Contagious Contentment

Philippians 4:1–3 NIV

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:19–23 NIV

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Introduction: What comes to mind when I say the word Contagious? Things we don’t want - diseases. Things we do want - going viral. One thing that Paul demonstrates in this passage is his Contentment going contagious.

1. Contentment should lead to generosity toward others. Contentment frees us from being focused on the self. Because our needs are met, we are not stressed or dissatisfied with life, but we are provided for and content.

The letter deals with a conflict in the church - Euodia and Synteche.

Church has Conflict.

Different kinds of conflict.

Examples of Conflict

• Disagreements

• Different Value systems

• Different Cultural approaches

• Selfishness - Protecting my, or our own interests.

- What conflicts???

- Paint colors of the church - picking furniture, etc.

- methods of doing communion at New Hope.

- Our conflict with some in the RCA.

- Worship Wars....

Paul has a Gospel response to this contentment.

The Gospel Brings Contentment.

- Brings Euodia and Synteche back the phrase being like-minded, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:1–5 NIV

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Summary of Philippians 2

Jesus could have used his position as being equal with God

Rather he emptied himself of his high position and served.

He served to the point of sacrifice, giving up his life in obedience to the Father.

Because of this sacrificial act, the Father raised him and gave him all authority.

It’s this recognition of the Gospel that brings contentment - peace, because Jesus has gone to great lengths to provide for us.

Gospel Contentment is Contagious in the Gospel Community.

Gospel Contentment resolves conflict.

Philippians: Verse by Verse Conflict between Euodia and Syntyche (4:2)

The instruction Paul gives here—“be of the same mind”—is identical to that of 2:2, suggesting that, one way or another, these women were at the root of the problem in Philippi. They must agree to disagree, so the church can find unity. While Paul is not saying they have to agree on everything, they must be like-minded on the essentials. This probably was not a doctrinal disagreement, but it was sufficient to cause conflict in the church. To be “in Christ” is to be united with him, and union with Christ means unity in the church. This unity obviously demands oneness in personal relationships. If the quarrel between these women was behind the earlier reference to “selfish ambition and vain conceit” (2:3), there could have been a battle for power and influence in the church. This is as close as we can come to a viable scenario. Evidently, these women cared more about themselves than about others or the church as a whole.

1. Contentment is often found in unity of mission. Disunity within the body can lead to discontentment. Odds are that if a church is suffering from division, then it’s not outward-focused in its mission.

The chart on conflict that was at the marriage retreat.

The conflict between Paul and Barnabas - Did Paul learn some lessons of Gospel living in that example?

Contentment Contagion is not just about resolfing conflict, but..

Gospel Contentment is shared.

Look how Paul talks about his fellow workers to each other - The love he has, how much he emphasizes their belovedness to him. We do this as well when we celebrate how God has used people in their Christ-likeness - serving. Thank you for Pastor Appreciation Month. - Holy Ghost Stories are a way of making our contentment contagious.

1. Immanuel Reformed Church in Paramount, California, is a large congregation that understands the full scope of what it means to be an outward-facing church. It was started in the 1950s to minister to Dutch dairy farmers who were living in the region. Over time, the surrounding neighborhood demographics changed drastically, and suddenly the church was isolated and alone with an aging population and a service in Dutch. They made the decision to switch the service to English and to start serving their community by picking days when they would paint houses, clean up parks and neighborhoods, and serve in any way they could. Over time, the church grew and the city was transformed. Generosity is more than simply giving money; it is also properly using our time and talents. And contentment in Christ should lead to an outward focus, individually and as a community (“Emmanuel Reformed Church,” March 2014, http://logoscms.com/files?download=888).

- What if generosity leads to contentment? In an article on the science of generosity, the author makes this claim: “Practicing generosity causally promotes greater happiness, health, emotional wellbeing, and sense of purpose in life” (Christian Smith, “What Makes Us Generous?,” Science of Generosity, University of Notre Dame, May 27, 2014, https://generosityresearch.nd.edu/news/what-makes-us-generous/).

- Paul demonstrates this - He described himself as an offering for others, his very life being poured out for them (Philippians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6).

Thank you Challenge - write a thank you note to someone telling them how glad you are they are in your life.

Conclusion:

Contentment is not found in our circumstances. It is a deep sense of wholeness and wellbeing that is based on the Trust that God is faithful, will supply all of your needs, has lavished every spiritual blessing on you as expressed in the Good news that Jesus did what he said he would do, die for your sins and bring healing. This Contentment frees us to be a people of generosity towards others, because we know that God has our back.