CONTENTMENT

- Have you ever felt like life was out of your control?
- Things were going on around you and you had no
way of changing the outcome?
Philippians 4:11-19(NIV 2011)
11
I am not saying this because I am in need, for
I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances.
12
I know what it is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have plenty. I have
learned the secret of being content in any and
every situation, whether well fed or
hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13
I
can do all this through him who gives me
strength.
19
And my God will meet all your needs according
to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
1) A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN (vv. 11, 12)
I have learned to be content
I have learned the secret of being content
- Paul was not content with his circumstance but in
his circumstance. This does not do away with ambition
of goal setting, rather it is freedom from anxiety.
- It puts in proportion the things that are important.
- It can put priority on the things of greatest value.
- Life is a TEST.
- We MUST pass the TEST!
- Contentment in Christ involves FAITH in Him.
James 1:2-4 (NIV2011)
2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3
because you know that the testing of your faith
produces perseverance.
4
Let perseverance finish its work so that you
may be mature and complete, not lacking
anything.
- Paul was content to suffer temporary pain for eternal
gain.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV2011)
17
For our light and momentary troubles are
achieving for us an eternal glory that far
outweighs them all.
18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on
what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
2) A DEPENDENCY ON CHRIST FOR STRENGTH
(v.12, 13)
- Paul knew what it was to be in need, or to have
plenty. To be hungry, or to be well fed.
- I can do all things through Christ who gives me
strength.
*** CONTEXT: CONTENTMENT ***
- We can have the STRENGTH through Christ to be
content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves
in.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV2011)
7
because of these surpassingly great
revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from
becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my
flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it
away from me.
9
But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for
you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about
my weaknesses, so that Christs power may rest
on me.
10
That is why, for Christs sake, I delight in
weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am
weak, then I am strong.
3) TRUST IN GOD TO PROVIDE (v. 19)
- To truly be content we must trust that God will
provide all that we need food, clothing, money,
peace, healing, etc.
God will meet all your needs
*** CONTEXT: CONTENTMENT ***
- Must be able to know the difference between what I
WANT and what I NEED.
- I need much less than I want.
- I want so many things!
- 10 Amazon wish lists, 975 items combined.
Luke 12:27-34 (NIV2011)
27
Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do
not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even
Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one
of these.
28
If that is how God clothes the grass of the
field, which is here today, and tomorrow is
thrown into the fire, how much more will he
clothe youyou of little faith!
29
And do not set your heart on what you will eat
or drink; do not worry about it.
30
For the pagan world runs after all such things,
and your Father knows that you need them.
31
But seek his kingdom, and these things will be
given to you as well.
32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father
has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
33
Sell your possessions and give to the poor.
Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear
out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail,
where no thief comes near and no moth
destroys.
34
For where your treasure is, there your heart
will be also.