Rom 8:2 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

Happy or Grumpy? What Do People See In Us?

When You Are Sad Neh. 2:1-2 Do People Recognize That Something Is Different About You When You are Not Happy?

Definition Strong – arkeo (Gk.) This word is akin to airo which means to lift or raise up. The idea is having enough strength to lift up a barrier. Having enough, satisfied, sufficient

What Contentment Is Not Luke 12:15 “And 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.’”

What Contentment Is Not Eccl 5:10 “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity.” It’s Not Based On What We Have

What Do We Need to Be Content? 1 Tim 6:7-8 “For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.”

What Do We Need to Be Content? Matt 6:25, 33 “For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing…But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”

What Is Contentment? Perspective Compare King Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard 1 Kings 21:1-4 Paul – Phil. 4:11-13

What Is Contentment? “Contentment Is Wanting The Things You Already Have.” Is It Wrong to Want More? To Improve Your Life? Luke 12:16-21 What Was His Mistake?

Some Points About Contentment Contentment Is Not Automatic – Phil 4:11 Paul Had to Learn It. Esau Did Not. Godliness Is Profitable If… - 1 Tim. 6:5-6 Contentment Can Be Dangerous May Lead to Comfort and Relaxation

Points Compare people who didn’t get what they wanted for lunch vs. those in the hospital gathered by life-threatening news Compare people who had a little traffic versus those who had to go through chemo therapy. Two people, same circumstance, one happy, one grumpy.

Possible stories King Saul Desperately trying to keep what is not his. John the Baptist told the Roman soldiers to be content with their wages. Esau did not appreciate what he had. Paul was content with his weakness. Passages: Eccl 3:13 – Eat, drink, and enjoy this is the gift of God. Heb. 13:5 1 Tim. 6:6 – Godliness is gain

Possible stories What causes discontentment? Points about contentment Desires and wants = Jacob’s wives, James 4 Taught to be discontent – 1st Generation of Israel Points about contentment Anxiety and worry might be the opposite of it. Much of that goes away by putting first things first (Mt. 6:25) The problem with contentment – Can lead to comfort, lack of effort, fear of losing what I have.