I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:10-20
Stoicism was a major philosophy that confronted Christians in the ancient world. Followers of Stoic principles believed that there was little they could do about the circumstances they faced but that they could control their response to events in a way that ensured their contentment. This virtue of contentment was something that the ancient Stoics pursued and they tried to have a disposition that would allow them never to experience distress on account of their circumstances. Certainly, there are some benefits to such a mental exercise which helps our responses to the events and people around us. Contentment was a virtue for ancient Stoics and for the church. Paul mentions his ability to find contentment in all circumstances in verse 11 of today’s passage. However, the source and power of Paul’s contentment was far different and greater than the source and “power” of Stoic followers. Christians rely on Christ in order to face life’s greatest joys and deepest sorrows. In our verses today, we have an expression of sufficiency in Christ. No matter what happens to us, we are in Christ, and that is enough. If we are wealthy and prospering, we are in Christ. If we are poor and suffering, we are still in Christ. Ultimately, economic status is inconsequential. What matters is that we are in Jesus. Jesus, alone, can strengthen us to resist the temptations that uniquely attend wealth as well as those that uniquely attend poverty. Paul wrote, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Everything we do must be done in and through our Lord and Savior. Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Because believers are in Christ, He infuses them with His strength to sustain them.” Our peace amid joy and tribulation is not based on our ability to calmly face life but on the fact that we belong to Christ, that He never lets us go, and that He is faithful to give us the grace to live for Him no matter our circumstances. If we depend on our own power and character in the midst of storms, we will fail. But when we trust in Christ and seek to do everything in Him, we can serve Him faithfully. This means that our concerns no longer define our lives and bind us with worry. We rest satisfied in the Lord no matter what happens around us.
Source: S C Ball February 20, 2024
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