In All Things: Content
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Introduction (Rolling Stones)
Introduction (Rolling Stones)
May 1965, Kieth Richards wakes up, grabs his guitar and cassette recorder and plays a simple guitar riff.
He recorded 2 minutes of music, a quick sentence and then 30 minutes of snoring.
1 Month later, the Rolling Stones recorded a single that is considered one of the greatest songs of Classic Rock.
The cassette recorded about two minutes worth of an idea for a new song followed by 30 minutes of snoring.
Any guesses on what it was? I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction)
A month later, the Rolling Stones recorded this song as a single that quickly climbed the charts and is considered one of the greatest songs of Classic Rock....anyone know what it is? I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction)
Mick Jagger wrote most of the lyrics as a commentary on his frustration with commercialism and trying to find something “real”.
The song’s success is attributed to the simple lyrics of the chorus that we all can relate to: I try and I try and I try, I can’t get no satisfaction.
In All Things: Content
In All Things: Content
I want to look at a familiar passage that we have all heard.
It is on posters, t-shirts, bumper stickers, tattoos, and coffee mugs
It is quoted by actors, musicians, athletes and presidents
Maybe, most well-known verse in Scripture, or close second to
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
My question for you, is “what does this verse really mean?”
Haven’t we all heard
It
Problem - often this verse is removed from its context.
It is presented as a verse guaranteeing “coming prosperity”
You want to be a professional athlete… I can do all things
You want to be a millionaire…I can do all things
You want your dreams to come true… I can do all things
It is almost as if this verse has been mistaken for some kind of mystical incantation, or lucky charm (rabbit’s foot) that can guarantee
The home team will win the big game
The promotion will be just around the corner
That all my challenges will be easily defeated (smooth sailing)
I don’t think that an easy life, prosperity and victory is
Considering Paul’s situation, and preceeding verses…
I don’t think we can come to the conclusion that this verse guarantees our prosperity,if we but I do think there is something else that is guaranteed: Contentment/Satisfaction
Paul’s Circumstances
Paul’s Circumstances
Paul was in prison for sharing the gospel.
He is writing to the church (his friends) in Philipi to thank them for their friendship, their prayers and their support during his imprisonment.
Paul’s life is a testimony to how life is anything but smooth as a believer.
He had been flogged, beaten with rods and stoned
He had been shipwrecked and robbed
He had been imprisoned
The Bible is full of accounts of righteous men, of good men with godly intentions ending without a “happy ending”
Men who preached to those who would not listen
Families that would not listen to the advice of a godly Father
Men of integrity (did the right thing) and were overlooked, or betrayed.
Men, just because you have been declared “right” before God does not mean everything will be “right” in the world.
There is still sickness/disease/cancer
Sure there are good success stories we like to hear
Stories that
But can we not relate and identify with
There is still poverty/racism/prejudice
There is still addiction
There is still tragedy/heartache/death
There is still ra
There is still rac
Paul’s own circumstances and life experience even after God had radically transformed his life does not pretend that everything magically becomes perfect.
Paul doesn’t pretend that his circumstances and experiences are perfect
He also doesn’t pretend his own actions are perfect… he is still just a sinner saved by grace, completely at the mercy of God.
But Paul doesn’t sing “I can’t get no satisfaction”… Why? What’s the secret?
Paul’s Source of Satisfaction
Paul’s Source of Satisfaction
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.
Philippians 4:10
Paul is moved by his friends checking on him. They couldn’t send someone to check on him in the past, but finally they had opportunity to see if he was OK.
Paul wants them to know their support and sending someone to visit him was appreciated, but that everything was fine.
He knows that he has been on their mind in the past
I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in...
I know how to be brought low, to face hunger, to be in need
I know how to abound, to have plenty, to be full
Don’t you think that is interesting that Paul says I know the secret to be satisfied/content when I have plenty?
Wouldn’t that mean that there are people who have plenty that aren’t satisfied?
More money, more power, more sex, more drugs…looking for something to satisfy them: Hope, Peace, Happiness, Escape
Those
Solomon’s Grand Experiment (Ecclesiastes)
He could have whatever he wanted…so he got it.
He had women, 700 wives/300 concubines.
He had parties, big enough to cook 100 sheep 20 cows
He had a mansion, vineyards, forests, and pools (imported trees)
“Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.”
In the end…it is all vanity, chasing the wind....meaningless
The lie that you and I fall for often, is that when something doesn’t satisfy us, it’s because we need more… more of the same stuff that didn’t satisfy us!
The Bible will say we can’t build, we can create, we can’t invent what will satisfy us because the only one who can is outside of our own comprehension
Things, Relationships, Fame, Power may bring comfort or joy for a season… but in the end we need our next “fix”, another “hit, the new wears off
We need something bigger
We need something bigger
We need something bigger
Ecclesiastes will say that “eternity is written on our hearts”
In other words we have an infinite longing that can only be filled in relationship with an infinite God.
Happiness, Peace, Forgiveness, Meaning, Purpose are found
Happiness, Peace, Forgiveness, Meaning, Purpose are found
Happiness, Peace, Forgiveness, Meaning, Purpose are found
We desire: Happiness, Joy, Peace, Meaning, Purpose
Happiness, Peace, Forgiveness, Meaning, Purpose are found
In seeing the beauty and glory of God
Not found in stuff, family, relationships, money, power
In obedience to his good law that show us the best possible way to live
Found in
In resting in his wisdom and his provision for our lives knowing that if we are his children…his sons then he works all things together for our good and his glory
This is how Paul can be satisfied not only when things are going well, but also when things go really, really, bad.
When disaster hits close to home
When the doctor has bad news
When the factory closes down
When you toss and turn at night and your pillow is soaked with sweat or tears
We start to see why Paul says I can handle this, I am content through/because of Christ who strengthens me.
Paul doesn’t find his identity nor his satisfaction in his circumstances or experience.
Paul isn’t full of Pride and Self-Righteousness (I made myself)
- I taught the bible, I went to church, I was a good man… but all of that is garbage, compared to knowing and trusting in the sacrifice of Jesus.
He had it together, all his ducks in a row, he was a respected teacher, he had a good job, he was somebody… none of this can compare to knowing (not about God) but knowing God personally/relationship
Paul also isn’t hopeless, afraid, or dreadful
Paul had some battles
2 Corinthians - Paul has a problem (thorn) won’t go away…he begs God to make it better… God says “my grace is sufficient”
Romans - “I do what I don’t want to do, I don’t do what I know I should be doing” Who can save me from myself…Thanks be to God, Jesus!
Paul goes on…so I will glory in my suffering and in my weakness because Jesus still satisfies even in the midst of my trials and my own failures.
Paul would encourage us.... fix your eyes on Jesus
Not if you are rich, poor, middle class
Black, White, Hispanic
Grew up in church or grew up on the street
Healthy, Diseased, Addicted
It does not matter who you were or where you are… but whose you are
The best news is, if you are a child of the king… one day you get the kingdom!
Paul’s Satisfaction is Found in His Hope: Jesus
Paul’s Satisfaction is Found in His Hope: Jesus
The reason for Paul’s confidence in Christ is found in the hope that Christ brings
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Whatever situation Paul may find himself in, he looks forward to the day when he will will finally conquer sin and death and have joy and peace that will last forever!
Paul doesn’t focus on his past failures, or his current struggles… he looks forward to the future.
Not sure who said this, “Don’t let your past be a hammock, but a trampoline”
There are days in my past that I am ashamed of (things I have done I wouldn’t share with anyone)
There are days now when I really mess up (wife/kids/work)
I’ve got two choices
I can let guilt, shame, fear rule my life… paralyze me
I can trust in the shed blood and forgiveness found in Jesus and move forward
We don’t have to live in shame, fear, guilt
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Each day we can get up fresh, forgive, new man
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
Guys, you and I are still going to struggle
What parent looks at a toddler who stumbles when taking first steps and says… “you idiot, what’s wrong with you”
No, as parents we are thrilled at even the first step…He’s walking…He’s doing it
Our Father is not only rooting for us, he is training us, he is giving us strength, he is enabling us to WALK with him…as his children
As children of the king we get the kingdom…but don’t wait until you get to heaven
You remember the Lord’s prayer?
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…where, when?
NOW both in Heaven and HERE
God has not saved us and left us on our own
He has not saved us and left us to “think” our identity can be found apart from him
As his children, through his words, his instruction, his discipline…he loves his children and desires that we look more like him.
I am a spitting image of my dad…I look like him, like music, hunting, fishing, bible, preaching… he nurtured these desires in me
God is our perfect father… even if your earthly dad was horrible or abandoned you God is not that guy… he is a good father, he loves his children and he wants his sons to look like him
To be good employees
To be good friends
To be good fathers
To be good husbands
To look like Jesus in all areas of our lives, to all the people we contact
He wants us to love the things he loves, to hate the things he hates…to be able to discern (decide) what is helpful and what is harmful… and find satisfaction.
How much time are you spending with dad?
How is your prayer life?
How is your Bible reading?
You want to know him?
Not what the preacher says
Not what mom,dad or grandma said
Do you want to know HIM?
Then spend time with Dad…talk to him, listen to him… everyday
Have you found satisfaction?
Have you found satisfaction?
Is there anyone here who is looking for something more?
Anyone here who has been finding identity in the wrong place?
Maybe in their desire for more…stuff, power, money, sex
Is there anyone here who is finding their identity in stuff, in the
Maybe in their past failures or addictions
Anyone here that is going through something that seems like more than you can handle?
Anyone here that isn’t one of God’s children?
The only answer and the only hope for any of us is Jesus. Guys he loves us, so much that He left his throne as king of the universe and came and died for me and you despite our past, despite our failures, despite our rebellious heart…
if you don’t know him, if you have not experienced his love and his forgiveness…your missing it… I try and I try and I try and I try… I can’t get no satisfaction.
If that is you… if that song could be your anthem… maybe it’s time to seek satisfaction in God