Living A Satisfied Life

Living a Satisfied Life

May 2002

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (in prison awaiting death)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

· A life of contentment lived before your children, your family, your friends and the world is the strongest witness you could ever give of your faith in Christ. It should be obvious to others that at all times, in all situations we believe we are in the hands of God.

· Our ability to be content is under attack. Advertising agencies spend billions of dollars to encourage our discontentment and create a desire in us to buy their products. In order to buy something new, you must first be dissatisfied with what you have.

· A heart that is not satisfied causes us to make constant, unnecessary changes in our life that never produce the benefits we desire. (Constant cycle of disappointment)

· Ambition, dreams, and vision are from God.

· God is not the source of striving, unhealthy stress, worry, fear and doubt.

· What is motivating your ambition?

o To please people?

o To live up to someone’s standards?

o To prove someone wrong?

o To fulfill an inner vow?

o To satisfy your flesh?

1. Satisfied people have learned to be content. It is not a state of mind we are born with.

Philippians 4:11-13

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

· Possessions do not define me! My birth defines me! Titles, positions, and account statements are not an accurate reflection of who I am!

· I hear this truth.

· I believe this is truth.

· I practice this truth.

· This truth becomes the norm in my life.

(My contentment is not based on my current circumstances.)

· I teach others this truth.

2. Satisfied people have a thankful heart.

Job 1: 21

“He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!”

· Is Job just an extreme example meant to frustrate and condemn us?

Psalms 17:15b (NLT)

“When I awake (no matter what the morning brings me), I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you face to face.”

3. Satisfied people have a right understanding about success and money.

God gives us money to:

a. Meet all of our needs and some of our wants.

b. Support the ministries of the church.

c. To invest in people.

· God is more interested in developing in us the character and personality of Christ than meeting all of our needs and wants.

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)

“The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Luke 12:15 (Can greed be disguised as proper doctrine?)

”Then He said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

· Be content with what you have, but never with what you are.

· (The sin of comparison) A covetous heart is never satisfied. When we covet someone else’s job, spouse, income, house or car, we are saying, “You have not been fair with me, God! I deserve more. You owe me something.”

4. Satisfied people are using their spiritual gifts.

· Unhealthy stress is produced when we attempt to accomplish ministry or duties outside of the authority and gifts God has given us.

2 Timothy 1:6-7

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, but the spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

· Is it possible that if our gifts are dormant, our lives could be controlled by fear, be void of power and lacking discipline?

· It is impossible to be content and to also be fearful, powerless and undisciplined.

2 Corinthians 9:8

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound (exceed, increase, abundance) in every good work.”

5. Satisfied people are winning the war against their flesh.