Christ-Centered Contentment

Christ Centered Contentment
Philippians 4:10-20

Paul knew about sides of life (2 Corinthians 11:24-29)

Contentment is independent from Circumstances. It is an inside job. It includes satisfaction and joy.

Contentment is something we can Learn

Learning Christ Centered Contentment

1. Avoid Comparisons (11)

Don’t look Around; look Up

“as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, ESV)

3 Contentment Crushing Misconceptions:

• I must have What Others Have
• I must be Liked by Everyone
• I must have More Than I Now Have

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6–8, ESV)

Watch out for an Obsession with Possessions

2. Adjust to Change (12)

Few things are as certain in life as the certainty of Change

3 Types of Circumstances in Life:

• Those I Can control and Do
• Those I Can control and Don’t
• Those I Cannot control

Be Flexible because some circumstances aren’t

Maintain a Sense of Humor

3. Draw on Christ’s Power (13)

Paul was not Self-Sufficient but Christ-Sufficient

The Greek word for “strengthens” is where we get our word “dynamite” or “dynamic”

Contentment does not mean you will always Like the situation you are in, but that with Christ’s power you can handle it. You are sufficient for it. You can cope.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

4. Trust God to Meet My Needs (19)

How many needs? Every/All

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7–8, ESV)

“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” (Psalm 37:5, ESV)

5. Focus on Glorifying God (20)

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)

“for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20, ESV)

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:16, ESV)

Discontentment is a signal that Jesus Christ is not the center of my life