I have learned
Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13).
Paul spends most of the final part of the last chapter of Philippians teaching us about learning. He begins (v. 8) by explaining that learning starts with observation and meditation. Paul asks his brethren to observe the things that are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely and commendable. So often the vast range of the communication systems of the world can be occupied with what is untrue, dishonourable, unjust, impure, ugly and unworthy. We enrich or endanger our minds by what we allow them to focus on. The features Paul describes are features which should mark every Christian. They are positive and valuable characteristics. We find them displayed in the Old Testament saints and perfectly expressed in the life of Christ. We learn from them by observing them, carefully considering them and replicating them in our own lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Philippians had seen these characteristics in Paul, and he encourages them to follow his example. As he followed the Lord, he experienced the presence of the God of peace, and he assured his readers of the same experience.
There is a feature of Paul’s ministry which is very appealing. Even when he is speaking to mature Christians, he teaches them things they knew well as though he was teaching them for the first time. This brings a freshness and vitality to his ministry. We should never lose the wonder of the things of God, whether new or old. The things of God should never be commonplace, but always fill us with joy and hope in believing, and encourage us to continue to fulfil God’s will in our lives.
Paul rejoices in the evidence of the Philippians’ care for him. It demonstrated that his teaching had already borne fruit in their lives. He was full of gratitude for their repeated care towards him: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again.”
Paul used the Philippians’ care towards him as an opportunity to teach them about his own learning: “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” The apostle had “learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need”(verse 12, ESV). When we are in need, it casts us on the Lord, and we draw close to Him. But what about when we are full and abound? Are we less dependent and become more self-confident and self-reliant? And, as a consequence, more distant from the Lord? Paul brings everything into focus when he writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Needs and circumstances change. But whatever those circumstances are – pleasant or testing – we need the presence and power of the Saviour.
In chapter 1 Paul wrote that he had the Philippian saints in his heart. But since he knew what it was to be forsaken and forgotten in his service for God, it must have been such a joy to him to know he was in the hearts of the Philippians. Their gift was not of primary importance, but the love that sent it was: “You shared in my distress.” He rejoices in their sacrificial giving as evidence of how those dear people of God had so learned Christ. He assures them, and us, that “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” and bowed his heart in worship: “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
