Thankfulness Fuels Contentment

TRUTH: Thankfulness is an overflow of contentment. Contentment is found in Jesus alone.

INTRODUCTION

Raise your hand if you have ever heard of ?

Philippians 4:13 ESV

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

It’s a very popular verse of Scripture. Many use it as motivation for strength as they tackle an important task, whatever that might be.

But, tonight we are going to learn that the apostle Paul, the author of , wasn’t just talking about strength in specific tasks. He was actually speaking about contentment.

As we approach Thanksgiving next Thursday, it’s fitting for us to spend some time discussing what it means to be content. We are going to do so but zoning in on . But before we do, here’s the valuable question:

OPENING QUESTION: HOW CAN I BE CONTENT?

GOD’S WORD

Contentment comes from Jesus (The secret is in Jesus).

Philippians 4:10–13 ESV

10 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. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 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. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

PRAY

OPENING QUESTION: WHAT CAN THANKFULNESS DO FOR YOUR LIFE?

TRUTH: Thankfulness fuels contentment

CONTEXT

Paul starts a train of thought by rejoicing in the Philippian church’s concern for him. He said that he rejoiced greatly at their revived concern for him.

Paul was not dependent on the Philippian church support for him to find contentment. Paul was not hinting at wanting another gift from them. Why? -- Because, over time Paul found the secret. Paul teaches us to look beyond our circumstances, whether we have much or little, and rejoice in Christ. In Him, we have all that we could ever need. He, Jesus, is the secret. Paul was in Christ and as a result possessed contentment in any circumstance. With little, Paul was thankful. With much, Paul was thankful.

TRUTH: Thankfulness fuels contentment

Thankfulness is necessary for your life

What we need to understand is that thankfulness is necessary for your life because it fuels contentment.

Illustration: 13 year old & my Red mongoose bike like Rusty

Door to door for yard work

Raised $86 of the $95

>> PICTURE OF BIKE

I didn’t get the bike. Dad said I already had one.

WHERE WE GO TO GET CONTENTMENT:

Being known

Being successful

What we have (clothes, electronics, etc.)

Self-esteem

Relationships (friendships)

Grades

If we didn’t a lot of double taps in IG

What are you going to do if these never happen or were taken away?

Paul spoke from experience. Paul was in Christ and thus content no matter what his circumstances.

Paul spoke from experience. He knew what it was like to have a lot and to have nothing. Paul was in Christ and thus content no matter what his circumstances.

For some of us, that’s crazy talk - There’s no way a person can be fully content no matter what. False, contentment can be a reality 24/7.

Paul spoke from experience. He knew what it was like to have a lot and to have nothing. Paul was in Christ and thus content no matter what his circumstances.

For some of us, that’s crazy talk - There’s no way a person can be fully content no matter what. False, contentment can be a reality 24/7.

What is contentment?

The ability to conquer circumstances and situations rather than be conquered by them. Such an attitude is the exact opposite of worry and anxiety.

Contentment is learned. Paul had been through both extremes: poverty and surplus. Where did Paul go in both situations? Answer: to the strength of Christ in him. Paul didn’t rely on himself or anyone to be sufficient for him, instead the sufficiency of Jesus in his life was enough.

What is contentment?

Contentment comes from Jesus (The secret is in Jesus).

The ability to conquer circumstances and situations rather than be conquered by them. Such an attitude is the exact opposite of worry and anxiety.

When we are thankful, contentment “sets up shop” in our lives. Because thankfulness fuels contentment:

What do you have to be thankful for?

What do you have to be thankful for?

The gospel - The gospel isn’t a bunch rules to make us feel awful. THE GOSPEL IS THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S LOVE FOR YOU.

People in your life

Things God has entrusted you with

Things God has entrusted you with

At the end of the day, the most important thing we will ever need is Jesus. In every circumstance we find ourselves in is an opportunity to be content in Jesus.

In every circumstance we find ourselves in is an opportunity to be content in Jesus.

That’s where Paul went for strength: Jesus.

> Not for selfish strength for his personal agenda, but for daily contentment. Paul didn’t need all the things, status, and people; he needed Jesus.

If it was all taken away from you, would you be content?

TRUTH: Thankfulness is fuels contentment

Contentment comes from Jesus (The secret is in Jesus).

Have you learned the secret?

Contentment is in Jesus alone

DRAW FROM THE STRENGTH OF CHRIST.