CONTENTMENT WHAT IS THAT What is contentment A

CONTENTMENT WHAT IS THAT? ?

What is contentment? “A state of happiness and satisfaction. ” - Google

What is contentment? “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ” - Phil. 4: 11 -13

What is contentment? “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. ” - Heb. 13: 5

First, Contentment… …Is not tied to circumstances, good or bad when Paul’s circumstances are bad; when he is in need and doesn’t know how things are going to work out; when things are the opposite of what he naturally wants, he has found a peace or satisfaction in Christ

First, Contentment… …Is If not tied to circumstances, good or bad our happiness comes from the fact that things are going well and we have what we want, that isn’t contentment - this satisfaction is still resting on my circumstances.

First, Contentment… …Is not tied to circumstances, good or bad Since a Christian does not find his satisfaction from things in this world, “A little in the world will content a Christ, but all the world and ten thousand times more, will not content a Christian. ” – Jeremiah Burroughs

Second, Contentment… …is Any broader than just money or possessions aspect of life that is part of God’s will for us is a matter for contentment.

The Secret of Contentment The key to being content is believing God’s promises and God’s presence with us. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ” – Phil. 4: 13

The Secret of Contentment “This…verse is not about winning the football game because God strengthens us in all things; it’s about how you respond when you lose the football game, or get injured for the season, or fail to make the team altogether. It’s not about being empowered to change your circumstances; rather, it is a verse about relying on God’s power in order to be content in the midst of circumstances you can’t change. ”

The Secret of Contentment Hebrews 13: 5: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. ”

The Secret of Contentment In some ways, you can boil contentment down to trust. It is a decision that whatever happens, I trust that the Lord is good, He will keep these precious promises to me, and He will comfort me and help me.

Paul’s contentment… We know that Paul was exhausted, anxious, and afraid at times: “For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn – fighting without and fear within. ” 2 Cor. 7: 5

Paul’s contentment… We know that Paul was not just a happy cheerful guy no matter what was happening. “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. ” 2 Cor. 1: 8

Paul’s contentment… We know that Paul had difficult life trials that he asked God to take away. “A thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me…three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” 2 Cor. 12: 8 -9

Paul’s contentment… “I see the hand of God, and in my judgment (I know and decide that) I am satisfied that mine is a good condition. But I cannot for my life rule all my thoughts and emotions. ” “Contentment is not the fruit of perfect circumstances or a calm constitution. It’s the result of trusting in the Lord. Paul faced fear, anxiety, physical dangers, and ministry difficulties, just like we all do. Yet he faced these struggles prayerfully, with a deep assurance in the goodness of God. ”

What is contentment? Contentment is the quiet, trusting spirit that willingly submits to God’s will, whatever he sends our way, and finds its joy in the treasures of Christ rather than any provision of this world we may have or lack.