MOTIVATE

• Winter Feb 2026 Olympic games in Italy. Who’s excited? Favorite sport?
• A few years ago there was a survey of which medal winner was happy: gold, silver, or bronze.[1] As you can imagine: GOLD. But who was next? Not silver, but BRONZE. Why?!? Bc silver medalists are too focused on failure to win gold / what could have been? / small actions become significant discontent. But bronze medalists are happy bc they compare downward / at least I’m on the podium; and not 4^th. Second place is the first loser… I know I know… but it’s the human perspective.

And this insatiable discontent and drive for greater satisfaction eats at the soul of everyone. You are prone to discontent

• When purchases are meant to make us happy but they crash or fade or stop working
• When you expected career to flourish but you hit a wall or not achieving ____
• When you assumed the person you loved would be forever but they left
• When family were supposed to be present but has withdrawn   
• When a church professed integrity but in reality gave duplicity

Discontent occurs from our own decisions and failures as much as those of others.

Today, I want to help us capture a vision of contentment – – – BUT not complacency in Christ. When this is understood, Christians walk in their calling and the church becomes the kingdom mobilizers it was designed to be.

EXAMINE    PHILIPPIANS 4:10-23

Kingdom mobilizers demonstrate contentment.  

• Paul was ^{Php 4:10}ἐχάρην μεγάλως[2] mega rejoicing. Khah-rō is a root for the words: joy, grace, and even thanksgiving/grateful = eucharisto. So beautiful!
• Paul’s gratefulness was for God’s provision through Php. Yet, what is key to notice is that Paul never requested funds. He learned contentment whatever the circumstances, whether underprivileged poor or billionaire wealthy; whether Tex Mex fed or belly-rumbling starving; whether disappointed Dallas Cowboys fan, always hopeful Washington fan, or heartbroken Ravens fan, there’s a secret of contentment: ¹³ I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
  • Contentment is not about the stuff you have but who you is your source. The secret is the source. ¹³ I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
    I have strength [in any circumstance] as Christ strengthens me. 
• • Ps 23 “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”
• • Ps 46 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”
• • Isa 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
• • Jn 16:33 “In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
• • Ro 8:26-28 “the Spirit helps us in our weakness… and intercedes for us w/ groanings too deep for words… God works all things together for good for those who love Him & called according to His purpose”
  • Proverbs 30:7-9 “Two things I ask of You; don’t deny them to me before I die: Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny You, saying, “Who is the Lord?” or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God.”

Illus: On Wed (1/14) Verizon outage with disruption of calls or texts affecting 1.5million customers. V said it was a software issue. Similarly, humans have a software issue that leaves them ungrateful and discontent until they download the anti-virus package of Christ and spiritual growth.

Contentment is not about the stuff you have but who is your source. The secret is the source.

Kingdom mobilizers demonstrate concern.

• Previously, “do not be anxious” (4:6). But here, Paul celebrates Philippian concern φρονεῖν / thoughtful care^[3] = a key verb of this letter (Php 1:7; 2:2, 5; 3:15, 19; 4:2, 10) in prison. Difference is anxiety immobilizes but concern mobilizes.
• Php could have kept their distance from Paul to avoid trouble, but instead drew close by taking an offering and giving dollars and devotion. They gave to Paul; they gave toward disaster relief; benevolence; church planting, and kingdom mission work.  
  ^{Php 4:16} you sent me aid again and again when I was in need (cf 2Cor 8:1-5; 11:9).
• Sadly, many hear stories or see visuals of human need but we either a) create excuses for why a person deserves difficulty and is unworthy of our support, or b) we  are able to compartmentalize our faith and finances, so that Jesus is Lord of our Sunday schedule but not our spending habits – as if God should be happy to receive leftovers instead of our “first fruits.”
• Today, the USA gives to charity on average 2% of their income; and less than 4% of Christians give a tithe (10%).
• Mt 6:24 “You cannot serve both God and money.”
  Either we will worship our wealth and use people OR we will worship God and use money to love people. But we cannot do both.

– – – > Concern starts with Jesus. He softens hard hearts and opens closed minds.
– – – > Consider advancing % more in your giving to God through SPBC.
– – – > Commitment to having concern undoubtedly equates to meaningful service areas

Either we will worship our wealth and use people OR we will worship God and use money to love people. But we cannot do both.

Kingdom mobilizers demonstrate conviction.

• ¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Paul commends the Php for sharing troubles.  A burden shared is a trouble halved, and a blessing shared is a joy doubled. They supported Paul again and again. In Christ, we are never alone!
• And as Paul writes, he makes clear he’s not requesting additional income. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. Paul isn’t some anxious accountant hovering over his spreadsheet, scheming how to raise more money.^[4]
  Nor is he advocating prosperity theology that if they give there’s automatic blessing.
• HOWEVER, I am looking for what may be credited to your account. Literally, he wants fruit  multiplied in their account, which is a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.^[5] IOW, Paul understands the eternal perspective of our offerings and service. In some way, our worship and sacrifices will receive treasure in heaven.
• Luke 6:38 “Give and it will be given to you – good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be placed into your lap”
• Paul’s conviction was that God will meet all our needs. He believed God was a good and gracious Heavenly Father, that we cannot outgive God’s provision (Php 4:19)

– – – >  If we’re concerned about our own eternal destiny, then how can we not be concerned about others; which we know requires investing in relationships and biblical ministries. Our faith convictions lead us to cheerfully contribute and generously give as Christ Followers, Church Members, and Kingdom Mobilizers.

In some way, our worship and sacrifices will receive treasure in heaven. Therefore, our faith convictions must lead us to cheerfully contribute and generously give as Christ Followers, Church Members, and Kingdom Mobilizers.

APPLY/TAKEAWAY

²⁰ To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ²¹ Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. ²² All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

With a closing line, Paul reminds the Philippians there is only one power in the world that does not share glory. Even the world’s most flourishing economy, fiercest army, and vibrant government will not stand against the undisputable and unstoppable power of the gospel. It takes time, but every empire will bend the knee to king Jesus.

• Caesar is not God. Caesar is not forever.
• God’s kingdom is bigger and better than we can imagine.
• God will not sleep, stumble, or stop, bc He always brings to completion what He starts.

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[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33166162/

[2] This is the only time this word is used in the NT, thus intensifying Paul’s appreciation.

^[3] Gerald F. Hawthorne, Philippians, vol. 43, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2004), 262.

^[4] G. Walter Hansen, The Letter to the Philippians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009), 320.

^[5] G. Walter Hansen, The Letter to the Philippians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009), 321.