Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Immediately prior to the verse cited in the question (in Philippians 4:11b-12), Paul had written, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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." 

He then revealed the "secret" of which he was speaking in the next verse (the verse cited in the question): He was able to achieve the continual contentment of which he spoke through strength that was granted to him for that purpose by Christ.

He expressed a similar sentiment in Romans 8:18, where he said, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us" -- that is, when we are glorified in Christ's presence following our earthly life, in comparison to which even the greatest problems that might befall (or might have befallen) us in that life will pale into insignificance.

November 12 2023 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report