Being Content

Philippians 4:10-13

Philippians 4:10–13 ESV

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 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.

I. Having to Rely on Others is Hard.

Paul’s position as a tentmaker.

Paul relies on the generocity of the places he serves.

However, Paul also believes one must work to earn their keep.

2 Thessalonians 3:6–12 ESV

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

2 Thessalonians

Helping others provides the basis for a deep founded relationship, being helped often does the same.

There is a difference between being in need and taking advantage of someone.

What I get from others is not a condition of friendship.

Elementary age friendship.

How the church serves...

We can only give out of the abundance that is given to us.

Churches have had to make the decisions of how to pay staff members.

Luckily not here.

It is why at times it is hard to ask for money.

II. Learning to be Content.

Paul had experienced plenty and want.

“To be made low” has the same sense as being humbled.

1 Timothy 6:10 ESV

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

2 Timothy

1 Timothy 6:17 ESV

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Contentment is learned through experience

Brother Lawrence: The Presence of God

Consider addictions

Contentment is “sufficiency” driven through Christ.

“This knowledge is learned by walking with Christ, who is the sufficient one, and by developing a solid theology of material things.” - NAC: Philippians

2 Corinthians 2:19

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

We need to learn to simplify

God does not place on us more than we can bear.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

III. God’s Strength to do HIS Will.

Why do we struggle with self sufficiency?

Being Content

The ability to do all things through Christ requires us to surrender to his will, not ours.

We state that we KNOW Christ, but don’t act as if we are in RELATIONSHIP with Christ.

So we don’t know what the perfect will of God is...

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

WWJD?

WWJD?

I can do all things through Christ, but only when I am in relationship with Christ, only when I walk with him daily, only when I am truly content with what he has given me!

Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:25–34 ESV

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:25

Application

How do we demonstrate reliance on God?

How do we demonstrate contentment with what we have?

Review of the Ten Commandments.

We honor God

We don’t Lie, steal or cheat

We don’t murder

We don’t covet

We honor our parents and our family

We do not commit adultery, or lower ourselves to lust.

Because God’s grace is sufficient for us!