Philippians 4:12-13 – Learn the Secret
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
--Philippians 4:12-13 NASB
The Apostle Paul had become very familiar with extremes. He was one of the best educated and well respected Jews of his day (Philippians 3:4-6), yet it is his conversion by Christ (Acts 9.3-9; Acts 22.6-11) and his ministry in the cause of Christ that we remember.
Paul had once sought out and persecuted Christians on orders from Jerusalem, even playing a supporting role in the stoning to death of Stephen (Acts 7:54–8:1). Yet in the end, as a follower of Jesus, Paul was persecuted, imprisoned and eventually executed.
But at this end of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi the extremes of his life are not the focus of his words. Rather, it is the great secret of dealing with these extremes. The Greek word in verse 12 is transliterated mueó (pronounced “moo-EH-o”). It means to be initiated into mysteries, to be instructed. Paul had become a disciple of this secret.
The secret also allowed Paul to enjoy much. The Greek word used is perisseuó (“per-is-SYOO-o”), to abound; to have great abundance.
The secret enabled Paul to eat well. The Greek word is chortazó (“khor-TAD-zo”), to eat well, to be fattened, to be satisfied.
But Paul was not only familiar with the front of the line. He also knew very well the back of the line.
This secret supported Paul through his times of humility. The Greek word is tapeinoó (“tap-i-NO-o”), meaning to be made low or humble.
The secret also enabled Paul to cope with hunger. The Greek word is peinaó (“pi-NAH-o”), to be hungry or famished, to crave.
The secret even enabled Paul to cope with, as we would say, “not being able to make ends meet.” The Greek word is hustereó (“hoos-ter-EH-o”), which means to come late, to be behind, to come short, to lack.
What was Paul’s great secret to being content in all things? It is the same secret that is available to us today, if we will only accept it--Jesus Christ. The Greek word used is endunamoó (“en-doo-nam-O-o”), meaning to empower, to enable, to increase, to strengthen. Christ can enable us to get through everything that is thrown at us. And when it comes down to it, the secret is not so much the strength and support that Christ offers us. The real secret is learning to lean on Him, to ask for and to accept His enabling power. Our world may crumble around us, as it often does, but He will never leave us or forsake us.
Father, thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son to die in my place and thereby enable my personal relationship with You. Forgive me when I do not avail myself of the support that is offered to me moment by moment. Regardless of my circumstances, good or bad, remind to lean on the strength that You offer through Your Son. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
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--Philippians 4:12-13 NASB
The Apostle Paul had become very familiar with extremes. He was one of the best educated and well respected Jews of his day (Philippians 3:4-6), yet it is his conversion by Christ (Acts 9.3-9; Acts 22.6-11) and his ministry in the cause of Christ that we remember.
Paul had once sought out and persecuted Christians on orders from Jerusalem, even playing a supporting role in the stoning to death of Stephen (Acts 7:54–8:1). Yet in the end, as a follower of Jesus, Paul was persecuted, imprisoned and eventually executed.
But at this end of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi the extremes of his life are not the focus of his words. Rather, it is the great secret of dealing with these extremes. The Greek word in verse 12 is transliterated mueó (pronounced “moo-EH-o”). It means to be initiated into mysteries, to be instructed. Paul had become a disciple of this secret.
The secret also allowed Paul to enjoy much. The Greek word used is perisseuó (“per-is-SYOO-o”), to abound; to have great abundance.
The secret enabled Paul to eat well. The Greek word is chortazó (“khor-TAD-zo”), to eat well, to be fattened, to be satisfied.
But Paul was not only familiar with the front of the line. He also knew very well the back of the line.
This secret supported Paul through his times of humility. The Greek word is tapeinoó (“tap-i-NO-o”), meaning to be made low or humble.
The secret also enabled Paul to cope with hunger. The Greek word is peinaó (“pi-NAH-o”), to be hungry or famished, to crave.
The secret even enabled Paul to cope with, as we would say, “not being able to make ends meet.” The Greek word is hustereó (“hoos-ter-EH-o”), which means to come late, to be behind, to come short, to lack.
What was Paul’s great secret to being content in all things? It is the same secret that is available to us today, if we will only accept it--Jesus Christ. The Greek word used is endunamoó (“en-doo-nam-O-o”), meaning to empower, to enable, to increase, to strengthen. Christ can enable us to get through everything that is thrown at us. And when it comes down to it, the secret is not so much the strength and support that Christ offers us. The real secret is learning to lean on Him, to ask for and to accept His enabling power. Our world may crumble around us, as it often does, but He will never leave us or forsake us.
Father, thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son to die in my place and thereby enable my personal relationship with You. Forgive me when I do not avail myself of the support that is offered to me moment by moment. Regardless of my circumstances, good or bad, remind to lean on the strength that You offer through Your Son. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
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