Learning Contentment (1)

‘I have learned,’ said Paul (Phil. 4:11), 'I have been instructed.’ It is very emphasized in the original: 'I am consecrated to this knowledge of contentment in all states' (footnote—‘I have been fully taught, I have been initiated'). It is a learning not of great persons, nor of learned persons, but of holy persons. It is a mystical knowledge. There is a mystery in it. As all religion is a mystery, 'great is the mystery of godliness' (1 Tim. 3:16). Not only the doctrinal part, but likewise the practical part of it. Repentance is a mystery, faith is a mystery, and this practical part of contentment in all conditions is a great mystery. All the degrees in this world cannot teach this lesson that Paul had learned. He learned it in no school of the world, not at the feet of Gamaliel; he learned it of Christ, and by the blessed experiences in afflictions. Some graces are reserved for some states. He had learned patience and contentment in a variety of states. He had it not by nature, for he said, 'I have learned.' It is a mystical thing, not so easily attained as the world is fond to think. Your ordinary Christian thinks that religion is nothing, that it is easily learned; but what is actually true is that there is no point in religion that is not a mystery. There is no Christian that doesn't find it to be so when he sets himself heartily to go about any religious work; as to humble himself, to repent, to go out of himself, or to cast himself upon the mercy of God in Christ. Oh, he will then say, 'It is a mystery, there is a difficulty in this work that I never thought of until I came to it.' So it is with being content with our condition, whatever it may be, it is a mystery. Nature never teaches this. It is learned in the school of Christ, and not without many stripes. We must be tried and taught a good while before we can truly learn to any degree this one lesson of contentment in any condition.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Art of Contentment, Works, vol. 5, p. 178
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