Content

CONTENTMENT

Scripture: Philippians 4:11 KJV

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Amplified Version Phil. 4:11

Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.

I. INTRODUCTION

Discontent! Was there ever a time when there was so much restlessness in the world as there is today? We very much doubt it. Despite our boasted progress, the vast increase of wealth, the time and money expended daily in pleasure, discontent is everywhere. No class is exempt. Everything is in a state of flux, and almost everybody is dissatisfied. Many even among God's own people are affected with the evil spirit of this age. Arthur W. Pink

II. WHAT IS CONTENT?

A. Define

Primarily signifies to be sufficient, to be possessed of sufficient strength, to be strong, to be enough for a

thing, to be satisfied

( Vine’s Dictionary)

B. Content --> 1. Satisfied with what one has. 2. Resigned; accepting.

(Funk and Wagnall)

C. Contentment according to Wiersbe

1. Contentment is actually containment --> having the spiritual resources within

to face life courageously and handle it successfully.

2. Contentment is divine adequacy.

3. Contentment is having that spiritual artesian well within so that you don't have to run to the broken cisterns of the world to get what you need.

D. Contentment according to Pink

1. Contentment comes from within not without; it must be sought from God, not

In creature comforts.

2. Contentment is being satisfied with the sovereign dispensations of God's

providence.

3. Contentment is the opposite of murmuring, which is the spirit of rebellion -- the clay saying to the Potter, "Why hast Thou made me thus?" Instead of complaining at his lot,

a contented man is thankful that his condition and circumstances are no worse than they are

Instead of greedily desiring something more than the supply of his present need, he rejoices

that God still cares for him.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

III. FROM WHERE DOES CONTENTMENT COME?

A. It is a great mistake to build your happiness on circumstances or things, because circumstances

change and things have a way of wearing out and losing their value. True internal peace cannot be based on changing external things. We need something deeper and more satisfying. Wiersbe

B. Real contentment must come from within. You and I cannot change or control the

World around us, but we can change and control the world within us. It has often been said that what life does to us depends on what life finds in us.

C. It is a learned experience. "I have learned" This means we must go through troubles

and trials, difficulties and sacrifices, and we must face changes in our lives.

Define learned

We have here an account of Paul's learning, not which he got at the feet of

Gamaliel, but that which he got at the feet of Christ. Matthew Henry

D. It is a "knowing how to" situation.

KJV Phil 4:12

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all thing I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Amplified Version Phil 4:12

I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also

how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances,

the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having sufficiency

and to spare or going without and being in want.

Define Abased

Signifies to make low, bring low, humiliation

Define Instructed

To teach orally, inform, instruct

E. It is an "I can be" stance.

I Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am:

F. It is an "I can do" attitude. Phil 4:13

KJV Phil 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Amplified Version Phil 4:13

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me--I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me, [that is, I am self- sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Define Strengtheneth --- dunamis

Ability, strength,

IV. FROM WHERE DOES DISCONTENTMENT COME?

A. Our generation wants it all. Many people who are 30 and under have always had it. The lack of material things during the Great Depression has affected the attitudes of many older people.

So many, both young and old, are concerned with driving the right car, wearing clothes with the