Joy/Full | Contentment Like a King – Philippians 4:10-20

Joy/Full | Contentment like a King – Philippians 4:10-20

Philippians 4:10-12 “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but  you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be  content whatever the circumstances. 12 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.”

Paul faced unreal hardships and homelessness time and time again.

PROSPERITY 

1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so  uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command  them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay  up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is  truly life.”

POVERTY 

1 Corinthians 4:11-12 “To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We  work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it”

2 Corinthians 11:25-27 “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a  night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in  danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in  the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone  without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

The Secret of Contentment: Simple dependence on the One who strengthens me.

3 truths about contentment: 

1. Contentment is not connected to circumstance.

2. Contentment is learned.

3.  Contentment flows through union with and reliance on Christ.

Contentment is only found in Jesus.