True Contentment

Introduction

What holiday do we have coming up?

Ask about what kids really want for Christmas

Show them the Christmas presents

Read Philippians 4:11-13

Philippians 4:11–13 ESV

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.

Ask if they would be content to receive these

We must learn to be content

open Christmas presents

The world tells us we should never be content

We always must have the newest and best of everything

We always have to have more

But Paul tells us we should be content in every situation

Content (αὐτάρκης) in this case is an adjective and it means a feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.

Content also means to limit (oneself) in requirements, desires, or action

We must be content in every situation

Paul says that he is content in everything

Dichotomy of contentment

Brought low and abound

Hunger and plenty

Having plenty and being in need

in all of this Paul was content

We must be content with everything we have

We are content no matter how many things we have

We are content no matter how nice our things are

We are content whether we eat Mac and Cheese or filet minion.

We are content if we live in a huge mansion or in a small shack

We are content because of the power of Christ

open the last gift

Paul says Philippians 4.13

Philippians 4:13 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

We are content because we have Christ,

We are content because Christ is enough

Conclusion

Having Christ in our lives will give us contentment and maybe if we are not content we should first work on our relationship with Christ.