Understanding Contentment (Phil. 4:11-13)

Introduction

Philip Parham tells the story of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat. "Why aren't you out there fishing?" he asked.

"Because I've caught enough fish for today," said the fisherman. "Why don't you catch more fish than you need?' the rich man asked. "What would I do with them?"

"You could earn more money," came the impatient reply, "and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you'd have a fleet of boats and be rich like me."

The fisherman asked, "Then what would I do?" "You could sit down and enjoy life," said the industrialist. "What do you think I'm doing now?" the fisherman replied as he looked placidly out to sea.

Our Daily Bread, May 18, 1994.

Philippians 4:11–13.

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Understanding Contentment

The Greekword for contentment is also translated satisfied, adequate, competent, or sufficient.

Charles Kelley: “Christian contentment is the God-given ability to be satisfied with the loving provision of God in any and every situation.”

Expliain- Its important to understand where the Apostle Paul was writing this from, prison. What was on the outside was not able to affect what was going on in the inside.

Illustrate Apply

Transition