Content

Soul Satisfaction—A Study in Philippians” Philippians 4:10-23   “Content”  I Have Learned . . .   Contentment is cultivated in a heart that is joyfully satisfied, not one that is always complaining. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice . . . I rejoiced in the Lord greatly . . .” (vv. 4, 10)   ·         Complaining is the overflow of your discontent. If anyone had reason to complain, it could have been Paul.  (imprisoned, beaten, mocked, shipwrecked, abandoned . . .all for the gospel)   Contentment is found when we find our soul satisfaction in the presence and grace of the all-sufficient Savior.   ·         “I know how to be brought low . . . the secret of facing hunger . . . and need.” (v.12) o   All that I do not have is His to provide. “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:10   ·         “I know how to abound . . . the secret of facing plenty . . . and abundance.” (v.12) o   All that I do have is His to use for His glory. “Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5   ·         Contentment is a result of trusting in the only One whose strength can truly sustain you. o   Christ is our Provider and provision; He is our Source and our sustenance.  (Psalm 23)   o   God’s sanctifying work that brings about contentment is often ignored for the self-gratifying, instantaneous “false contentment” found in the moment.   §  The things of this world will never satisfy you.   Practicing the presence of God daily is a discipline that develops a spirit of contentment within me. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18   ·         As I spend time with him, I can rejoice in knowing that God will never leave or forsake me. ·         As I spend time with Him, I can pray knowing that He hears my cry and will meet my greatest needs. (v.19) ·         As I spend time with Him, I can thank Him, knowing that He is true to His promises.  (v.19)   Being content with what you have, and having certainty that God is your provider, gives you freedom to live a grace-giving life.(vv.14-18)   ·         Great contentment is found in giving to the needs of others.   My Response . . .