Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.
The sixth word in this sermon series is contentment. Contentment is the state of being satisfied and not displeased.
Apostle Paul shares the secret of being contented as found in Philippians 4:10-14: How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
Many Christians today are discontented. They sing the song that the Rolling Stones made popular: "I can't get no...satisfaction. And I try, and I try, and I try..."
1. True contentment comes from knowing whose I am. It is based on a relationship with God. Philippians 1:21: For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
2. Contentment comes from possessing an attitude of a servant. Philippians 2:5: You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
3. Contentment comes from confidence in God's providence. The Philippians were part of God's plan to meet Paul's needs. Philippians 4:10: How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Philippians 4:19: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. God's resources never dry up.
4. Contentment is learned. Philippians 4:11: Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have... I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)
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