Pursuing Joy in Contentment

Novation Church

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act. Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my difficulty. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Philippians 4:10-23 NASB

Four Things We Need To Know About Contentment

• Real contentment is a secret

“…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,” Vs. 12 NIV

• Imitation contentment is exposed by “plenty” and “want”

“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.” Vs.12 NIV

• Real contentment is not discovered, it is learned

“I have learned the secret of being content…” Vs.12 NIV

When I am discontent I can

Blame others

Blame my circumstances

Blame God

Or trust God to meet my deepest needs and longings

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Vs. 19

• Real and lasting contentment is only found in Jesus Christ

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Vs. 13

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.” Isaiah 55:1-2 NIV

“This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 NIV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NIV