Pathways Press.com

Written by David Briones, a contemporary professor and author.

Self-sufficiency (autarkeia) was considered by ancient Stoic philosophers to be the essence of all the virtues. The ideal wise person was entirely independent. To be dependent on someone else expressed one’s subordination. The wise person must rely on oneself through his inward ability—the power of the will—to resist the force of external circumstances and prevent those circumstances from causing inner anxiety or distress. Put simply, the power to become self-sufficient came from within. But for Paul, the power to become self-sufficient comes from without…We are not the source of our contentment. We are always dependent on Christ…Paul redefines “self-sufficiency” into “Christ-sufficiency.” Through our union with Christ, we receive the ability to do “all things.” The meaning of “all things,” however, is determined by the economic extremes of “abound,” “plenty,” and “abundance,” as well as “low,” “hunger,” and “need.” Whether in material lack or abundance, believers can experience contentment in Christ and avoid the temptations that attend both doubting the love of God in low times or forgetting the God of love in high times. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessingin the heavenly places. [Ephesians 1:3]