Title: BEING CONTENT IN EVERY SITUATION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Philippians 4:11-13
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." KJV
Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 3:14; Proverbs 30:8-9
INTRODUCTION:
Contentment is a state of being at peace and satisfied with what God has provided, regardless of external circumstances. In a world where people constantly strive for more— more possessions, more achievements, more success—the ability to be content is a powerful testimony of trust in God’s provision and His perfect timing. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, shows us that true contentment does not come from our circumstances, but from our relationship with Christ. It is a learned attitude that reflects dependence on God and the peace He provides.
1. UNDERSTANDING CONTENTMENT
Contentment is not merely the absence of desire but a settled assurance in God's ability to provide for us.
a) Contentment Is Not the Same as Complacency
Contentment does not mean that we stop striving for improvement or that we don't have desires. It means that we are at peace with where we are, trusting that God will provide what we need when we need it.
b) Contentment Comes from a Heart of Trust in God
True contentment is rooted in knowing that God is in control, and we can trust His provision, timing, and plans for our lives (Hebrews 13:5).
c) It Is an Inner Peace, Not External Circumstances
Circumstances do not dictate our contentment; our peace comes from Christ. Whether we have little or much, contentment allows us to maintain joy and peace (Philippians 4:11-13).
d) It Is a Choice to Trust God's Provision
Choosing to be content is an active decision to trust God regardless of what we face in life (Matthew 6:25-34).
e) Biblical Example:
The Apostle Paul’s life is a powerful example of contentment. Despite facing imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks, he remained content because of his trust in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
2. WHY CONTENTMENT IS IMPORTANT IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Being content in every situation is essential to living a godly life.
a) It Reflects Trust in God’s Provision
When we are content, we acknowledge that God is our provider and that He knows what is best for us (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
b) It Protects Us from Greed and Covetousness
Discontentment often leads to coveting what others have, but contentment frees us from envy and the love of money (Hebrews 13:5).
c) It Helps Us Focus on God’s Kingdom
When we are content, we focus more on spiritual matters, rather than on accumulating wealth or worldly success (Luke 12:15).
d) It Brings Peace and Satisfaction
Contentment leads to peace of mind, as we are not constantly striving or feeling anxious about our circumstances (Philippians 4:7).
e) Biblical Example:
John the Baptist exhibited contentment by his simple lifestyle, even when others lived in luxury. He found peace in fulfilling his God-given role (Luke 3:14).
3. HOW TO CULTIVATE CONTENTMENT
Contentment is something we must learn and intentionally cultivate.
a) Practice Gratitude
Focusing on the blessings we have rather than what we lack helps us to develop a heart of contentment (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
b) Trust in God’s Timing and Plan
Contentment comes when we trust that God’s timing is perfect and that He knows what is best for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
c) Be Mindful of Your Words
Speaking words of faith and gratitude, rather than complaining or grumbling, helps us maintain contentment (Philippians 2:14).
d) Cultivate a Relationship with Christ
The more we grow in our relationship with Christ, the more we can trust His provision and find satisfaction in Him (Psalm 37:4).
e) Biblical Example:
The Apostle Peter learned contentment through his relationship with Jesus. Despite the challenges he faced, his trust in Christ kept him at peace (Matthew 16:24-26).
4. THE ROLE OF CONTENTMENT IN CHRISTIAN WITNESS
Our contentment serves as a witness to the world of the sufficiency of Christ.
a) It Demonstrates the Power of God in Our Lives
When the world sees us content despite hardships, it reflects the power of God working in us (Matthew 5:14-16).
b) It Attracts Others to Christ
Contentment in Christ can serve as a powerful testimony to those who are searching for peace and fulfillment (1 Peter 3:15).
c) It Reflects the Gospel’s Impact
A contented life is one that reflects the transforming power of the gospel, showing others that Jesus is enough (Philippians 1:21).
d) It Promotes Peace in Relationships
Contentment helps maintain peace in relationships by removing envy and strife. It fosters humility and unity (Romans 12:16).
e) Biblical Example:
Daniel’s unwavering contentment in Babylon, despite being in a foreign land and under pressure to conform, showed the kings and rulers the greatness of God (Daniel 6:10-23).
5. THE BLESSINGS OF CONTENTMENT
Living a life of contentment brings numerous spiritual and practical blessings.
a) It Leads to Greater Spiritual Growth
When we are content, we are not distracted by worldly desires, but can focus on growing in our relationship with God (Philippians 3:7-8).
b) It Brings Freedom from Anxiety
Contentment frees us from the anxiety that comes from worrying about material things (Matthew 6:25-34).
c) It Cultivates a Joyful Heart
Contentment leads to a heart full of joy because we are at peace with where God has placed us (Proverbs 15:13).
d) It Increases Our Generosity
When we are content, we are less focused on accumulating wealth and more focused on blessing others (Acts 20:35).
e) Biblical Example:
Job’s contentment during his trials, even when he lost everything, demonstrates the peace and joy that come from trusting in God (Job 1:20-22).
CONCLUSION:
Being content in every situation is a vital part of the Christian life. It is a choice to trust God’s provision, to be grateful for what He has given us, and to find our satisfaction in Him alone. Contentment protects us from greed, helps us focus on what truly matters, and serves as a powerful testimony to the world. As we learn to be content, we experience peace, joy, and freedom in Christ, knowing that He is enough.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to trust in Your provision and be content with what You have given me.
2. Father, teach me to focus on the blessings I have rather than what I lack.
3. Lord, remove any spirit of greed or covetousness from my heart and help me to live a content life.
4. Father, help me to be grateful in all circumstances, knowing that You are in control.
5. Lord, grant me peace in every situation, whether in abundance or lack.
6. Father, help me to find satisfaction in You alone and not in material things.
7. Lord, teach me to be content in all circumstances, as Paul was.
8. Father, help me to be a witness to others of the sufficiency of Christ in my life.
9. Lord, remove any anxiety or worry from my heart and replace it with Your peace.
10. Father, give me the strength to trust Your timing and plan for my life.
