Introduction You would think that in our technological world everyone would be content in America. Many have big screen TV’s in their home with a multitude of channels to entertain them, computers with lightning fast speed to learn whatever we desire, and cell phones to call whomever we want at a minimal cost. Even the richest person who lived in the past could only dream about what we enjoy everyday. But it doesn’t satisfy us! What is the secret of contentment?

Introduction The apostle Paul revealed it when he said, “ The apostle Paul revealed it when he 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? How we can learn Paul’s secret? The Bible reveals the answer!

Discontentment- Prosperity Many aren’t content because they want to be rich. They think that riches will bring happiness, security, and peace. 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 Timothy 6:9-10)

Discontentment- Prosperity Why would we want to be rich? Because we aren’t content with what we have. We allow the devil to deceive us into believing that we are the exception to the rule and we won’t suffer the consequences. We allow the devil to deceive us into believing that we are the exception to the rule and we won’t suffer the consequences. Solomon, a prosperous man, realized that money will never satisfy you because you always Solomon, a prosperous man, realized that money will never satisfy you because you always want more and you will have to give it to someone who may be foolish. Thus he hated life. (Eccl. 5:10-11; 2:18; Pr. 23:4-5)

Discontentment- Pleasure Solomon tried to satisfy himself with 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 desired. (Eccl. 2:2-3, 8) He didn’t refuse himself from any pleasure. (Eccl. 2:10) But after it was 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 with their lives? How many lottery winners are 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 “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain Does prosperity = great gain? Does pleasure = great gain? What did the apostle Paul learn? “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” “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)

Blessings of Contentment for the Godly He has peace of mind instead of worry. He has peace of mind instead of worry. (Phil. 4:6-7; Eccl. 5:12) He is thinking about positive instead of negative things. (Phil. 4:8; Eccl. 12:9-10) 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 in this life through prosperity or pleasure you will never find it because it will never last. If you want to be content without godliness it won’t happen. The pleasures of sin are only The pleasures of sin are only temporary (Heb. 11:25) and those in trust in riches will have to give it up at death and will suffer eternal misery. (Luke 12:15-20; 16:19ff) But those who have learned to be content will be able to anticipate eternal bliss! (1 Peter 1:3-5)