The Art of Contentment

The Art of Contentment

Philippians 4:10-17

Theme: God explains what contentment is in this passage.

Introduction: Someone has said that everyone lives in one of two tents: content or discontent. Discontent makes the rich men poor; contentment makes the poor men rich. What does it take to make someone content?

The Scriptures speak of a Biblical way that a man can be content. It is obvious that some things need to be dispelled in our minds if we are to know TRUE contentment.

It is not found in circumstances, location, and ability. Here Paul explains what contentment is. Satan wants us to think we are not content so that we will never seem to know what it is.

Gambling is a perfect example of what brings this confusion. We are not content with what we have so we are willing to give away what we have so that we can get what we don’t have. Are you willing to give away what you already have to try to get you don’t have thinking it will bring contentment? Actually you have contentment right in front of you.

Paul gives three explanations regarding contentment.

I. The state of contentment vv. 10-11

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly”—he was in jail after being beaten for preaching God’s Word.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

A. God’s provision v.10

1. Paul was thankful for the gift the Philippians had given him.

2. Their care for him the way God had provided their needs.

3. They were willing to let God lead them in how best to help Paul and he was grateful that God had used them to be a blessing to him.

B. God’s placement v.11

1. Riches were not measured as a source of contentment, in fact, they are only used for this life to trade and converse. Riches are never given to provide contentment.

2. Paul recognized that conditions were not sources of contentment but it was his relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. Paul was satisfied to be in the perfect will of God.

4. Too many people are never satisfied with where God put them, they think something is better somewhere else—a different family, a different house, a different state or a different job.

The very first explanation is the state of contentment. It is not where you are that brings contentment. Many think if I only lived on a beach or on an island or in the desert or in some special place, that brings contentment. Contentment is not the state I am in.

The next explanation we find is the fact that contentment brings strength to us. One year in junior high the coach talked me into going out for track. I consented and found out it was all running. We practiced two hours after school and all we did was run. I eventually quit because I was exhausted. Many people are exhausted with life because all they do is spend their life running from one thing to another trying to find contentment. When you realize contentment is right there in front of you, you will find strength.

II. The strength of contentment vv. 12-13

A. The duration v.12

1. Though many things that affect our lives as seen in this verse, Paul determined that the ebb and flow of life would not rob him of contentment.

2. Abased—deprivation for Christ’s sake, abound-over abundance of material possessions.

3. Full and hungry-instructed-learning and growing process in trusting God through the provisions that He gives us.

4. Paul needed none of these thing to bring contentment—basically you can be sitting in a jail cell and be content if you are in the center of God’s will.

B. The declaration v.13

1. Whatever God calls me to do, I can do it with conviction.

2. The condition is through Christ—He gives me the strength to accomplish whatever God calls me to do.

3. Divine contentment means we are allowing God to work through us.

4. This brings strength to us and we find contentment

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

One explanation is the state of contentment, the next explanation is the strength of contentment, and the last explanation is the satisfaction of contentment.

III. The satisfaction of contentment vv. 14-17

A. In their fellowship v.14

1. The Philippians cared for his personal needs when they provided their gift.

2. There is satisfaction in caring for others.

3. One of the key missing ingredients in this busy, hustle, bustle world is the fellowship.

B. In their faithfulness vv. 15-16

1. Nobody considered his ministry worthy of support as they did.

2. Their faithfulness brought him a wonderful sense of contentment with his work in the Lord.

C. In their fruit v.17

1. This gift to him was a fruit of his ministry.

2. Everything he had taught them about growing in their walk with God was evidenced by their gift to him.

3. Their fruit meant that God was working in their lives to bring contentment.

Conclusion: What is contentment? It is knowing and growing in our walk with God.

Biblical contentment is in a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. A key weapon in Satan’s arsenal is discontentment. Decide tonight, you are not looking for others things to make you content but your contentment is found in Christ.