“REAL CONTENTMENT” (Philippians 4:10-13) Speaker: Bruce F. Sloan Evangelism & Church Health Catalyst Northwest Baptist Convention – Region 4 Vancouver, Washington

LIFE’S SEVEN DISTRACTIONS PLEASURE PRIDE PROCRASTINATION PEOPLE PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS PASSION

BIG IDEA HOW TO UNLOCK YOUR JOY WHEN YOUR HEART IS ANXIOUS AND YOU’RE STRUGGLING WITH LIFE’S DISTRACTIONS.

PHILIPPIANS 4:10-11 (NIV) 10 I rejoiced greatly in the LORD that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13 (NIV) 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

CONTENTMENT DEFINED “AUTARKEIA” = being entirely self-sufficient W. E. Vine says, “its means being sufficient in oneself , self-sufficient, adequate, needing no assistance; hence content” B. F. Sloan says, “its accepting the sovereignty of God in every situation, and resting in His presence, power and promises”

CONTENTMENT DESCRIBED “There is no contentment or happiness apart from Jesus Christ!” –Billy Graham “It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else” (Ecclesiastes 6:9b, GNT). “Contentment is a daily mindset that says, ‘I am satisfied with Jesus.’” –Will Sloan

+/- DISCONTENTMENT STOP GRUMBLING “We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. (1 Corinthians 10:9-10).

+/- DISCONTENTMENT STOP WORRYING “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

+/- DISCONTENTMENT STOP BEING AFRAID “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:9-10).

ROAD TO CONTENTMENT BE HOPEFUL “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

ROAD TO CONTENTMENT BE FAITHFUL “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

ROMANS 8:38-39 (NIV) “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

ROAD TO CONTENTMENT BE JOYFUL “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:11-12, NIV).

PSALM 16:9-11 (NIV) Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon “There is a marvelous medicinal power in joy. Most medicines are distasteful; but this, which is the best of all medicines, is sweet to the taste, and comforting to the heart. This blessed joy is very contagious....Holy joy will oil the wheels of your life’s machinery. Holy joy will strengthen you for your daily labor. Holy joy will beautify you and give you an influence over the lives of others.”

ROAD TO CONTENTMENT BE DEVOTED “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24 The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us” (1 John 3:23-24).

ROMANS 12:9-13 (NIV) “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Rx – TAKE DAILY REMEMBER THE CROSS (Phil. 1:20-21) RENEW YOUR MIND IN CHRIST (Phil. 2:1-5) RELEASE THE PAST (Phil. 3:12-14) RECEIVE HIS STRENGTH (Phil. 4:13) REJOICE IN OUR HEAVENLY RICHES IN CHRIST JESUS (Phil. 4:19)

NOW WHAT? Is our contentment found in “things” or “circumstances” we can manipulate? Is there anything in our lives today that means more to us than our relationship to the LORD JESUS CHRIST? What changes can we make today to recapture our CONTENTMENT and FOCUS upon Jesus Christ?