I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Summary: Being contented is a state of mind. In these final passages from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he helps us see what is needed to find the same contentedness in Christ that he enjoys.
What does it mean to be “in need?”
In other words, what would it take for Paul to finally say, “This situation is not acceptable!”?
Some of the “circumstances” he refers to are listed in his second letter to the church at Corinth.* They include:
- Imprisonments
- Countless beatings
- Five lashings (39 times each!)
- Beaten with a stick
- Pelted with stones
- Shipwrecked (3 times)
- 24 hours in the open sea
- Danger from rivers, robbers, Jews, and Gentiles.
- False brothers (in Christ)
- Going without sleep
- Hunger
- Thirst
- Fasting, cold, nakedness
What makes a man continue through endless hardships and deprivation? More importantly, what makes it possible for a man to endure these conditions and not even complain?
I am personally ashamed to admit how little it takes for me to complain! Is the temperature in my house too warm or too cold? Do I have to pay taxes? Did I get a scratch on my car or a flat tire? Did someone say something that hurt my feelings?
Boo Hoo.
If there were a “Pain & Suffering Meter” and Paul’s was pegged at “100,” mine wouldn’t even register “1.”
What is the difference? Perhaps it is this:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
When I complain, it is my “self” that is complaining. My “self” wants to be the center of the Universe. My “self” believes that I should have it at least as good as those I see around me, if not better.
If things don’t go “my way,” my “self” is unhappy.
Which brings me back to Paul. If we want to be like him,† Paul provides us with some very specific instructions (Ephesians 4:24):
1. Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.
2. Be made new in the attitude of your minds (Romans 12:2)
3. Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
If we do these three things, we, too, will join Paul in discovering a whole world of contentedness that we didn’t know existed.
Application: Actively invite God in and give him permission to transform your mind.
Food for Thought: How does the “old self” react to being replaced by the “new self?”
*2 Corinthians 11:23-29
†Philippians 4:9a — “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.”
How does the “old self” react to being replaced by the “new self?”
I think as we read the Bible, digest not only the words, but have that “moment” of realization of how it applies to our own life, which is truly brought about by the Holy Spirit, a light is shown on the “old self.” The “old self” tries to resist. It likes things the way they are. The “old self” has built a comfortable “nest” around its own self-interest and self-preservation. My experience is that I may “feel” like I am “losing out,” and that is usually the crux of the “old self” argument. And it seems like the “old self” keeps trying to regain control in one measure or another. Then the argument is that “it doesn’t really matter” or “haven’t you given enough?” It is paramount to keep choosing “the new self.” It is a daily decision. That conscious daily decision in devotion to God is putting on the “new self.” Through our willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit transforms us into the likeness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:25-32 give a good contrast between the old self and the new self:
Ephesians 4:25-32
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
My “old self” is foolish. It would indulge itself in sin that brings death. In that sense, it is a fool fighting a losing battle, if it wins it loses. But like a fool, it doesn’t recognize this truth. The new self understands this, the new self chooses life through Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-17
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Thanks Chris!
I like how you phrased this:
“It is a daily decision. That conscious daily decision in devotion to God is putting on the “new self.” Through our willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit transforms us into the likeness of Christ.”
It must not react well because we are told to kill or get rid of the old self. The old self is a problem and we must deny it or kill it daily.
Luke 9: 23 – 24: Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
Ephesians 4: 22 – 24: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians 3: 5 – 10: Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. b 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Romans 6: 6: We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
Thank you, Rich!
Your understated response made me smile! No, the “old self” doesn’t react well at all! 🙂
How does the “old self” react to being replaced by the “new self?”
It doesn’t want to die, it will put up a fight and he will cheat.
So true!
In the end, though, it “dies” either way. The question, I suppose, is will it take us down with it, or will we turn to Jesus who rescues us?