Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Interesting “fellow workers”
One new church plant was evangelising abusively in the Newcastle Hospital and most disconcertingly the two Americans doing this were both claiming to be me. They claimed they were Steve Grose! I was back at the hospital a few weeks later when I was stopped by the business manager of the hospital in a corridor “we have received complaints that you were going bed to bed evangelising patients in an abusive way over the last three weeks!” I and my wife were both shocked and confused. “But I was a patient in the John Hunter hospital for the last four weeks! The surgeon was going to cut my foot off after an accident. I only came home yesterday“ The manager replied, “oh we know. We saw that on the hospital admissions report.” He smiled, “ You didn’t authorise anyone to claim to be you and do this did you?” I replied I hadn’t and knew nothing of it. He said “if you ever track them down tell them it is reported to the police as identity theft.” I did track them down. I spoke to them on the phone later that week. The two Americans became abusive towards me saying they did this because I wasn’t doing my job evangelising through out the hospital. That leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. These brothers were planting a church nearby. They thought there were no other Christians in the entire region, although we believed the same gospel.
Philippians 4 your real strength
Paul uses some interesting words in the last section of Philippians 4
Secret, contentment.
The term secret came from the mystery religions and the idea of being brought into a secret society that brings a new spirituality.
Paul uses this term to give us a similar idea: in Christ we discover a secret that the world can’t know.
It reminds me of a chorus from Sunday School days: “I’ve got something that the world can’t give and the world can’t take it
I’ve got something that the world can’t give and the world can’t take it away,
(Salvation!)
I’ve got something that the world can’t give and it keeps me night and day.
I’ve got something worth talking about,
It makes me sing and it makes me shout
I’ve got something that the world can’t give and the world can’t take it away.
I’ve got Christ and He’s given me life a life that the world cannot know
I’ve got Christ and He’s given me life
The word, contentment, also had a heritage of meaning. I remember a fellow at college who decided to empty his life of all emotions and tried to live his life that way (he was a maths teacher). This was the ancient philosophy of Stoicism.
- Focus on control: Separate life into what you can change (your thoughts and actions) and what you cannot (the weather, other people, the past).
- Virtue is everything: Base your life on four key ideas:
- Wisdom: Knowing what is good and bad.
- Courage: Doing what is right when it is hard.
- Justice: Treating others with fairness.
- Temperance: Practicing self-control over emotions and actions.
- Marcus Aurelius: A Roman emperor who wrote personal notes to himself on how to stay good under pressure.
- Epictetus: A former slave who taught that freedom comes from knowing what is up to you.
- Seneca: A Roman writer and statesman known for his practical advice on time, anger, and wealth. Basically he was saying if you can control your thoughts you can control your feelings so that you basically feel Nothing in all the tumults of life.
- The apostle Paul is not saying “be self-focussed or trust in self control”. He is saying be Christ focussed and be Christ controlled.
- Philippians 4:13 ESV. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Instead Paul speaks of contentment, which we discover from this passage involves emotions and relationships and gratitude and joy in spite of desperate circumstances.
What Contentment Really Is
Contentment isn’t found in human circumstances. Many misunderstand contentment, believing it's tied exclusively to circumstances—good jobs, financial security, comfortable living. We think, “Once this happens or that problem is solved, then I’ll finally be happy.” But that’s chasing a mirage.
I Can Do All Things Through Christ
I. Let Christ be your strength.
1) Be content in God’s plan.
Be confident in God’s power. 4:10-13
II. Let Christ be your supply. 4:14-20
1) God will prosper you. 4:14-17
2) God will be pleased with you. 4:18
3) God will provide for you. 4:19-20
III. Let Christ be your satisfaction. 4:21-23
1) We are His saints.
2) We have His grace. 4:21-22
Phil 4. All things
I Can Do All Things Through Christ
Philippians 4:10-23
I. Let Christ be your strength. 1) Be content in God’s plan. 2) Be confident in God’s power. 4:10-13
4:10-12
4:13
II. Let Christ be your supply. 4:14-20
1) God will prosper you. 4:14-17
2) God will be pleased with you. 4:18
3) God will provide for you. 4:19-20
III. Let Christ be your satisfaction. 4:21-23
1) We are His saints. 2) We have His grace. 4:21-22
4:23
Preaching tips HB Charles
Monday, August 17, 2026
God’s Provision
Philippians 4:9-20 ESV - 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19 ESV And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. This passage could sound like a blank on all your wants. But it is much much better. You can know 1. God’s Presence My God. The Lord is near. Psalm 139:3-12 ESV You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. [4] Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. [5] You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. [7] Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? [8] If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! [9] If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, [10] even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. [11] If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night," [12] even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. 2. God’s Power Will Supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus Christ He can do it. He has all power in heaven and on earth. 3. God’s Provision He will supply ALL your needs. Does that mean financially? As much as you NEED, not what you WANT. Look at how he met Paul’s needs -unsolicited donations from long distance maybe distant friends. Note: UNSOLICITED. You need to trust God. Don’t make yourself a conman or woman (several times I’ve been taken advantage of by so-called “Christians” one even threatened suicide if I didn’t get them $3000). This doesn’t leave a good taste in anyone’s mouth. And worst of all it dishonours the Lord. That’s why Paul goes out of his way to ensure that the Philippians know of his gratitude but also of his independence of human supply. 4. God’s Protection. This was a major part of Paul’s needs. Paul knew he was immortal until his work on earth was done. Philippians 1:18-26 ESV What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, [19] for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, [20] as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. [21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. [23] I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. [24] But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. [25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. Psalm 139:13-18 ESV For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. [17] How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! [18] If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. All of this contributes to 5. God’s Peace Philippians 4:4-7 ESV Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And the Good of peace will be with you. Psalm 73:23-28 ESV Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. [24] You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. [25] Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. [26] My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. [27] For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. [28] But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
4 pastors Temptations Sloth Silver Self and Sex
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcBzUAAmNqP/?igsh=dzV0bTI2Y20yYTNm&igsi=dzV0bTI2Y20yYTNm
Friday, August 14, 2026
Video sermons by Steve Grose
The Secret of contentment
Paul uses some interesting words in the last section of Philippians 4
Secret, contentment.
The term secret came from the mystery religions and the idea of being brought into a secret society that brings a new spirituality.
Paul uses this term to give us a similar idea: in Christ we discover a secret that the world can’t know.
It reminds me of a chorus from Sunday School days: “I’ve got something that the world can’t give and the world can’t take it
I’ve got something that the world can’t give and the world can’t take it away,
(Salvation!)
I’ve got something that the world can’t give and it keeps me night and day.
I’ve got something worth talking about,
It makes me sing and it makes me shout
I’ve got something that the world can’t give and the world can’t take it away.
I’ve got Christ and He’s given me life a life that the world cannot know
I’ve got Christ and He’s given me life
The word, contentment, also had a heritage of meaning. I remember a fellow at college who decided to empty his life of all emotions and tried to live his life that way (he was a maths teacher). This was the ancient philosophy of Stoicism.
Instead Paul speaks of contentment, which we discover from this passage involves emotions and relationships and gratitude and joy in spite of desperate circumstances.
What Contentment Really Is
Contentment isn’t found in human circumstances. Many misunderstand contentment, believing it's tied exclusively to circumstances—good jobs, financial security, comfortable living. We think, “Once this happens or that problem is solved, then I’ll finally be happy.” But that’s chasing a mirage.
Philippians 4:11-13 ESV
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Biblical happiness is different. The Greek word makarios, translated as "happy" or "blessed," means deeply satisfied, blessed by God, fortunate—fully independent of external conditions. Psalm 144:15 beautifully summarizes this concept: "Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." In short, true happiness is rooted in relationship, not circumstance.
Yet, we often measure happiness by external standards. We confuse emotional highs for lasting joy. Scripture, however, anchors happiness not in shifting emotions, but in steadfast trust and faith in God’s promises and presence.
Nor does Paul follow the popular Roman philosophy of stoicism.
- Focus on control: Separate life into what you can change (your thoughts and actions) and what you cannot (the weather, other people, the past).
- Virtue is everything: Base your life on four key ideas:
- Wisdom: Knowing what is good and bad.
- Courage: Doing what is right when it is hard.
- Justice: Treating others with fairness.
- Temperance: Practicing self-control.
- Not emotionless: Stoicism is not about hiding feelings. It is about not letting bad reactions control your actions.
- Marcus Aurelius: A Roman emperor who wrote personal notes to himself on how to stay good under pressure. His book is called Meditations.
- Epictetus: A former slave who taught that freedom comes from knowing what is up to you.
- Seneca: A Roman writer and statesman known for his practical advice on time, anger, and wealth
- Basically he was saying if you can control your thoughts you can control your feelings so that you basically feel Nothing in all the tumults of life.
- The apostle Paul is not saying “be self-focussed or trust in self control”. He is saying be Christ focussed and be Christ controlled.
- Philippians 4:13 ESV. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Why Don’t I Feel Content?
If happiness is available, why don’t we always feel it? Even as Holy Spirit filled believers, who should experience joy regularly, often feel distant, heavy, or spiritually empty. You might look around at your circumstances—your family, job, health, or finances—and think, “I can’t find happiness here.”
Joseph, Job, and David each experienced deep trials. Joseph faced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. Job lost nearly everything he valued. David spent years fleeing persecution. Yet, remarkably, each man discovered authentic joy—not by avoiding suffering but by trusting God through it. Their happiness wasn’t circumstantial; it was relational. They found contentment, a joy that “seeks me through pain” in Christ alone.
Philippians 4:13 ESV
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. CSB
How to Truly Experience Contentment
1. Trust God Completely
I am able to do all things through him d who strengthens me.
Trust Him. Christ can give you strength. Christ only can give you strength.
Your will may fail. Your strength may fail by illness! Your pressures may be greater than you can bear on your own.
2 Corinthians 1:8-10 ESV
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. [9] Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. [10] He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
Have you set your hope on Him ?
Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." True contentment starts with trust—fully relying on God’s wisdom and timing, even when life seems confusing or challenging.
Habakkuk exemplifies this powerfully. Though facing national disaster, he declared, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18). He trusted God completely, finding joy amidst chaos.
Trust is fully relying on God, especially when life doesn’t make sense. Trust isn’t passive—it’s intentionally placing our worries into God’s capable hands. This trust produces deep peace, the foundation of lasting happiness.
2. Seek God’s Presence Daily
The Lord is near The peace of God from the God of peace
Joy isn’t accidental. Psalm 16:11 says clearly, “In thy presence is fulness of joy.” The presence of God is our joy’s source. It requires daily intention—prayer, worship, and Scripture.
Paul and Silas, despite their painful imprisonment, worshipped joyfully in chains (Acts 16:25-26). Their joy transcended their surroundings because they continually sought God’s presence.
We must nurture our relationship with God daily. Without regular communion with Him, our happiness is fragile and fleeting. His presence stabilizes and sustains true joy. Lasting joy comes from daily pursuing God’s presence.
3. Practice Contentment
Paul shared a powerful truth: "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). Contentment means choosing to see God’s hand in our current situation, trusting He has provided exactly what we need.
Discontentment robs happiness because we constantly compare, striving for more or different. Contentment, however, acknowledges God’s sovereignty, providing deep peace. Paul’s happiness wasn’t situational—it was relational. He knew Christ personally, and thus he experienced joy continually.
Paul says in verse 9
Philippians 4:9 ESV
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Practice contentment now so that when the difficult days come you already know what to do. Cultivate contentment now.
4. Walk in Gratitude
Rejoice on the Lord always vs 4
With all prayer and supplications and with thanksgiving vs 7
Gratitude transforms perspectives and unlocks joy. Scripture commands us, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already possess.
When we choose thankfulness, contentment follows naturally. Gratitude isn’t ignoring pain—it’s choosing to see God's faithfulness amidst pain. Thankfulness powerfully reshapes our hearts and minds, deepening our spiritual joy.
5. Prioritize Eternal Things
Temporary pleasures offer temporary happiness. But Jesus instructs clearly: “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Real happiness results from investing in what’s eternal—relationships, spiritual growth, and our eternal inheritance.
If we chase worldly success, we’ll always feel empty. But prioritizing eternity—God’s kingdom, His people, His purposes—brings genuine contentment.
