Satisfied vs. Content

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Intro

In this 3 part series we are going to explore what gratitude really is, where it comes from, and what it produces in our life.

Core statement/concept

“Gratitude comes from understanding the value of what you already have.”

Our experience of life can be heavily influenced by our circumstances - but why?

One of the reasons is because of what we spend our time thinking about

It is human nature to spend more time thinking about what we want, than what we already have

Let’s define some terms:

Getting what you want = Satisfaction

Wanting what you’ve got = Contentment

We make the mistake of thinking that we will be grateful when we get what we want

However, satisfaction never produces lasting gratitude

When we chase what we want, we’ll always be wanting something more and we’ll inevitably devalue the things we already have

The desire to be satisfied actually enslaves us to our circumstances

By prioritizing satisfaction, we train ourselves to look for happiness in things we don’t have yet - thus we need things to “go right” in order to be happy

Gratitude comes from contentment

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 “Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

This is challenging: it is God’s will that you learn to be grateful no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. How is that possible?

Philippians 4:11–13 “...I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”

We can be grateful in every circumstance when we learn to value what we already have - this is the secret of being content

Paul understood the blessings and the power of Jesus in His life - these things were consistent, despite His circumstances

Contentment is all about focus

Focus is what determines your experience of life

The person who is more joyful than you, isn’t more joyful because their life is better - they are more joyful because of what they focus on

We know this is true, because there are many people whose lives are objectively harder than our own, and yet they are happier

To change the way you feel, change the things you're focusing on

Learn to recognize the difference between what you want and what you need

Start your prayers with thanksgiving and reflecting on God’s blessings

End the endless pursuit of “more” - you don’t need it

The blessings of living in gratitude

Fruitfulness

We become more fruitful with what we have, when we appreciate what we have

Vision & Direction

We have a better perspective on our circumstances and clearer insight into what our next steps are

Apply

Questions to discuss and get conversation going:

Additional passage to consider: 1 Timothy 6:6-10

What grabbed your attention in today’s lesson?

How does it apply in your life?

What are you going to take away and apply this week?

Summary of sermon (Big Idea)

If we want to be free and fruitful, we have to focus on the value of what God has already given us, rather than chasing things He hasn’t. By learning to value what God has already given us, we learn “the secret of being content” and are able to flourish in any circumstance.

Pray

Ask the Lord to open our eyes to see the blessings He has already surrounded us with.