At the end of this epistle the Apostle closes by thanking the Philippians for their financial support which they had sent with Epaphroditus. As this "thank you" note unfolds several truths emerge regarding contentment. In a day when material goods have never been more accessible, discontentment has never been higher. If contentment is an area in your life which needs work, then Paul's pointers may never have come at a better time.

10 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 opportunity. 11 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.

Contentment means to live the satisfied life. That is, satisfied with who you are, what you have, what you do, and with your relationships. It is not blind to the fact that things could be better, only the recognition that those changes would not make you ultimately more content.

Contentment’s best friends are Gratitude, Joy, and Peace

Humans are wired to ignore their blessings and to be preoccupied with that in their lives which is lacking. The problem is that something is always missing. As soon as we get what we thought we had to have, another something takes its place. It is like trying to fill a bucket with holes.

If you were to scan all of Scripture, would you find one key verse that explains how this contentment is even possible? Answer: Yes!

Because Yahweh is not only the eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent Creator, but He is also my Shepherd God Who eternally cares for and loves me – He will provide enough for me to never be in want. Therefore I choose to be content!

Dear Father, You have given me way too much! Please stop showering me with blessings and share them with others. How could I ever repay You for all that You have given me? Your Son’s death for my salvation at Calvary, my life, my family, health, food, shelter, friends, and freedom. But most of all You have given me You Father. I have it all and am in need of nothing. Thank You and praise You Lord!

Comparison

1. Financial assets 2. Children’s success 3. Home 4. Car 5. Level of education 6. Vacations 7. Attractiveness 8. Friends 9. Personality 10. Intelligence Our downfall: It doesn’t matter how we score ourselves, it only matters what our score is compared to those around us.

The marketing and advertising industry knows human nature all to well. It aims its television commercials, radio ads, jingles, web sites, store fronts, signs, etc., etc. on all the things that we don’t have but if we did have we would reach nirvanaian contentment.

Question: Does it mean that a driven individual who wants to work hard, succeed, do better in his or her occupation is a discontented person and is unpleasing to the Lord? Answer: Not necessarily. God has put it in our hearts to succeed. The issue is whether you could be content if you didn’t get the promotion, or have the money for the remodel, or send the kids to the best university?

Answer: Yes But they are all about God’s glory, good and evil, and other’s spiritual welfare, not our own benefits. Here are things we should not be content with: 1. One’s level of godliness – Philippians Sin in the church – I Corinthians 5 3. Evangelism – Matthew

There exists a trilogy on contentment from three of Paul’s letters which will be the basis of our study  Philippians  I Timothy  I Corinthians

10 Keys for unlocking the mystery of contentment in your life

A: Not at all! Paul says in vs: 12, “I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” The word for learned the secret is one Greek word muéō (μυέω), meaning a revealed secret or mystery.

Understand that true contentment must be learned. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4

A: Because it goes against our human nature. Just as a college degree takes time, patience, and hard work, so does getting a degree B.A. in contentment requires similar diligence.

It is comprised of life lessons; here are three life lessons: 1. Of all the times you really wanted something, got it, and discontentment reared its ugly head again. 2. As you grow closer to the Lord, you have noticed that you really don’t need all those things to make you content. All you need is God. 3. When you actually gave sacrificially which should have produced less contentment, but actually increased your contentment and joy.

How much one has does not determine one’s level of contentment 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. Philippians 4

Is it more difficult for the poor or the wealthy to find contentment?

A: By seeing that eternal riches trump earthly riches If a believer believes the Bible to be true but puts his or her treasure in the “things of this world,” then they are experiencing stinking thinking. Most American Christians are at least a little schizophrenic due to this state. Jesus asks, 36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? Mark 8

Q: Before we continue to the third key of contentment, what context was the following verse written about? 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4 A: The context of the verse is about having contentment, yet seldom do we ever use this verse for contentment but rather for everything else.

Contentment literally takes unleashing the power of God 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4 Apparently, it takes the power of God for a person to learn and practice the secret of contentment.

29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. 30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40