Contentment in Need

That is what the “in Christ” relationship is all about. And it is in this relationship that Paul grounds the Christian's contentment. What this means is that contentment in the life of the believer arises as Christ enters more richly into us and strengthens us! It is not claiming a promise, enjoying the second blessing, transitioning into a deeper mode of relating to Christ, rebuking a demon, or entering into the higher life.

Now in Scripture this occurs as the child of God actively participates in that which is passive by nature — communing with the Lord! Moises Silva put it this way: “Once again in this epistle we are... reminded of the great paradox: our dependence on God's power does not preclude our effort, and our working does not contradict the reality of grace.”

For a transcript of this sermon follow the outside web link.