Section 2
In Philippians 4:11 Paul says, "Not that I speak according to want, for I have learned, in what ever circumstances I am, to be content." Paul had learned to be content in all circumstances. He could say, "I have learned to be content in what ever circumstances I am."
In verse 12 Paul continues, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to hunger, both to abound and to be in want." The words "I have learned the secret" are an interpretation of the Greek word which means "I have been initiated." The metaphor is that of a person being initiated into a secret society with instruction in its rudi mentary principles. Paul had not only learned a secret; he had been initiated and had learned certain basic principles.
The church, the Body of Christ, is not a secret society. But because the church has a mysteri ous aspect, there is the need of a spiritual initia tion in order to learn the principles of the church life.
The basic principles of the church life are altogether different from the basic principles of the world. Thus, when we are saved and come into the church, the Body of Christ, we need to