CONTENTMENT

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. Phil. 4:11; 1 Tim. 6:6; Heb. 13:5
   B. Contentment is hard to learn, but is necessary both to please  
      God and for our own happiness and peace of mind.
   C. The word "contentment" means "to be sufficient, to be possessed
      of sufficient strength, to be strong, to be enough for a thing;
      hence, to defend, ward off; in the Middle Voice, to be         
      satisfied, contented with..." (Vine)
      1. It means "to appease the desires of; to limit (oneself) in
         requirements, desires, or actions; freedom from care or
         discomfort; contented, satisfied." (Webster)
      2. The word does not mean that Christians should not
         continually seek to improve themselves.
         a. It does not mean to be satisfied with spiritual
            attainments.
         b. It means that one should be free from worry or
            discomfort regarding material things.
   D. We will study very closely the three main passages in the N.T. 
      on contentment -- Phil. 4:11-12; 1 Tim. 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5-6.
      1. There are only three other verses in the KJV which mention
         the word "content" or "contentment" -- Luke 3:14; Mark
         15:15; 3 John 10.

I. PHILIPPIANS 4:11-12
   A. Thus, contentment is something to be learned, sought after and
      gained; it is not given automatically or miraculously to the
      Christian.
      1. We can learn contentment by following the example of Paul.
         a. He counted everything as loss to gain Christ. Phil. 3:5-8
         b. He knew that all things work together for good to them
            who love God. Rom. 8:28
         c. He knew that there is nothing permanent here. 2 Cor.
            4:18
         d. He knew that God is able to keep that which is
            committed unto Him. 2 Tim. 1:12
   B. Paul's example of contentment is uplifting and serves as a
      wonderful example.
      1. He knew how to be abased, to hunger, and to suffer need.
         a. 1 Cor. 4:11-13; 2 Cor. 4:8-10; 11:21-28
         b. At times he was without physical health. Gal 4:13-15; 2
            Cor. 12:7-10
         c. Many times he was without freedom. Phil. 1:12-13 In
            contrast, we often complain under restrictions; e.g.,
            some with their jobs; some children think they have
            especially hard lives at home.
         d. He was often without the admiration and approval of
            brethren. 2 Tim. 4:16-17 How many are content and
            loyal in the face of such hardships?
      2. Also, he knew how to abound and to be full. Phil. 4:12, 15-
         18
         a. For some, knowing how to abound is more difficult than
            being content in want. When they receive plenty, they
            sometimes lose all sense of restraint. 
         b. With some, the more they get, the more they want. Eccl.
            5:10
         c. It is easy to go from want (poverty) to plenty, but very
            difficult to go from plenty to poverty. 
         d. Prov. 30:8-9
   C. Christians, as Paul, must learn contentment through Christ.    
      Phil. 4:13
      1. They must rely on the Lord for all things; He will          
         abundantly bless. Phil. 4:6-7; Matt. 7:7

II. 1 TIMOTHY 6:6-8
   A. In the passage we learn the extent the Christian is to be      
      content.
      It gives the exact amount with which he is to be content. 
      1. The Bible places great emphasis on doing God's will, by
         solemnly warning those who do not do it. Mark 9:43-48
         a. Thus, everyone will be without excuse at the judgment.
            One can't say, "Lord, you didn't warn me of the
            punishment for disobedience."
      2. Likewise, the Bible places great emphasis on contentment --
         "...Having food and raiment let us be therewith content."   
         Are we content just with these?
         a. The ones who are more interested in gaining this world's
            goods than serving the Lord will be without excuse at
            the judgment day. They can't say, "Lord, you didn't
            reveal that with which we were to be contented."
   B. Our Lord goes a step beyond Paul's teaching and instructs us to
      not even be worried or concerned about food and clothing. Matt.
      6:25-34
      1. The word "thought" as in the KJV means " state of doubt,
         suspense, worry." Luke 12:29 says "neither be of doubtful
         mind" KJV; "nor have an anxious mind" NKJV.
      2. Why worry about food? He feeds the birds. "Are you not of
         much more value than they?" (ASV) Man is made in the
         image of God. Matt. 10:29-31
      3. Can you add inches to your height by thought? Thus, worry
         is a great waste that accomplishes nothing.
      4. Why worry about clothing? He clothed the lilies and he will
         clothe you. Will he not hear his own children who are crying
         unto Him day and night? Luke 18:7
      5. After all these things do the Gentiles seek. Let them do it,
         but don't you try to compete with them in the rat race of   
         life. If you have food and clothing, be content, and as the 
         Lord taught, don't even be worried about them.
   C. Thus, we need to seek first the kingdom of God and His
      righteousness; He will provide for us and take care of us. 1   
      Pet. 5:7
      1. These verses help us to fix goals, purposes, and set proper
         values in life. 
      2. What is your primary concern in life? Do you put the
         kingdom above all else?

III. HEBREWS 13:5-6
   A. Herein lies the reason why many Christians are not content -    
      they are covetous.
      1. Many Christians are not content but are continually striving
         after more of this world's goods.
         a. They neglect the kingdom of God to have more; some
            will even stoop to ungodly means to obtain more.
      2. These are trying to serve two masters. They have only
         enough religion to make themselves miserable. 1 Tim. 6:9-10
      3. It is better to have only a little than a lot with much     
         sorry and headache. Prov. 15:16-17; 16:8; 17:1; Eccl. 4:6
         a. "Beware of covetousness." Luke 12:13-21 In this
            parable we notice:
            (1) His egotism -- He uses "I" and "my," eleven times
                in these few verses.
            (2) His naturalism -- He left God, soul, and spiritual
                things out of his plans.
            (3) His materialism -- He should have asked "Whose
                goods are these?"
            (4) His hendonism (self-indulgence) -- He said to
                himself, "take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry."
   B. Instead of continually seeking and coveting more, doing the
      Lord's will should be our primary concern.
      1. We live in a land of prosperity. Our modes of transportation
         are better than ever before. We have adequate food and
         shelter, and reasonably good health.
         a. Someone has said that the average family in America,
            with all the modern conveniences, lives better than many
            kings in ancient times.
         b. God has abundantly blessed us. Let us be moved to be
            loyal and dedicated to Him rather than trying to serve
            mammon.
         c. Again, God has abundantly blessed us. Let us respond
            with the spirit of sacrifice in promoting the Lord's     
            cause and helping others.
   C. Be content and put your trust in the Lord and He will provide.
      1. He will never leave us or forsake us. Psalm 37:25
      2. Thus, we acclaim with great boldness, "The Lord is my
         helper, and I will not fear..."

Concl.
   A. Consider once again the three passages -- Phil. 4:11-12; 1 Tim.
      6:6-8; Heb. 13:5-6
   B. Let us be content with what we have and serve the Lord with a
      true heart.
      1. The Lord is our helper in all the problems of life.
      2. With the Lord on our side, what can men do to us?
      3. We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.