Living in Contentment: Philippians 4:10-20
Sermon Seed #9 in the Series “This is Living!”
Text: As Paul brings his epistle to a close, he offers a heartfelt “thank you” to the church in Philippi for the gift they had sent to alleviate his distress. In the middle of this “thank you,” however, he assures them that the primary reason for his joy in their giving is not because of the benefit that he had gained by receiving it, but the benefit that they had gained by giving it. At the core of this attitude was his deep contentment in life, based not on his circumstances but upon the infinite source of his strength, Christ himself.
Big Idea: Contentment is not a matter of what you have, but of who you trust.
This sermon could explore the nature of contentment — conventional wisdom about contentment, as well as the biblical truth about contentment, seen in Paul’s example. Conventional wisdom is that contentment is about circumstances. By this reasoning, abundance would lead to contentment. This is no more true than the lie that control leads to tranquility (the previous sermon in this series). It is also false to say that poverty leads to contentment. Both point to circumstances, or “stuff” as the source of contentment. We are not created to find contentment in circumstances, because we are created in God’s image, with purpose beyond our comfort. We can only find contentment in God himself.
Gospel Component: “I can do all things through Christ …” does not mean that “I can accomplish any goal because Christ gives me strength, makes me invincible. ” It does mean that “I can endure any suffering, face any trial overcome any obstacle, because Christ is my strength.” The Gospel is not given to supply us, but to transform us.
Dialogue Question with the congregation: Thinking in terms of conventional wisdom, how do we complete the following sentence: “Happiness is ….”?
Bullet Points:
Contentment is about …
Not what you have, but who is your source.
Not what accomplishments you achieve, but the fruit he bears in you.
Not how you can use God, but how you worship God.
Not how you get God’s provision, but how you enjoy God’s presence.
Ultimately, you can never be truly content until you take your eyes off of your circumstances and put them on God’s mission.
Take-Away:
Answer these questions honestly …
If you are in a “happy place,” what is the basis of your contentment? What reasons do you give for your happiness?
If you are unhappy, discontent, what is the reason? What are the things that must happen for you to be happy?
If your answers have to do with stuff, other people, or personal agendas and plans, not only is real contentment an impossible dream for you, but you are missing out on the purpose for which God created you, and Christ redeemed you.
Other thoughts …
Importance of others … the beginning of being able to do all things in Christ is the ministry of others in our lives. It’s not an individualistic capacity, but a community energy.
Contentment … in plenty or in want … people tend to be less content the more they have.
Entitlement and Enablement are the things that create the greatest discontent.
What’s the foundation of Paul’s contentment? Mission – Seeing fruit in those he’s given his life to … Worship – a fragrant offering.
