The Key to Contentment

Intro

Is it enough to tell people about God’s love? Or should we tell them about God’s Wrath also?

“Satisfaction in God - Sermon Jam (John Piper)”

“If we pursue the world, we’ll only find ourselves longing for more out of life. We can only find true contentment in life when we pursue God instead”

Paul established the church

Not enough Jews

Paul wrote them to

thank them for prayers and support

The difficulties he had in Rome

Who in high school “has it all?”

Star Athletes

Handsome and beautiful

Date the cutest guys or girls

Great cloths and drive nice cars

What they are can sometimes be fake,

We still want the things they enjoy

If we aren’t careful, it can turn into discontentment

Good to have goals, but if we are finding contentment...

We need to find ultimate contentment in our relationship with God

Paul knew highs and lows of life, but he did not find satisfaction in the highs and lows.

What’s the difference between Joy and Happiness?

Part 1

Philippians 4:10–14 NET

I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.)I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble.

4

When we follow Jesus, is life easier or harder?

When we face hard situations, we should see it as an opertunity

Trust God

Slip into worrying

God uses these times to increase faith

Paul had a need that the Philippians met

God ultimately met their need

What Paul experienced

Being thrown in prison

Whipped five times with thirty-nine-lashes

Beaten with rods three times

Faced death and multiple dangers

Lack of Food

Slept in cold

Did God put these things in Paul’s life?

Was it to punish him?

Then Why?

Paul’s secret to contentment was wholehearted dependence on God

How many of you have heard people quote verse 13? What do they use it for?

No matter our circumstance, we can depend on Christ

1: What keeps us from experiencing contentment?

2: Why is God’s strength a necessary ingredient for contentment?

Part 2

Phil 4:15-18

Philippians 4:15–18 NET

And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion you sent something for my need. I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account. For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.

Coin Collecting

Which churches supported Paul from these verses?

He refused to complain about what was not done, Rather gave thanks for what was given to him

We should look for was to bless others like this church blessed paul.

God often give us more than we need

We should do more than receive with a thankful heart, but give with a thankful heart.

We should all have a missional focus

Some going

Some supporting

Missionaries when i was 8

Be thankful for what God gave and continually look for ways to share what you have

3: What’s the connection between contentment and generosity?

4: Describe a time when someone’s generolsity overwhelmed you

5: How do you decide when, where and how to give?

Part 3

Philippians 4:19–20 NET

And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.

Phil 4:19-20

Have your parents ever given away something that was yours to someone else?

These people sacrificed to take care of paul

Knew God would take care of them

Sometimes when we go to God, we forget who we are coming to

Does contentment come with getting everything we want?

How do we get contentment?

When we pray to God, do we pray for needs or wants more?

True contentment comes only from God, and pursuing a relationship with him.

Being thankful with what he gives us and giving to others generously

6. How do you demonstrate trust that God will meet your needs?

7: What ‘s the relationship between giving and God’s glory?

8: What truths about God encourage you to be generous?

9. Ask yourself this, do money and possessions bring more joy than Jesus?

Can you really say “Christ is all i need”

12: When has god used you to bless someone?

13: who is someone that you can bless this week?

The world tempts us to continually look for more to fill out lives with

14: In terms of what you are pursuing, how does your life look different from the world?

How SHOULD our lives look different from the world?

15: How can you use this to point people to Jesus?