1. Lessons for the New Year
Contentment in 2017
Lessons for the New Year

2. Things to Worry About
The inauguration of a new President in Washington
Terrorism, ISIS, and the situation in the Middle East
Continued trouble for Israel
Economic uncertainty throughout the world
Rising global tensions.

3. Things to Worry About
What about you?

4. Contentment
Philippians 4:  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. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.

5. Contentment Defined
1. The belief that I HAVE EVERTHING I NEED at this present moment.
2. The confidence that IF I need anything else, God will give it to me.
3. The certainty that WHEN I need something else, God will give it to me.

6. What God Provides 1. To supply our needs Philippians 4:19
2. To feed and clothe us
Matthew 6:30
3. To hear our prayers
Matthew 7:7
4. Gives us the Holy Spirit to lead us
John 14:26
5. Redeemed us from our sins
Galatians 3:13
6. Gave us new life
2 Corinthians 5:17
7. Placed us in Christ
Romans 6:11
8. Endowed us with every spiritual blessing
Ephesians 1:3
9. Gives us abundant life
John 1:10
10. Places us in the Body of Christ (brothers & sisters)
Romans 12:5

7. What God Provides 11. Promises a way of escape from temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13
12. Caused us to pass from death to life
John 5:24
13. Justified us while we were still sinners
Romans 5:8
14. Calls us His Children
1 John 3:1
15. Caused us to be born again by the Spirit
John 3: 1 Peter 1:3
16. Adopted us into His family
Ephesians 1:5
17. Sanctifies us
1 Corinthians 6:11
18. Promises to never leave us
Hebrews 13:5
19. Broke Satan’s power
Romans 16:20
20. Removes the fear of death
1 Corinthians 15:56
21. Guarantees our future resurrection
John 11:25

8. 1. Contentment is not Automatic – It is Learned
Philippians 4:  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. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.

9. 2. Happiness depends on circumstances: Contentment comes from Confidence in God
Philippians 4:  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. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.

10. 3. Contentment rests on Two Great Truths
Truth 1: God has ordained every circumstance of my life.
Philippians 4:  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. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.

11. 3. Contentment rests on Two Great Truths
Truth 2: God will give me strength in every circumstance to do His will.
Philippians 4:  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. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.