Text: Philippians 4:11-13
God’s people are to practice contentment. Like Paul, we need to practice this in every circumstance. However, we need to understand what contentment is. Many claim contentment but are really immature, disobedient, cowardly, lazy, or apathetic instead. In this lesson, we are going to consider what the Bible says about contentment – what it is and is not.
What Contentment Is Not
- An excuse not to grow/mature – God expects us to grow (Hebrews 5:11-12); yet many remain in a state of immaturity, unable to teach, serve, lead, etc.; this is NOT contentment
- An excuse to remain in sin – God expects us to remove sin from our lives (Romans 6:1-2); yet many accept that certain struggles with sin will always be there; this is NOT contentment
- An excuse to tolerate what is wrong – God expects us to deal with sin and error (1 Corinthians 5:13; 2 John 10:11); yet many claim patience/tolerance instead of addressing problems; this is NOT contentment
- An excuse not to work hard – God expects us to work hard, physically (Ecclesiastes 9:10) and spiritually (Hebrews 4:11); yet many are lazy and accept the consequences of refusing to work hard; this is NOT contentment
- An excuse not to practice good stewardship – we must be good stewards of God’s gifts (1 Peter 4:10); yet many are apathetic about their blessings and squander what God has given; this is NOT contentment
What Contentment Is
- Humbly submitting to the will of God (2 John 9-10) – content to remain within the bounds of God’s word; recognize that God’s way is best (Isaiah 55:8-9); submit to His will (Colossians 3:17)
- Patiently dealing with circumstances beyond our control (Ecclesiastes 8:8) – we cannot control everything; do not worry (Matthew 6:27, 34); plan for the future (James 4:13-16), but accept whatever comes
- Graciously accept whatever blessings God provides (Philippians 4:11-12) – whether in prosperity or in need; show gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18); every good thing is from God (James 1:17); He continues to bless us
- Willing to accept the consequences of doing right (2 Corinthians 12:10) – we will face persecution (1 Peter 4:12); if we suffer, we are blessed (1 Peter 3:14); do not be ashamed (1 Peter 4:16); trust in God (1 Peter 4:19)
What a Content Christian Will Do
- Continue to obey the Lord (Revelation 2:10) – following God may lead to trouble (Matthew 5:10); do not give up
- Maintain a regular habit of prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) – this leads to peace (Philippians 4:6-7), then contentment (Philippians 4:11-12)
- Refrain from grumbling and complaining (Philippians 2:14) – we need to change our perspective (2 Corinthians 4:17-5:1)
- Keep focused on the goal of heaven (Philippians 3:14) – focusing on worldly things chokes out the word (Luke 8:14)
Conclusion
- As Christians, we must be content – this contentment needs to be how the Bible defines it; not about being satisfied with laziness, apathy, immaturity, etc.; instead, it is about humble submission and trust in God
- Godliness and contentment lead to a “great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6) – this reward is eternal life
