Luke 10:38-42 “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things” (v. 41) Not a bad person Not immoral Not lacking in love for the Lord Bothered (NASV) by many things Distracted – thus struggled We like Martha struggle about many things!

S TRUGGLE TO BE C ONTENT 1. Not always easy to be content 2. Many situations and opportunities cause us to be discontented 3. Problem for the rich, the poor and in between 4. Seldom confessed sin

T HREE P ASSAGES “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Philippians 4:11

T HREE P ASSAGES “ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:7,8

T HREE P ASSAGES “ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. ” Hebrews 13:5

I. C ONTENTMENT D EFINED S TRUGGLE W ITH C ONTENTMENT

D EFINED 1. Word used ( 1 Tim. 6:8; Heb. 13:5 ) – ARKEO “primarily signifies ‘to be sufficient, to be possessed of sufficient strength, to be strong, to be enough for a thing’; hence, ‘to defend, ward off’; in the middle voice, ‘to be satisfied, contented with,’” (Vines) Translated: “Enough” ( Matt. 25:9 ); “Sufficient” ( 2 Cor. 12:9 ) Used in Luke 3:14 – satisfied with wages 2. Word used ( Phil. 4:11 ) – AUTARKES “(autos, ‘self,’ arkeo, ‘see’ A), ‘self-sufficient, adequate, needing no assistance’” (Vines) Idea of self-sufficient – I don’t need any more Satisfied, Sufficient, Enough

D EFINED Contrasted with Covetousness (Hebrews 13:5)

D EFINED “Covetousness is a very grave sin; indeed, so heinous is it that the Scriptures class it among the very gravest and grossest crimes (Eph. 5:3). In Col 3:5 it is "idolatry," while in 1Cor. 6:10 it is set forth as excluding a man from heaven. Its heinousness, doubtless, is accounted for by its being in a very real sense the root of so many other forms of sin, e.g. departure from the faith (1Tim. 6:9-10); lying (2Kgs. 5:22-25); theft (Jos. 7:21); domestic trouble (Prov. 15:27); murder (Eze. 22:12); indeed, it leads to "many foolish and hurtful lusts" (1Tim. 6:9). Covetousness has always been a very serious menace to mankind, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament period.

D EFINED “The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have and be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.” - unknown

D EFINED (Misunderstandings) D EFINED (Misunderstandings) “Not to be confused with complacency in the illusion of sufficiency” (Kittle on Rev. 3:17) Not apathetic indifference Can be content if I have what I want. “I would be happy if…” Inborn nature - not a command It doesn’t mean I can’t work toward better income, house, etc.

II. Passages in Context

Passages in Context Philippians 4:11-13 Chapter – Various exhortations Verse Thanks for gift (support)  Has flourished after hindered (v. 10)  Could be content –not merely joyous for material things (vv , 17)  Done well in support (vv )  I abound with your gifts (v. 18)

Passages in Context 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Chapter – warns about false teachers, riches, etc Verse 6-8 Content – vs - Riches  Content (vv. 6-8)  Riches (vv. 9-10) Warning about riches (vv )

Passages in Context Hebrews 13:5 Chapter – Personal responsibility (love, hospitality, marriage, submit to elders, etc.) Contentment – vs – Covetousness (vv. 5-6)

Passages in Context Hebrews 13:5 Context – material riches, money, Not: satisfied with spiritual status 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Philippians 4:11-13

III. Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned Philippians 4:11 Not automatic Not that some have it – some don’t Not just “nature” Must cultivate it – develop it – work at it May be a real struggle 1. Must be Learned

Lessons Learned In whatever state (Philippians 4:11) Having food and clothing (1 Timothy 6:6-8) With such things as you have (Hebrews 13:5) Not to worry about material things (Matthew 6:24-ff) 1. Must be Learned 2. Extent to be content

Lessons Learned Realize nothing is ours (1 Timothy 6:7) Follow example of Paul (Philippians 4:11-12) Learned to be abased ( 2 Cor. 4:8-10; 6:4-5; 11:25-27 ) To abound (v. 18) With help of Christ (Philippians 4:13) Realize spiritual relationship most important (Hebrews 13:5) 1. Must be Learned 2. Extent to be content 3. How

Lessons Learned 1. Must be Learned 2. Extent to be content 3. How 4. Reason Not Content: Covetous

Hebrews 13:5 Covetous: “Eager for more and more” (Vines) Love for material world (1 Timothy 6:6-8) “Without covetousness” – “free from love of money ” (Vines) Problem : Too attached to material world Think: “If only I had….I would be happy” Money Material things (house, cars, clothes, electronics, etc) 4. Reason Not Content: Covetous

Lessons Learned 1. Must be Learned 2. Extent to be content 3. How 4. Reason Not Content: Covetous 5. Real Gain

1 Timothy 6:6 Real gain – not money or material things Righteousness – living right Right priorities Focus on spiritual (Hebrews 13:5-6) “he said” Proverbs 16:8; Luke 12:15 “To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness” (Bertrand Russell)

I. Contentment Defined II. Passages in Context III. Lessons Learned