THE SECRET TO TRUE CONTENTMENT
Philippians​ 4​:10-13​
…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through
Christ who gives me strength.​​
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What is true contentment and, can it be found?
Paul had learned the lesson, of contentment. Changing circumstances did not affect the inner
contentment he enjoyed. The word contentment means “self-sufficient.” The Stoics use this word to
mean human self-reliance and fortitude, a calm acceptance of life’s pressures. But, Paul used it here
to refer to a divinely bestowed sufficiency, whatever the circumstances.
True contentment is a deep abiding sense of completeness and sufficiency from within,
irrespective of external circumstances.
Paul said he had learned the secret to this hidden treasure.
In the mystery religions, this word secret was a technical term meaning “to initiate into the
mysteries.” Paul used it here to suggest a kind of “initiation” (by his experiences) into being
content when either well fed or hungry, wither in plenty or in want.
THE SECRET TO TRUE CONTENTMENT:
Love Jesus Christ not money.
Heb 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have,
because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." NIV
( The Message: Heb 13:5 Don't be obsessed with getting more material things.
Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down,
never walk off and leave you,)
1 Timothy 6:6-10 godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this
world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with
that. 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. For the love of money is the root of all kinds
of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves
with many griefs.
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Godliness = Being devout to God – loving Him deeply in thought, word, and deed
​Contentment = sufficiency – having all that is needed
Paul’s contentment came from his great love for Christ and doing His will.
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Phil 3:8-9 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing
Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as
garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.
When you love, obey and serve Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,
contentment becomes your constant companion. Being loved by Him, and loving Him is so
fulfilling it leaves no room for needing more.
fulfilling it leaves no room for needing more.
Put your Faith in Jesus Christ to meet all of you needs.
Phil 4:19 my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Like Paul, King David had also learned the secret of contentment in the Lord.
Psalm​ 23​:1-6​ T
​ he Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green
pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along
the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I
will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. NIV
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The Lord provided for his physical needs in the green pastures.
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​The Lord provided for his emotional need beside quite waters.
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​The Lord provided for his spiritual needs by refreshing his soul.
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​The Lord provided direction for his life by guiding him along right paths.
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​The Lord provided comfort in his distress by being with him in the valley.
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​The Lord provided blessing in his life by anointing his head with oil.
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​The Lord provided abundance in his life by filling his cup to overflowing.
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​The Lord provided all he needed in this life and the life to come.
Thank God for meeting all your needs in Christ.
1 Thessalonians​ 5​:16-18​ R
​ ejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for
this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV
“When we Praise and thank God for, and in, everything we are saying we believe
in Him – we trust Him.”
Put your hope in heaven, not this earth.
2 Peter 3:13 we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world
filled with God's righteousness. NIV
Contentment is illusive for those who put their hope in this world, but real
contentment isn't too difficult for those whose real home is heaven. "It requires
but little of this world's goods to satisfy a man who feels himself to be a citizen
of another country, and knows that this is not his rest." Clark.
Col 3:1-3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where
Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Matt 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy,
and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. NIV