Contentment

But it doesn’t satisfy us! What will? Introduction You would think that with all the technology we have in America everyone would be content. Many have…big screen TV’s in their home with many channels to entertain them, ….electronic devices to play games with, listen to music, learn whatever we desire, and…even cell phones to call or text with. The richest people who lived in the past could only dream about what we have today. But it doesn’t satisfy us! What will?

Why aren’t people content today and how did Paul learn to be content? Introduction The apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 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. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13) Why aren’t people content today and how did Paul learn to be content?

Discontentment- Prosperity Many aren’t content because they want to be rich thinking it will bring them peace, security, and happiness. But does it? The Bible warns us, “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. 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” (1 Ti. 6:9-10).

Discontentment- Prosperity You can be rich or poor and be content but you can’t be content if you love money (Mt. 6:24) We deceive ourselves into believing that we can serve two masters and we won’t lose our faith or be grieved like the Bible says. Solomon learned that money won’t satisfy you because you always want more (Ec. 5:10-11) After you die, your children will have control of all that you have and they might be foolish, thus Solomon hated life (Ec. 2:18-20). How many rich people in the Bible were content?

Discontentment- Pleasure Solomon tried to satisfy himself with pleasure. (Eccl. 2:1) He could have the best entertainment, the most beautiful women, and the most expensive wine in the world anytime he wanted. (Eccl. 2:2-3, 8) He didn’t refuse himself from any pleasure. (Eccl. 2:10) But after it was all over he realized that it was vanity and striving after the wind. (Eccl. 2:11)

Discontentment- Pleasure How many athletes or actors are truly content? How many lottery winners are really happy? People may have all the money and pleasure in the world but they can’t purchase contentment and they can’t buy salvation. Instead of being happy they are frustrated. “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26) (Tiger Woods – first billionaire athlete but his shameful actions with women have brought him low)

________+ Contentment = Great Gain Does prosperity + contentment = great gain? Does pleasure + contentment = great gain? What did the apostle Paul learn? “Now godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Solomon learned as he gave his conclusion, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13). No godliness = no contentment

Blessings of Contentment for the Godly He has peace of mind instead of worry. (Philippians 4:6-7; Ecclesiastes 5:12) He is thinking about positive instead of negative things (Phil. 4:8; Eccl. 11:9-10; 12:1). He rejoices in his labor for the Lord. (Phil. 4:9; Eccl. 2:24) He is satisfied with the necessities of life. (Phil. 4:18; 1 Tim. 6:6-8; Eccl. 5:18-20) He is thankful for every blessing, especially salvation (1 Thess. 5:18; 1 Tim. 1:12ff).

Conclusion If you are seeking contentment through prosperity or pleasure you will never find it. The pleasures of sin are temporary (Heb. 11:25) and those who trust in riches will suffer eternal misery (Luke 12:15-20; 16:19ff). “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Mt. 16:26). But those who have learned to be content in Christ will enjoy eternal bliss (1 Peter 1:3-5)!