The Secret of Contentment
August 2, 2015 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We can do all things through Christ Who gives us the strength to do it.
Focus Passage: Philippians 4:10-13
Supplemental Passage: “… for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10b NASB)
Introduction: Have you ever heard the phrase, “that person wouldn’t be happy if they were hung with a new rope.” Do you know anyone like that? Some people just seem to be chronically unhappy; discontent with every aspect of their life. They want a better job. They want a bigger house. They want more money. They want this; they want that. So what is the secret to being content with what you have? Paul tells us in Philippians 4.
I. Contentment with Finances
a. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:9-10 NASB)
b. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 NASB)
c. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NASB)
II. Contentment with Material Goods
a. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. (1 Timothy 6:7-8 NASB)
b. "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33 NASB)
c. and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. (Acts 2:45 NASB)
d. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NASB)
III. Contentment with Suffering
a. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 NASB)
b. Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12 NASB)
c. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18 NASB)
d. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NASB)
Application/Invitation: Are you discontent? Perhaps you are not resting in or even trusting in God to meet your needs. Perhaps what you need is just really what you want, and you don’t actually need it at all. Confess to God your discontent with material possessions. Trust in Him to meet your needs. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalms 16:11 NASB)
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NASB)
