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NASB | Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. |
Bible Question: What does Paul mean in Philippians 4:11 "for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances"? |
Bible Answer: didymus - Have you ever known a person who was never satisfied, who always wanted more, and when they got more, they wanted more still? And they were always wanting to change this or change that. They were never satisfied. They couldn't stop to smell the roses. I don't like to be around people like that. They're miserable and make me miserable to be around them. And they don't exemplify the Christian life to my mind. Their thoughts and desires are riveted to the world and the things of the world. I find it hard to see Christ in them. So what Paul is saying in Philippians 4:11 is that he has learned how to live in Christ in such a way that outward circumstances don't really matter all that much. He has got his pecking order worked out and his priorities straight. The main thing, in fact, the only truly important thing, in his life is his Lord. Everything else is small stuff, and what's that they say? -- "Don't sweat the small stuff." I believe this is the nitty-gritty of Paul's meaning here. When I get a case of the fidgets and find myself dissatisfied and wanting this or wanting that, I come back and take another long look at this verse and reflect on the life of Paul and the hardships he suffered for our Lord. And I always walk away with a clearer head about what is truly worthwhile in life. .... Thanks for the question, didymus, and for teaching me by affording me the opportunity to try to answer it, for it is the answerer who learns more than the questioner. --Hank |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Phil 4:11 | Author | ||
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didymus153 | ||
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didymus153 | ||
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Hank | ||
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Reighnskye | ||
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shael | ||
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susan101 |