Series #2 Contentment Is The Key To Joy
Introduction: Scripture Reading- Philippians 4:11-13
We often chase happiness through achievement or acquiring things in this life. But Paul found it through contentment. “Contentment is a state of peaceful happiness and satisfaction, often characterized by a sense of being fulfilled with one’s current situation and a lack of constant striving for more.” Vocabulary.com
1. Contentment is Learned (Philippians 4:11)
"I have learned... to be content."
- Paul didn’t start this way—he learned it.
- 1Co 13:11-12 (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
- Experience and spiritual maturity bring understanding.
- Heb 5:12-14 (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God [Heb. 6:1-6]; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
2. Contentment is Independent of Circumstances (Philippians 4:12)
"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound."
- Joy is not dependent on good times.
- Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
- Isaiah knew that was in control of all things, even the situation the Israelites were in at the time. God is still in control today through providence. He knows what is best.
- We should trust God's supreme power and authority in every situation.
- Whether good or bad times, God will care for us if we put our whole trust in Him and not try to control the situation.
3. Contentment is Empowered by Christ (Philippians 4:13)
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
- The secret to joy is Christ’s strength.
- Jesus is our ultimate example of contentment.
- Luk 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
- Jesus was content with the fact that God was in control. This gave Him strength to what was required of Him.
- He empowers us to live above circumstances.
- Contentment isn’t about sitting back, being lazy, and just saying “Whatever happens, happens.” No, we still have to do the work we have been called through the gospel to do.
- 1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Conclusion:
Study, belief, and proper application of God’s Word leads to gratitude and trust. Gratitude and trust lead to contentment. Contentment leads to true happiness.
Closing Verses: 1Ti 6:6 But godliness [Greek word implies obedience to the gospel, living Godly] with contentment is great gain., Heb 13:5 Let your conversation [way of life, character] be without covetousness [greedy or wanting more]; and be content [satisfied] with such things as ye have [what God has provided to us; I Cor. 16:1-2 & Matt. 6:25-34]: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.