Discover the secret
In Fall, 2009, Bishop Burkat's "Discover the Secret!" conference gatherings were built around a Bible study on Philippians 4:10-13, in which St. Paul explains his "secret" for being content in all circumstances. The gatherings featured a video report by John Rawlins, a Channel 6 reporter and member of St. John, Phoenixville, who asked people around the region about their fears and frustrations and their secrets for coping in uncertain times.
Below is the outline of the presentation, complete with video clips. You may adapt this resource for use in your congregation.
- DVDs of the video may be purchased; contact Bob Fisher at 267.323.3743 or via .
Participants in the meetings also received a set of four Philippians Bible studies prepared by the Rev. John S. Kerr, one of our synod's Book of Faith advocates.
Discovering the Secret
Philippians 4:10-13
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10I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. 11Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me. |
Are you content? Satisfied with your present circumstances?
Are you sharing with others worse off? Redefining what abundance means in your life now?
Or do you feel trapped, or discontented?
Are you coping with having little? Afraid you might lose what you do have? Afraid of the future? Anxious?
Are you, (like so many Americans,) reevaluating your priorities and values?
In this down economy, who isn’t learning to be content with whatever we have?
Paul’s letter to the Philippians resonates in the lives of Philadelphians and suburbanites 20 centuries later.
To hear how people are dealing with these challenges and finding strength, we sent reporter John Rawlins across the Delaware Valley to talk to ordinary people – not necessarily church people – and hear what’s on their minds:
(10 minutes)
At the end of the report, Bishop Burkat asks John if he is experincing the same anxieties as the people he interviewed.
(2 minutes)
Discussion questions. Have small groups spend 5-7 minutes discussing these questions:
What is weighing on your mind?
Where do you find your strength?
In writing to the Christians at Philippi, St Paul chose his words carefully.
Verse 11 “I have learned to be content with whatever I have.”
In Greek the word content is autos means (self) and arkeos
Means to be possessed of unfailing strength” or “to be satisfied or contented”
SELF SATISFIED, yes, but not arrogant, more like sufficient…to be enough.
Paul tells the people he has learned to be deeply satisfied no matter what the circumstances he finds himself in.
Guess what his circumstances were at the time of this writing?
St Paul was in prison for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
He was physically and economically trapped… but not without resources.
He relied on Christ’s resources to supply what he needed. How did he do that?
Paul says he has learned the secret of having this deep contentment within himself in any circumstances.
The word we translate “secret” comes form the Greek word “mysterion” which has several meanings:
- Secret
- Mystery
- Something confided only to the initiated
- Not obvious to superficial understanding
Let’s bring John Rawlins back in again.
(2 minutes)
Now it's your turn again.
Discussion question. Have small groups spend 3-5 minutes discussing:
Share a time when your faith brought you through a difficult situation.
Paul was very clear about the secret source of his strength, the mystery to which he had been initiated:
Verse 14 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
How does Christ strengthen us?
It is helpful here to see how St Paul learned the secret of resurrection living, under all circumstances.
The key to how Christ Strengthens us is found in Matthew, Chapter 6
Matthew 6:9-13 – Give us this day our daily bread
- When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he urged them to ask: Give us this day our daily bread. Strength for the journey.
- We are Christ’s present day disciples, and we are strengthened when we ask God to provide for our legitimate daily needs.
Matthew 6:19 – store up treasure in heaven
“Store up your treasure in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroy, nor where thieves can break in and steal. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.” 6:19
- Strength from spiritual treasures
- Jesus tells us to value what really matters.
- Not material things, but – People, Relationships, Faith, Prayer, Word and Sacrament, Service to others, Generosity.
- These are our true treasures, and they can be ours in any circumstances we find ourselves in.
Matthew 6:25-31 – Observe the birds…the lilies…
“Do not worry about what you will eat or drink, what you will wear. Observe the birds . . .the lilies. God takes care of them. God will take care of you.”
- TRUST that God will answer your prayer for daily living, supplying to you and your family what you need, even if that means seriously reconsidering wants.
- Strength from Holy Trust
Matthew 6:33-34 – Seek first the kingdom…and all these things will be given to you.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. DO NOT WORRY.”
- Be content in all circumstances.
- You have discovered the secret of abundant life in Christ!
Paul has learned from Jesus that he can trust God, whether things are going well or they are, like the economy, broken.
Paul understood this mystery… He was initiated into this secret.
You are too!
When you are...
- Plugged into The Source
- Aligned with Christ's message
- Loving God and neighbor
- Praying/worshipping/serving
- Trusting God
- Caring for the needs of others
You will be sustained NO MATTER WHAT!
People are DESPARATE to hear this message. That Christ cares, that We care. That is is God’s Work, and Our Hands!
Let’s talk with John Rawlins again about how willing people are to open up and share with us.
(2 minutes)
This hunger…this willingness of people to get into deep and personal issues …is an opportunity for us as the church to listen, and to share our Secret.
10 “I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it.”
Have the leader and/or members of the group share examples of how they have shown that kind of concern for their neighbors, or experienced the concern of others.
Sharing the Gospel is like one beggar telling another where to find bread. -- Martin Luther
Now that you have discovered the secret -- Live it! Embrace it! Celebrate it!
Share the Gospel! Share the Secret!
