PRINCETON CHRISTIAN CHURCH
PHILIPPIANS 4:4-14 11 AUGUST 2024
Everyone attempts to achieve contentment. The problem is that the world tells us to look in all the wrong places to find it.
When we find that contentment isn’t where we expected it to be, we either become apathetic and don’t feel anything, or we spend the rest of our lives thinking – if only I had done this if only I had done that, I would have had contentment.
In the secular world, contentment may be defined as having an inner peace with our situation in life.
A Biblical description of contentment may be stated as accepting what God sends because we know that He is a good God and wants to give good gifts to His children.
We accept, from His hand, that which He gives. All that is needed is that He will supply - even suffering.
READ: Philippians 4:4-14
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
Some folks have said that verse 11 is the hardest teaching in the Bible. Let’s read it again:
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”
We have to remember where Paul was when he wrote those words. He was in prison.
And he was content. How could he be content in the filthy, smelly, dark dungeon of a prison cell?
Here is how: Paul had learned that contentment and happiness are not dependent upon external circumstances and situations.
Contentment and happiness are qualities of the heart and depend upon a right relationship with the Lord.
Going back to the Old Testament, we find David in a state of contentment as well.
When David wrote Psalm 23, he showed us a picture of contentment in verses 2 and 3 of that psalm: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness.”
On April 9, 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was awaiting his death in a Nazi concentration camp for his work in the underground church and involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler. On that day, he wrote his last words. Do you think we wrote words condemning Hitler? Did he write words calling on believers to rise up and overcome the Nazi war machine?
No, here is what he wrote:
“What is happiness and unhappiness? It depends so little on circumstances. It really depends upon what happens inside a person.”
We all desire and strive for contentment. However, if we look to the world for that contentment, we will be steered in the wrong direction.
In our discontentment, we will think, “If only I weighed 20 pounds less, I would be happy.” “If only I was smarter, I would be happy.” If only I had a fast sports car, I could be happy…..and on and on.
Now, I don’t believe that God expects us to go through life without setting some goals to help us in daily living or even to improve our status in life. He isn’t saying that we should never make changes in our lives. If we need to purchase a new car to get us to work every day, if we have 6 kids and we live in a 2-bedroom home – maybe we need to deal with those needs.
What God is opposed to, though, is a misplaced emphasis on material things.
It is important for us to remember that God has given us those possessions to use for His glory and not to enhance our egos.
And the world eggs us on and says. “Wear this brand of clothes, drive our car, buy the latest CD, move on up to the East side, and you will have contentment – you will always be happy.
The problem with the world’s view of contentment is that you are like a dog chasing his tail. You are never able to grab ahold of all that is out there, so you just fall down, worn out, and dizzy.
Mr. Webster defines “contentment” as being able to rest satisfied, to be positive and well-pleased, not to be disgruntled or disheartened, and to be free from care or discomfort.
The Pulpit Commentary says that contentment is “quiet restfulness in the midst of all kinds of changing events. It is a cordial acquiescence in the arrangements of Heaven.”
To sum all of that up, let’s say contentment is “peace in the very core of your soul.”
READ 1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
I think we can safely say that the poorest man on earth is the man who has more than he needs but feels like it isn’t enough.
So, let’s look at What Contentment Is:
Contentment is humbly submitting to the will of God.
Contentment is patiently dealing with circumstances beyond our control.
Contentment is graciously accepting whatever blessings God provides.
And now, let’s look at What Contentment Is Not:
Contentment is not an excuse not to grow or mature.
Contentment is not an excuse to remain in sin.
Contentment is not an excuse not to work hard.
Contentment is not an excuse not to practice good stewardship.
So, now we know what contentment is and what it is not. Now, we need to look at what a Contented Christian will do.
A contented Christian will continue to obey the Lord. We have a promise in Revelation 2:10: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Being content has everything to do with humble submission and trust in God. Even in times of suffering, we must not give up our faith in God’s promises.
A contented Christian will maintain a regular habit of prayer.
We are encouraged to pray without ceasing—1 Thessalonians 5:17. Prayer brings peace and comfort.
A contented Christian will refrain from grumbling and complaining.
A contented Christian will keep focused on the goal of heaven.
Colossians 3:1-2 comes to mind here:
”Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
Keeping our focus on our goal helps us to remain content. What is our goal? Our goal is Heaven. Paul speaks about this goal in Philippians 3:14 when he says,
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
We must avoid focusing on the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life. Those cares and worries will choke out the word and leave us unfruitful, empty, and lost.
Instead, we must focus on heaven. Hear how Paul teaches us to focus on heaven: Colossians 3:1-2 –
“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
This is about our humble submission and trust in God. Our reward for that is great gain – eternal life.
Eternal life – our end goal. Are you ready?
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