ has the power, and it was He who faithfully enabled Paul. The apostle's skills, which enabled him to accomplish things that pleased God, were spiritual.

John W. Ritenbaugh
Power Belongs to God (Part One)

Related Topics: Coping Skills | Intimate Relationship with God | Overcoming Faults | Protecting our Relationship with God | Relationship with Christ | Relationship with God | Self Discipline



Philippians 4:11-13

Paul demonstrates the proper attitude to have: He was content whether poor or prosperous, whether weak or strong, whether people loved him or hated him. It is not easy to do sometimes, but he says, "Whatever state I'm in, I'm going to be content because, when I have Christ in me, I can do anything that He wants me to do. So I can't think about those other things. I have to be content with what God has given."

A person's condition or his position does not need to matter a whit as long as Christ is working through him.

Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Countering Presumptuousness

Related Topics: Christ in Us | Contentment | Humility | Poor in Spirit



Philippians 4:10-12

Frustration and bitterness were not Paul's companions. He did not make what he considered to be his needs absolutes in order to determine his sense of well-being. By faith, he believed that God was watching over his life and would provide.

Paul followed the example of Jesus Christ, and this is the example that we too are to follow. We are to learn to be angry and not sin. We are to learn not to make frustration, bitterness, and hostility regular parts of our lives.

John W. Ritenbaugh
The Spiritual Mark of the Beast

Related Topics: Be Angry and Sin Not | Bitterness | Faith , Living by | Frustration | Frustration, Sense of | God's Sovereignty | Hostility | Living by Faith | Well-being , Sense of


 
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