JOY EXPRESSED: Generous Contentment

Philippians 4:10–23 NKJV

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Peas & Carrots

Main Idea: God desires contentment that gives way to generosity.

Key Question: How content are you?

1. Joy is expressed in contentment. (v.11-13, 17)

a. Contentment defines our need. (v. 11)

Philippians 4:11 NKJV

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

Needs are reduced when contentment rises.

1 Timothy 6:6–8 NKJV

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

b. Contentment delivers commitment. (v. 12)

Philippians 4:12 NKJV

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Contentment enables us to live in poverty and wealth.

God may really want us to be without some things.

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

c. Contentment demands God’s power. (v. 13)

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Context: We use it as something we hope to get. (A win at a game)

Discontentment robs Jesus of His power to work in your life.

John 15:5 NKJV

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

2. Joy is expressed in generosity. (v. 10, 14-23)

a. Generosity recognizes an opportunity. (v. 10, 14)

Philippians 4:10 NKJV

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Generosity happens when care meets opportunity!

Generosity begins with sympathizing with a need.

Philippians 4:14 NKJV

Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

1 Timothy 6:18 NKJV

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

b. Generosity requires longevity. (v. 15-16)

Philippians 4:15–16 NKJV

Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

Continuous generosity sustains the work.

Generosity out of contentment keeps our eyes focused eternal rewards. (v. 17, 20)

2 Corinthians 11:8–9 NKJV

I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.

c. Generosity releases God’s provisions. (v. 19)

Philippians 4:19 NKJV

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Generosity allows God to meet your needs abundantly!

Psalm 37:25 NKJV

I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Can you increase your giving through the church?

Can you give more to Lottie Moon in December than ever before?