Philippians 4:10-13

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.

(v10, NIV)

Paul is writing to those at the church in Philippi. Epaphroditus was their messenger to send word to Paul. In addition, he would bring news of Paul when he returned. Epaphroditus also brought their offering to Paul. They had taken up some sort of offering for Paul to help him while he was away. Their concern for Paul is what Paul is rejoicing about. Apparently they haven't given to Paul in a while, which is why Paul describes it as their renewed concern for him. However, Paul also notes that those at the church in Philippi have been concerned but didn't have an opportunity to show it. Maybe they didn't have enough to give to Paul or maybe other circumstances kept them from giving to Paul until now. Regardless, Paul knows that they were concerned and rejoices for their renewed concern for them.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

(v11-13, NIV)

It may be easy for someone to point out that Paul is happy because he really needed their aid to him. Paul takes this opportunity to address this assumption someone may have raised. Paul wants to make it clear to them that he doesn't need their gift to him. He is content whether he is in need or has plenty. In our materialistic world, this may be hard to understand. We too easily become lovers of money and lovers of things. The culture pushes for wealth and riches. It's almost as if you can't be content if you don't have more. If you get more, you won't be content until you have even more. However, Paul is content whether he has a lot or even a little.

Paul lets them in on his secret. His secret is in verse 13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (v13, ESV). It doesn't matter whether he has much or has little. Paul is not hindered by what he has or what he does not have. It is the strength given to him through Christ Jesus that he can do things. Any riches or wealth that we can amass cannot compare to the strength God provides. Trust in him and him alone and do not worry about what you have or do not have.

I saw a plaque that read in big bold letters: "Success". Underneath "Success" was a reference to this verse, "Philippians 4:13". This is true, but it depends on how you define success. When I think of success and I think it's safe to say that when most North Americans think of success, we think of riches and wealth and maybe climbing the corporate ladder. This idea of success in this verse is wrong. Paul is talking about succeeding or abounding regardless of whether he has much or has little.