Section 11
4:5, Paul says, "I have learned, in whatever cir cumstances I am, to be content" (v. 11). Paul had learned the secret of contentment. By this we see that in order to be forbearing, we must be satis fied and content. If we are not content, we shall not be able to forbear.
When a person is happy, he is not easily upset. But if he is unhappy, tired, hungry, and thirsty, he can be upset easily. A satisfied person, on the contrary, is pleasant and happy. When we are full of joy, it is difficult for us to become angry. Those who are parents know that if a child misbehaves when we are satisfied and happy, we shall deal with the child in one way, in a way full of forbear ance. But if he behaves in exactly the same way when we are dissatisfied and unhappy, we shall deal with him differently, in a way that is short of forbearance. The difference is that on one occa sion we are full of Christ and are happy and sat isfied, whereas on the other occasion we are short of Christ and short of satisfaction in Him.
Paul could let his forbearance be known to all the saints because he was content. He did not lack anything, but was fully satisfied. No matter how he was treated by others, no matter whether the saints in Philippi cared for his need or not, Paul was satisfied. His life was full of contentment.
Now we can see that forbearance requires maturity of life and also satisfaction and con tentment in Christ. Few of us are fully mature, but we can thank the Lord that we are mature at least to some extent. According to our degree of maturity, we enjoy the contentment of the Lord's life. Knowing contentment and satisfaction, we can then exercise our forbearance.
This booklet is compiled from
Life-study of Philippians © 1988 Living Stream Ministry
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