The Believer's Greatest Need

Title: The believer’s greatest need

Text: Philippians 4:10-20

Philippians 4:19 has got to be one of the most encouraging verses found in the Bible.

“19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Any verse where God promises to meet all our needs is an encouraging verse.

Question: What is the greatest need in a believer’s life?

•Is the greatest need in a believer’s life a financial need?

•Is the greatest need in a believer’s life a physical need?

•Is our greatest need the same for every believer?

In Philippians 4:10-13 we find a description of what could be the greatest need in a believer’s life.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

The greatest need in a believer’s life is to have contentment.

To have peace in our hearts and peace in our minds (which is what contentment is) is every believer’s greatest need.

If you need contentment in your life then you need to see what Paul tells in verse 12.

12 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.”

1.First of all you need to see that Contentment is a secret

12 I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,

A. Most people don’t know the secret to finding contentment

B. Most people think the secret to contentment is found at a higher pay level; at a better job; in a bigger house or at a different location.

2. You need to see that contentment is an inside job.

(v12) 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.”

Here is the secret to finding contentment.

Contentment is an inside job!

Being content has nothing to do with what is going on outside of us but everything to do with what is going on inside of me.

Paul says you can take everything I have away from me and I’ll still content.”

Illustration: take away my food and my freedom and I’ll still going to be content.

The truth is that most people don’t know that contentment is an inside job

3.You need to see that Contentment is something that must be learned

12 I have learned the secret of being content…”

A. Where does a person learn the secret to contentment?

•Is it during the times where you find yourself full or is it during the times where you find yourself hungry?

•Is it during the times where you find yourself living in plenty or is during the times where you find yourself living in want?

The answer is both!

Contentment is being the very same person regardless of the circumstances.

If you think it would only take a vacation in Hawaii to get you contented. You are wrong!

What has a person learnt that allows him or her to find the secret to contentment?

1.They have learnt that in order to find contentment they must get themselves into a right relationship with God

The very source of all our contentment comes from having a right relationship with God.

Whenever we lose our contentment it’s always because we have somehow neglected our relationship with God

How do you know when you have gotten yourself into a right relationship with God?

You know you have gotten yourself into a right relationship with God when…

You are experiencing God’s strength.

Illustration: you and I are like rechargeable batteries.When we lose the charge we have to be recharged.We get recharged through having a right relationship with God.When we read, study and apply God’s word we are recharged.When we pray we are recharged.When we worship together on Sunday’s we are recharged.When we share our faith we are recharged.

Those who find the secret of contentment have learnt to get themselves into a right relationship with God.And a right relationship with God starts with having a right relationship with Jesus

Finally I would like to return to our text in order to show us what life will be like for those who find the secret of contentment.