Learning through Experience

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Earlier tonight a verse came to me, which gives great insight into the life of the Apostle Paul.

Paul in his letter to the Philippian believers, writes about how they ministered to his needs, in Philippiams Chapter 4v10.

Then he makes a statement in v11 and this is the verse that was quickened to me earlier.

11Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

I want to you to notice the phrase

"I have learned"

What an insight into Paul's life. He learned to be content. It didn't come naturally to him, it was a learned behaviour that developed and was perfected over a period of time

The very same Greek word used for "learned" in this verse is also used in Hebrews 5v8 when speaking of Jesus;

8though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

9And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

Jesus learned obedience. How? By experiencing suffering and especially in the context of this passage in Hebrews 5v7 in relation to the agony he experienced and suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane Luke 23v38-46

Paul also learned to be content in whatever state he found himself in. How? Through experience. By experiencing what it was like to be afflicted and have nothing but also what it was like to abound in the things of God.

The Greek word for "content"in v11 literally means "self-sufficient".

In Stoic philosophy it described a person who dispassionately accepted whatever circumstances brought. However, for the Greeks this contentment came from personal sufficiency, whereas Paul's ability to be content came from God alone.

That's way he says in v13

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME. Amen!!

This God given ability, that Paul learned to walk in overtime, enabled him to make this confession in v12

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

You see the use of another Greek word for learned in this verse. The Hebrew/ Greek Interlinear Bible translates the word as "learned the secret".

Strong's g3453

Greek word for learned is mueó

- Definition: to initiate, instruct; pass: to be disciplined, learn (a lesson).

- Origin: From the base of musterion; to initiate, i.e. (by implication) to teach.

- Usage: instruct.

- Translated as (count): I have learned the secret (1).

Paul learned the secret. He was taught the lesson. He passed the test.

What was perfected in Paul's life, was a total surrender to and reliance on Christ as his only source. He learned through all his experiences, including the beatings, stonings, afflictions and persecutions that he endured.

In 2 Timothy 3v10&11, he details his character and life and how he was persecuted but says with the steely faith of a man who had been forged in the furnace of affliction, "but out of them all the Lord delivered me". Hallelujah!!

Paul had a God given sufficiency and contentment, that governed and determined his outlook, worldview and attitude. Like the Lord whom he loved, he learned obedience and contentment through the things he suffered.

That's why in 1 Timothy 6v6-10 he says:

6¶Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

9But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

My word, I don't know how this squares with the prosperity gospel but you need to make your own mind up about that, I know where I stand.

Basically, Paul is saying if we have the basic essentials of life - food and clothing (cf Jesus teaching about taking no thought for your life what you shall eat or drink or how you shall be clothed Matthew 6v24-34) notice he didn't even mention shelter or a house as a basic essential - we should be content with that.

What a challenge, to how we as Christians live and how spoilt we are in the West. We live like kings and royalty compared to most people in this world.

Paul says, that those who want to be rich in material wealth are tempted and ensnared and in many cases become lovers of money, which he clearly states has caused many to err and stray from the true faith of those who follow Christ.

Paul learned the secret through experience. He learned to be content.

In the days that lie ahead will we also learn through experience, what it is to be content in whatever state we find ourselves?

Romans 5v3-5

3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The NKJV translates the word experience as character and patience as perseverance.

You see there is a God ordained process that we cannot avoid if we want to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We must experience tribulation, in order to produce character and perseverance and ultimately to have hope ie. an unwavering earnest expectation.

The end result of the process - the love of God is shed abroad (NKJV poured out) in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.

If you haven't done so, I encourage you to read the latest message: Knowing God in the Fire of Adversity Part One (in conjunction with this post).

The message is available at

www.beholdthelambofgod.co.uk

or via the Spaces by Wix app which is available for download to anyone who becomes a member of the BTLOG website.