How to be Content!

     Philippians 4:10-20

We learn a lot of things in the course of life. Sometimes it seems we learn things too late to be of help to us. The Apostle Paul told of how he learned to be content in life. It wasn’t automatic but a process.

In the circumstances and situations of life we have the choice of being a thermostat or a thermometer. A thermostat controls the environment but a thermometer goes up and down according to the environment. We want to be more like a thermostat in our lives. To be the one who is controlling the environment and not controlled by our surroundings.

  1. I Can Accept All Things   Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:(NKJV)

The word learned means to learn by experience. It is a process not automatic.

The word content means contained or self-sufficient. We recognize as Christians that our sufficiency is of Christ.

Why can I accept the way things are in life- because I know God is in charge=

Philippians 4:10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.(NKJV)

This a belief in the PROVIDENCE of God.  

2 .I Can Do All Things

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.(NKJV)

In verse 12 says he has learned or was instructed. This is a different word from verse 11. It means I’ve been initiated into the secret.-

 Philippians 4:12

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.(NKJV)

The secret is that I can do everything through Christ. This is an act of faith- I believe god will work in my life.

This a belief in the POWER of God.

3. I Have All Things

Philippians 4:18

Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.(NKJV)

Notice Paul was able to say he has all he needs. Paul was not worried because he knew God would provide all his needs.

THIS IS THE PROMISE OF GOD

So if I start to feel discontent in life- stop and remember:

  1. Because of the Providence of God- I can accept all things
  2. Because of the Power of God- I can do all things
  3. Because of the Promise of God- I have all things

 

Stop and thank the Lord for His involvement in your life as a Christian.

1 Timothy 6:6

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.(NKJV)

 

The key to contentment is to consider;

            Consider who you are and be satisfied with that.

            Consider what you have and be content with that

            Consider what God is doing and be content with that!!!