The Blessing of Contentment

The Virtue And Value of Contentment Philippians 4:11-13

INTRODUCTION

A. Contentment is hard to learn, but it’s a necessary lesson both to please God and for our own happiness and peace of mind.

1. The word "contentment" means "to be sufficient, to be possessed of sufficient strength, to be strong, to be enough for a thing; hence, to defend, ward off; in the Middle Voice, to be satisfied, contented with..." (Vine) 1) It means "to appease the desires of; to limit (oneself) in requirements, desires, or actions; freedom from care of discomfort; contented, to have a mind of satisfaction." (Webster) 2) It is “submission to the circumstances of life without anxiety in the belief that God will supply our needs.

2. That state of not being disquieted or disturbed by desire, even though not everything is gratified. 1) It means that one should be free from worry or discomfort regarding material things or circumstances. 2) Discontent is the absence of contentment as a result of covetousness. 3) Discontentment is that dissatisfaction which is often accompanied by grumbling and complaining.

I. CONTENTMENT IS A DESIRABLE, LEARNED QUALITY! (Phil 4:11-12).

“ Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, 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.”

A. The Greek adjective autarkes, for content appears only here in the N.T.

1. The word literally means “sufficient for one’s self, strong enough to need no aid or support.” 1) Paul is not claiming his self-sufficiency originated with himself. 2 Cor 3:4-5: Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,

1 2. The word does not mean that Christians should not continually seek to improve themselves. 1) It does not mean to be satisfied with spiritual attainments, or with the “status quo.” 2) It does not mean the state of having your desires fully appeased. One can be fully satisfied, yet discontent. 3) It is not the suppression of desire for better things. Not ceasing in our efforts to better ourselves.

3. Homeless – circumstances, some of their own doing and some beyond their control. 1) What if you were that person? Would you be satisfied? 2) 2 Thes 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8 – Don’t be satisfied – try to better self. 3) Attitude: “I want to do better but tonight I’m thankful.”

4. Phil 4:12: Paul could go back and forth between these two states. 1) He was independent of circumstances, sufficient for the present time because of his trust in and dependence on the Lord. 2) Paul is saying that he knew how to be sufficient for the occasion. 3) Paul did not let poverty degrade him nor prosperity exalt him.

5. It is easy to go from want (poverty) to plenty, but very difficult to go from plenty to poverty. 1) For some knowing how to abound is more difficult than being content in want. 2) When they receive plenty, they sometimes lose all sense of restraint. 3) With some, the more they get, the more they want.

Eccl 5:10-12: “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. 11 When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? 12 The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.”

4) If riches are your life’s goal – you will never be content, want and need more – NOT SUFFICIENT.

B. Contentment is something to be learned, sought after and gained – It is not given automatically or miraculously to the Christian.

1. We can LEARN CONTENTMENT by examining the examples of Paul.

2 1) He counted everything as loss to gain Christ (Phil 3:5-8). 2) He knew that all things work together for good to them who love God (Rom 8:28). 3) He knew that there is nothing permanent here. 2 Cor 4:18: “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

4) God is able to keep that which is committed unto Him.

2 Tim 1:12: “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”

2. But CONTENTMENT TO AFFECT OUR LIVES we must have that ATTITUDE IN OUR HEARTS! 1) Paul's example of contentment is uplifting and serves as a wonderful stimulant for us.

3. He knew how to be abased, to hunger, and to suffer need.

1 Cor 4:11-13: “To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; 12 and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; 13 when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.”

2 Cor 11:21-29: “But in whatever respect anyone else is bold--I speak in foolishness--I am just as bold myself. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ?--I speak as if insane--I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak

3 without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?”

1) Paul still felt joy and pain, happiness and heartache. 2) Yet in the midst of all this, he was content – sufficient. 3) Contentment must be learned – Paul pointed back to difficult times. 4) Contentment is not an easy lesson to learn. 5) The school of discipline has included many difficult courses.

4. At times he was in poor physical health.

Gal 4:13-15: “but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; 14 and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. 15 Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.”

2 Cor 12:7-10: “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

5. Many times he was without freedom (Phil 1:12-13). 1) In contrast, we often complain under restrictions – jobs; some children think they have especially hard lives at home.

6. He was often without the admiration and approval of brethren.

2 Tim 4:16-17: “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth.”

1) Paul hit rock bottom, all deserted him – yet God delivered him. 2) How many are content and loyal in the face of such hardships?

4 II. CONTENTMENT IS A SPIRITUAL QUALITY THAT OFFERS A PHYSICAL COMFORT (1 Tim 6:6-8).

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.”

A. In the passage we learn to what extent (viz., the beginning and extension of contentment) the Christian is to be content.

1. It gives the exact amount with which he is to be content. 1) The Bible places great emphasis on doing God's will, by solemnly warning those who do not do it (Matt 7:21-23; Mark 9:43-48). 2) Likewise, the Bible places great emphasis on contentment. <> Are we content just with food and covering? 3) Luke 3:14: “Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, ‘And what about us, what shall we do? ‘And he said to them, ‘Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.’”

B. Our Lord goes a step beyond Paul's teaching and instructs us to not even be worried or concerned about food and clothing.

Matt 6:25-34: “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about (take no thought for, KJV) your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

5 1. The word “thought” as in the KJV means “state of doubt, suspense, and worry.” 1) Luke 12:29 says: "neither be of doubtful mind" (KJV); "nor have an anxious mind" (NKJV); “do not keep worrying” (NASU).

2. Why worry about food? He feeds the birds. “Are you not worth much more than they?” (26). 1) Man is made in the image of God.

Matt 10:28-31: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”

2) Why worry about clothing? He clothed the lilies and He will clothe you.

3. SO THE PRIMARY THING FOR US IS, we need to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” 1) He will provide for us and take care of us (1 Pet 5:7). 2) These verses help us to fix goals, purposes, and set proper values in life. 3) What is your primary concern in life? Do you put the kingdom above all else?

III. A TERRIBLE ENEMY OF CONTENTMENT IS COVETOUSNESS! (Heb 13:5-6).

“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ 6 so that we confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?’”

A. And here lies the reason why many Christians are not content – covetousness.

1. Some of us, seemingly, are NOT CONTENT WITH ANYTHING, but are continually striving after more of this world's goods. 1) A very sad commentary among some of God’s children is that we’re neglecting kingdom business in order to have more attachments with worldly possessions!

6 2) And if others around us even stoop to ungodly means in order to obtain more, what would we soon have to do to KEEP UP? 3) A LOT OF TIMES, such grasping after “possessions” is not because of NEED, but an urgency to fulfill one’s pride.

2. What happens is that they are really trying to serve two masters (Matt 6:24). 1) Such attitudes only manifest that they have just enough religion to make themselves miserable.

1 Tim 6:9-10: “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

2) It is better to have only a little of this world’s goods, than to have a lot, IF IT COMES WITH much sorry and headache.

Prov 15:16: “Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure that has turmoil with it.”

Prov 16:8: “Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.”

3. Luke 12:15-21: “Beware of covetousness.” In this parable we notice:

“Then He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.’ 16 And He told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 And he began reasoning to himself, saying, “What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?” 18 Then he said, “This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’” 20 But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?” 21 So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.’”

1) His egotism: He uses "I, my" eleven times in these few verses. 2) His naturalism: He left God, soul, and spiritual things out of his plans. 3) His materialism: He should have asked "Whose goods are these?"

7 4) His self-indulgence: He said to himself, "take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry."

B. The Dangers of discontent:

1. It affects our relationship with God! 1) When we are discontent because of covetousness, we become idolaters!

Eph 5:5: “For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”

2) When we are discontent because of dissatisfaction with what we have, are we not being ungrateful for what God has given us? 3) Whenever you find yourself disposed to uneasiness or murmuring at anything that is the effect of God’s providence, look upon yourself as denying either the wisdom or goodness of God. 4) Complaining about our lot in life might seem quite innocent (justified) in itself, but God takes it personally.

1 Cor 10:6-13: “Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, ‘THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY.’ 8 Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. 10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

2. It hurts ourselves! 1) Contentment is a virtue that is highly praised and valued. 2) The contented man is never poor, the discontented is never rich. 3) “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, who is poor.” (Seneca, 4 BC-65 AD). 4) So much unhappiness is the result of discontent in our own lives. 3. It hurts others! – Affects our friends, families, and brethren. 8 1) When we are discontent, we become grumblers and complainers. 2) We ruin not only ourselves, but those closest to us. 3) Nothing destroys a friendship and congregation quicker than the grumbling and murmuring of the discontented. 4) Discontent is the death of love. 5) This may be why such complaining is condemned in the Scriptures.

Phil 2:14-16a: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast (forth) the word of life,”

C. The unreasonableness of discontentment.

Ex 16:1-3: “Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. 2 The whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 The sons of Israel said to them, " Would that we had died by the LORD'S hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

1. Discontentment is unreasonable because… 1) It distrusts the power of God to deliver in spite of frequent examples. 2) It contrasts the present unfairly with the past. Present Past Disadvantages Advantages No advantages No disadvantages

3) It usually vents itself on the wrong persons.

2. Murmuring and complaining reveals what is in the heart. 1) The wicked are never satisfied.

Prov 27:20: “Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, nor are the eyes.”

3 John 9-10: “I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with

9 this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.”

2) The discontent acknowledge no need for God.

IV. FAITH IN JESUS HELPS US TO OVERCOME DISCONTENTMENT.

A. Instead of continually seeking and coveting more, doing God's will should be our primary concern.

1. Be content and put your trust in the Lord and HE WILL PROVIDE. 1) Our CONTENTMENT causes us to acclaim with great boldness, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear” (Heb 13:6).

2. Contentment is the power to get out of any situation all there is in it. 1) Paul had certainly made the best of his imprisonment.

Phil 1:12-14: “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

3. Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have. 1) If anyone realized how blessed he was, it was the apostle Paul. 2) For he served his God who could supply all one’s needs!

Phil 4:19: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

3) Even when he knew his life was near its end.

2 Tim 4:18: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

4. We live in a land of prosperity. Our modes of transportation are better than ever before. 1) We have adequate food and shelter, and reasonably good health.

10 2) Someone has said that the average family in America with all our modern conveniences lives better than kings did in ancient times. 3) TRULY, God has abundantly blessed us!

5. Paul, as a disciple of Jesus, lived in a constant state of contentment. 1) A contentment learned and enjoyed through his relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 2) Paul encourages us to follow his example, if we desire to have the same relationship with God (Phil 4:9).

6. Phil 4:13: “all things” – Type of things mentioned in the context (Ch. 4). 1) Obviously, Paul is not claiming that he can fly, or convert every person he talks to, and so on. 2) He is saying, “I have the power to face all conditions of life.” 3) “I can endure all these things.” 4) “Through Christ, I have all the resources to master them.” 5) Paul realizes that he is incompetent and unprepared to face the harsh realities of life.

7. When we have God’s blessings – we can be content – sufficient. 1) In Christ we can do that. 2) We have to die in order to get into the eternal (heavenly) kingdom. 3) We can have peace of God regardless of life or death.

CONCLUSION

1. All the world lives in two tents – content and discontent. 1. Which tent do you live in? 1) John 15:4-5: Jesus taught His disciples that “apart from Me you can do nothing.”

2. If you are not a Christian, you can’t afford to be content in your lost condition. 1. 1 Peter 3:20-22: “…the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.” 1) Won’t you be subject to His call?

11 3. Remember – we are to be content with our LOT, not with our SPOT. 1. Heb 6:1: “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity,…” 1) Phil 3:12-14: “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”