Whatever the Circumstances

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:10–11, NIV 1984).

  • What do think people, in general, feel is needed to be content? Do you agree, why or why not?
  • Paul states that he “learned to be content,” meaning that there was a time that he was not content. See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 for an example. (Note: 2 Corinthians was written 4-5 years before Philippians). Are some people content by nature or can it only be learned, why or why not?
  • If learned, how do you think it is learned?
  • What does “whatever the circumstances” have to do with being content? What does “whatever the circumstances” have to do with learning to be content?

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:11–12, NIV 1984).

  • These verses give some general examples of “circumstances” Paul learned from. See 2 Corinthians 11:21-30 for more specific examples of “in any and every situation.” How can a person be “content in any and every situation” if they have not experienced similar situations?
  • Why do you think some people do not learn the secret?

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13, NIV 1984).

  • Taking this as a standalone verse, what might you think “everything” means?
  • Taken in the context of “being content in any and every situation” what might it mean?
  • In the above text from 2 Corinthians, Paul concludes by stating, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (v. 30). What does “my weakness” and “Him who gives me strength” have to do with “the secret of being content?”

I am amply supplied… And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:18-19, NIV 1984).

  • How do the words “amply” and “needs” fit within the overall context of “being content?”

But Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6).

  • What would “contentment” without “Godliness” look like? (See, for example, Mark 8:36). What does Mark 8 imply the “great gain” is with and without “Godliness?”
  • If we could “gain the whole world” without God what degree of contentment would there really be?