The Secret to Contentment
Study in Philippians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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The "What If" Scenario
"Imagine your life, right now, with all its pressures, its deadlines, and its to-do lists. Now, what if someone told you that you could have a deep sense of peace and satisfaction, starting today, without a single one of your circumstances changing?
Not after you get the promotion. Not after the kids are grown. Not after the bills are all paid. But right now, in the middle of the mess. It sounds almost impossible, doesn't it?
Our culture sells us the idea that contentment is a destination—something we arrive at once everything in our life is perfectly aligned.
But the Bible presents it differently. It presents contentment not as a destination, but as a discovery; a secret that can be learned and lived out no matter where we find ourselves."
The Secret to Contentment
Con·tent·ment: a state of happiness and satisfaction.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
Paul is grateful for the support he’s received from the Philippians. He rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again they expressed their care for him. Though they couldn’t support him previously, now they could.
Paul understands the providence of God. Providence is God arranging things beforehand for the fulfillment of his purposes. God is in control, and there’s no such thing as luck, chance, or coincidence. If something doesn’t work out, God must have another plan.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Learned to be content. - having enough
Today more than ever people have discontent: lack of contentment; dissatisfaction with one's circumstances.
The Comparison Game is Unfair:
On social media, everyone posts their best moments—their vacation pictures, their big wins, their perfect-looking selfies. It's like everyone is showing a movie of their greatest hits. When we compare our normal, everyday life (with its boring parts and bad days) to their highlight reel, it's easy to feel like our own life isn't good enough. It’s a game you can’t win, and it makes people feel bad about themselves.
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Know: It reveals that he had learned by experience and spiritual maturity to live above and despite his circumstances.
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Remember Mom use to say is it a need or a want?
Poverty and prosperity both bring challenges.
To be in need: Can drive people to steal or become looters. (Covid theft)
To have plenty: To have more than you need but still need more. Why?
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I studied marketing for years.
The word "secret" instantly creates a sense of intrigue and suggests that there's information that's not widely known. This exclusivity can make people feel special and part of an "in-crowd", driving a desire to be among the privileged few who possess this "secret" knowledge or access.
Calgon's "Ancient Chinese Secret"
Coca-Cola's "Secret Formula" - It use to have cocaine in it.
In & Out: Secret Menu - 30 different options
The secret to getting abs in only five minutes a day
The secret of what?
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Contentment: Any and Every situation.
Now one of the most misquoted verses in the bible.
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
All: this / things
To stop there and pull the words out of context would imply the idea of self-reliance, arrogant self-assuredness.
Any boxing fans? Evander Holyfield / Fighting Mike Tyson / Robe had this verse
Means: I am going to beat up Mike Tyson. Which he did.
Then he wore it again when he fought Lenox Lewis next and got beat up.
The secret sauce is this is the later part of the verse.
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
It was the power of Christ within him that gave him spiritual contentment.
All of nature depends on hidden resources. The greatest of trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God sees.
The connection to Him. Are you connected to Him?
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
The Secret of contentment is not found in what I have or do not have.
The secret of contentment is found in Christ and Christ Alone.
“I can—through Christ!” was Paul’s motto, and it can be our motto too.
I can (name your circumstance) through Christ!
Until Christ is all you have, you'll never recognize that Christ is all you need.
