'I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.' Philippians 4:11
Posted : 22 Aug, 2011 04:42 PM
IT IS A WORK OF THE SPIRIT INDOORS.
It is not only that we do not seek to help ourselves by outward violence, or that we forbear from discontented and murmuring expressions with perverse words and bearing against God and others. But it is the inward submission of the heart. 'Truly, my soul waiteth upon God' (Psalm 62:1) and 'My soul, wait thou only upon God' (verse 5)-so it is in your Bibles, but the words may be translated as correctly: 'My soul, be thou silent unto God. Holy thy peace, O my soul.' Not only must the tongue hold its peace; the soul must be silent. Many may sit silently, refraining from discontented expressions, yet inwardly they are bursting with discontented expressions, yet inwardly they are bursting with discontent.
This shows a complicated disorder and great perversity in their hearts. And notwithstanding their outward silence, God hears the peevish, fretful language of their souls. A shoe may be smooth and neat outside, while inside it pinches the flesh. Outwardly there may be great calmness and stillness, yet within amazing confusion, bitterness, disturbance and vexation.
Some people are so weak that they cannot restrain the unrest of their spirits, but in words and behavior they reveal what woeful disturbances there are within. Their spirits are like the raging sea, casting forth nothing but mire and dirt, and are troublesome not only to themselves but also to all with whom they live. Others, however, are able to restrain such disorders of heart, as Judas did when he betrayed Christ with a kiss, but even so they boil inwardly and eat away like a canker. So David speaks of some whose words are sweeter than honey and butter, and yet have war in their hearts.
In another place, he says, 'While I kept silence my bones waxed old'. In the same way these people, while there is a serene calm upon their tongues, have blustering storms upon their spirits, and while they keep silence their hearts are troubled and even worn away with anguish and vexation. They have peace and quiet outwardly, but within war from the unruly and turbulent workings of their heart.
If the attainment of true contentment were as easy as keeping quiet outwardly, it would not need much learning. It might be had with less strength and skill than an Apostle possessed, yea, less than an ordinary Christian has or may have. Therefore, there is certainly more to it than can be attained by common gifts and the ordinary power of reason, which often bridle nature. It is a business of the heart.
'I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.' Philippians 4:11
Posted : 23 Aug, 2011 01:14 PM
I love that verse...and Jeremiah Burroughs got all that out of 1 verse ???...Wow !!! Now thats some deep insight about the Spirit within...I love all the verses...they speak volumes of much good...xo
Philippians 4 ~
1~ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2~ I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3~ And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4~ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5~ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6~ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7~ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8~ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9~ Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10~ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11~ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12~ I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13~ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14~ Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15~ Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16~ For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17~ Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18~ But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19~ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20~ Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21~ Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
22~ All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
23~ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
