The Secret of Contentment Philippians 4 10 13

The Secret of Contentment Philippians 4: 10 -13

The Secret of Contentment Philippians 4: 10 -13

Contentment…

Discontentment • Not getting what you want…

Philippians 4: 10 -13 10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. …

Philippians 4: 10 -13 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 everything through him who gives me strength

Many trials… “when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within” 2 Corinthians 7 “when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only” Philippians 4: 15

Discontentment

Discontentment

11 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ” 12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation”

The Secrets of Contentment How can I be content always? 3 Secrets of Contentment

1. Contentment must be Learned “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (11)

1. Contentment must be Learned “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (11) “I know [have seen] what it is to be in need, and I know [have seen] what it is to have plenty” (12)

1. Contentment must be Learned “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (11) “I know [have seen] what it is to be in need, and I know [have seen] what it is to have plenty” (12) “I have learned the secret of being content”

2. Contentment doesn’t depend on your allotment

2. Contentment doesn’t depend on your allotment • Paul learned contentment in Little – “Need”, “Hunger”, “Want” (12)

2. Contentment doesn’t depend on your allotment • Paul learned contentment in Little – “Need”, “Hunger”, “Want” (12) • Paul learned contentment in Much – “Well fed”, “Plenty” (12)

2. Contentment doesn’t depend on your allotment • Paul learned contentment in Little – “Need”, “Hunger”, “Want” (12) • Paul learned contentment in Much – “Well fed”, “Plenty” (12) • Contentment is not dependent on Little or Much

The Secrets of Contentment 3 Secrets of Contentment • Must be Learned • Doesn’t depend on your package • …

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will “I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ” (13)

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will “I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ” (13) • Everything? • The strength of Christ in us is not for our desires

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will 1 Timothy 1: 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will 2 Timothy 2: 1 -4 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will 2 Timothy 4: 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will “I can do everything”: I lack nothing in achieving His purpose for me

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will John 15: 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will 2 Cor 5: 15 He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will Philippians 4: 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will The man or woman who is striving to be and do what God is desiring, will never be discontent. That’s a promise from God

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (19)

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will • 2 Corinthians 6: 4 -10

3. Contentment is only found in doing God’s will I can do [can achieve] all things [that He wants me to] through Him who gives me strength.

The Secrets of Contentment 3 Secrets of Contentment • Must be Learned • Doesn’t depend on your package • Is only found in doing God’s will