The Secret of Contentment

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Main Scripture Reference(s): Genesis 1:1, Genesis 2:2, Exodus 3:3

Philippians 4:10-20: (NIV)

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.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1) Learn what contentment “is” and “is not.”

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 4:10-13,

Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)

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.

1 Timothy 6:6-12 (NIV)

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith.

2) Learn the contentment producing power of partnerships in Christ.

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 1:3-7,

** Philippians 1:3-7** (VER)

I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart

Philippians 4:14 (NIV)

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Philippians 4:18-20 (NIV)

I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

3) Learn the contentment producing power of living the purposes of Christ.

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 1:21, 22, Philippians 1:12-14, Philippians 4:22

Philippians 1:12-14 (NIV)

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Philippians 1:21, 22 (NIV)

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.

Philippians 4:22 (NIV)

All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

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Pastor Paul Knight walks us through how to get our joy back.

Main Scripture Reference(s): Philippians 4:1

Philippians 4:1 (NIV)

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

1) Resolve to Rejoice

Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Psalm 61:1 (NIV)

Shout for joy to God, all the earth!

Psalm 71:23 (NIV)

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered.

Psalm 95:1; Psalm 100:1, 2; Nehemiah 8:10; Luke 2:10; James 1:2, 3

2) Restore Your Relationships

Philippians 4:1-3 (NIV)

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

John 15:10-12 (NIV)

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Matthew 5:23, 24 (NIV)

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Romans 12:18 (NIV) (see 14-21)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

3) Raise Your Requests to God

Philippians 4:6, 7 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV)

Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. 2 Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Romans 8:26-28 (NIV)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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This week Pastor Mason invites to consider what a new work inside you means.

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1) A NEW WORK – DEFINITION

Scriptures referenced: Phil 1:6,

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

• Implication #1 – Your salvation is an act of God, not of yourself

• Implication #2 – Your salvation happened at a moment in time, but it isn’t just a moment in time

• Implication #3 – Your salvation is a work but it isn’t just a work

2) A New Work – Description

• Description #1 – Love will increase

• A decision to love each other is a decision to love yourself and what you want, less – so that somebody else gets the reward of your effort*

• Description #2 – Knowledge will increase

• Description #3 – Depth of insight will increase

3) A New Work – Results

• Result #1 – You will know what is best

• Result #2 – You will arrive blameless

• Result #3 – God will be glorified

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