Finding Contentment: Embracing Jesus in Every Moment
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! Today, I want to share a message that has been on my heart for weeks, inspired by Philippians 4:11-13. This scripture speaks about learning the secret of living in every situation, whether in abundance or need. The secret is simple yet profound: "I need Jesus." This truth has been a constant in my life, through every story and every experience, whether it was a moment of joy or a time of trial.
We often get caught up in future thinking, obsessing over what will happen next and how we will achieve our goals. While it's important to plan and look forward, we must not lose sight of the present. Jesus is not just the God of our future; He is the God of our now. We need to be present with Him in every moment, recognizing our need for Him right here and right now.
Paul, who wrote about being content in every situation, went through immense hardships—imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and more. Yet, he learned that the secret to enduring all these trials was Jesus. It's not about surviving the situation on our own but about being in it with Jesus. He is enough to get us through anything.
As Christians, we often fall into the trap of thinking, "I will finally be okay when..." But the truth is, we need Jesus now, in this very moment. Our future is not secured by our plans but by our relationship with Him. We must stay in the car with Jesus, trusting Him to guide us, even when the path seems unclear.
In closing, I want to remind you that Jesus is with you now. You don't have to strive or struggle alone. The secret to living in every situation is not just surviving but thriving with Jesus by your side. Let's focus on being present with Him, recognizing our need for Him in every moment.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Secret to Contentment: The secret to living in every situation, whether in abundance or need, is recognizing our need for Jesus. This truth is foundational and transformative, guiding us through all of life's ups and downs. [41:45]
2. Being Present with Jesus: While it's important to plan for the future, we must not lose sight of the present. Jesus is not just the God of our future; He is the God of our now. We need to be present with Him in every moment, recognizing our need for Him right here and right now. [57:31]
3. Learning from Paul's Hardships: Paul endured immense hardships—imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and more. Yet, he learned that the secret to enduring all these trials was Jesus. It's not about surviving the situation on our own but about being in it with Jesus. [01:01:09]
4. Avoiding the Future Trap: As Christians, we often fall into the trap of thinking, "I will finally be okay when..." But the truth is, we need Jesus now, in this very moment. Our future is not secured by our plans but by our relationship with Him. [55:02]
5. Trusting Jesus in the Journey: We must stay in the car with Jesus, trusting Him to guide us, even when the path seems unclear. The journey with Jesus is not just about reaching the destination but about the relationship we build with Him along the way. [01:09:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:33] - Introduction to Life Groups
[39:02] - Pastor Michael and Pastor Rashaun's Return
[40:13] - Freedom to Preach
[41:00] - Philippians 4:11-13
[42:46] - The Secret to Living
[43:31] - Stories of Needing Jesus
[45:23] - Illustrations of Needing Jesus
[50:57] - Being Present with Jesus
[51:48] - The Future Trap
[53:39] - Future Thinking in Christianity
[55:02] - Avoiding the Future Trap
[57:31] - Jesus of the Now
[01:01:09] - Learning from Paul's Hardships
[01:09:16] - Trusting Jesus in the Journey
[01:12:07] - Hymn: "Take the World, but Give Me Jesus"
[01:16:04] - Jesus in Every Situation
[01:22:27] - Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 4:11-13
- 2 Corinthians 11:22-28
- Jeremiah 29:11
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he has "learned the secret of living in every situation" in Philippians 4:11-13?
2. List some of the hardships Paul endured as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:22-28. How do these experiences relate to his statement in Philippians 4:11-13? [58:27]
3. According to Jeremiah 29:11, what are God's plans for us, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about trusting Jesus in our journey? [53:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing our need for Jesus in every moment change our perspective on current challenges and future plans? [50:57]
2. In what ways can focusing too much on the future become a "trap" for Christians, as discussed in the sermon? [55:02]
3. How does Paul's example of enduring hardships with Jesus' help provide a model for us in our own lives? [01:01:09]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you recognize or fail to recognize your need for Jesus in that moment? What could you do differently next time? [50:57]
2. Are there areas in your life where you are obsessing over the future? How can you shift your focus to being present with Jesus now? [55:02]
3. Think about a time when you felt content despite difficult circumstances. What role did your faith in Jesus play in that contentment? [41:45]
4. How can you remind yourself daily of your need for Jesus, especially during times of abundance or success? [41:00]
5. Identify one specific way you can "stay in the car with Jesus" this week, trusting Him to guide you even when the path seems unclear. [01:09:16]
6. How can you support someone in your life who is currently going through a hardship, helping them to see their need for Jesus in their situation? [01:01:09]
7. What practical steps can you take to avoid falling into the "future trap" and instead focus on your relationship with Jesus in the present? [55:02]
Devotional
Day 1: The Secret to Contentment
The secret to living in every situation, whether in abundance or need, is recognizing our need for Jesus. This truth is foundational and transformative, guiding us through all of life's ups and downs. Paul, who wrote about being content in every situation, went through immense hardships—imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and more. Yet, he learned that the secret to enduring all these trials was Jesus. It's not about surviving the situation on our own but about being in it with Jesus. He is enough to get us through anything.
In our own lives, we often find ourselves striving for contentment through external circumstances—achieving goals, acquiring possessions, or reaching milestones. However, true contentment comes from a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus. When we recognize our need for Him, we can find peace and satisfaction regardless of our circumstances. This is the secret that Paul discovered and that we are invited to embrace. [41:45]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking contentment through external circumstances? How can you shift your focus to finding contentment in your relationship with Jesus today?
Day 2: Being Present with Jesus
While it's important to plan for the future, we must not lose sight of the present. Jesus is not just the God of our future; He is the God of our now. We need to be present with Him in every moment, recognizing our need for Him right here and right now.
Often, we get caught up in future thinking, obsessing over what will happen next and how we will achieve our goals. While planning and looking forward are important, they should not overshadow our present relationship with Jesus. He desires to walk with us in every moment, providing guidance, comfort, and strength. By being present with Him, we can experience His peace and presence in our daily lives. [57:31]
Matthew 6:34 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Reflection: How can you practice being more present with Jesus in your daily life? What steps can you take to focus on your relationship with Him right now, rather than being consumed by future concerns?
Day 3: Learning from Paul's Hardships
Paul endured immense hardships—imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and more. Yet, he learned that the secret to enduring all these trials was Jesus. It's not about surviving the situation on our own but about being in it with Jesus.
Paul's life serves as a powerful example of how to navigate difficult circumstances with faith and trust in Jesus. Despite facing numerous challenges, Paul remained steadfast in his relationship with Christ, finding strength and resilience through Him. This teaches us that we, too, can endure hardships by relying on Jesus and trusting in His presence and provision. [01:01:09]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "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. 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."
Reflection: Think of a recent hardship you have faced. How did you rely on Jesus during that time? What can you learn from Paul's example to help you navigate future challenges with faith and trust in Christ?
Day 4: Avoiding the Future Trap
As Christians, we often fall into the trap of thinking, "I will finally be okay when..." But the truth is, we need Jesus now, in this very moment. Our future is not secured by our plans but by our relationship with Him.
This mindset can lead us to constantly chase after the next milestone or achievement, believing that it will bring us fulfillment and peace. However, true security and contentment come from our relationship with Jesus, not from our plans or accomplishments. By focusing on our present relationship with Him, we can avoid the trap of future thinking and find peace in the here and now. [55:02]
James 4:13-15 (ESV): "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are waiting for future events to bring you peace or fulfillment? How can you shift your focus to finding contentment in your relationship with Jesus today?
Day 5: Trusting Jesus in the Journey
We must stay in the car with Jesus, trusting Him to guide us, even when the path seems unclear. The journey with Jesus is not just about reaching the destination but about the relationship we build with Him along the way.
Life is often unpredictable, and the path ahead can seem uncertain. However, when we trust Jesus to guide us, we can navigate the journey with confidence and peace. It's not just about reaching our goals or destinations but about growing in our relationship with Him and experiencing His presence in every step of the journey. By staying close to Jesus, we can trust that He will lead us according to His perfect plan. [01:09:16]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you find difficult to trust Jesus with? How can you practice trusting Him more fully in your daily journey, even when the path seems unclear?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Are you guys ready for the secret of living in every situation? Say this with me. I need Jesus. That's it. Let's do it one more time. The secret to living in every situation. I need Jesus." [42:46] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In every story, I need Jesus. In every story, I need Jesus. All of them. I mean, let's, okay, let's tally some stories. Here's an illustration for you. This is my life. These are stories. Right? Gravel. It's rocks. He graveled with me. Anything." [45:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The secret to every situation is not you surviving it. It is you being in it with Jesus. And Jesus. Is enough. You know, he's really enough. He's enough to get you through it all. He really is. In and of himself is enough. He's enough. He can do it. He can change it all around. Amen?" [01:01:09] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus isn't just out there waiting for you, son. He is right here. He is in your next moment, in your next breath. You don't have to seek him. You don't have to strive any more. Work yourself up into a tizzy, trying to figure out where he is. You don't have to do all of life's things, trying to get through every story by yourself. You don't have to do that. Jesus is with you now. Right now. He's in the midst. He's not far from you. He never abandoned you." [01:15:04] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The secret to living in every situation is not you living through it. It's you living through it. Jesus. It's gotta be Jesus. It can only be Jesus. can only be Jesus. There isn't another way. There's not another answer. There's not another secret. It can only be Jesus. He is the only one." [01:16:04] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Part of the trick of life is not to realize at the end of the story that you needed Jesus all along. It is to be in the midst of the story, staring at Jesus who is with you. We need Jesus now." [50:57] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christians are forward-thinking people. My goodness, we love the future, don't we? I'll tell you, I love the future. And at different moments in my life, I have obsessed about the future. Anyone ever obsessed about the future? Got nervous about the future? Freaked out about the future? Had your skin crawl about the future? Couldn't control the future? Can't figure out the future?" [51:48] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Might I suggest that it is important. Not just for Christians to look to the future. But to be okay with right now. That you don't need to just obsess incessantly about what will happen when. That there is something powerful. Jesus is not just the Jesus of the future. He is the Jesus of now. And that maybe I need Jesus isn't just a statement about somewhere down the line. It is a statement for now. I need Jesus now. I need him in the moment. I need to be present." [57:31] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The calling of Jesus is really him saying, come follow me. That the calling and purpose of Jesus is rarely. I've got all these things for you. Yes, I'm going to make you a fisher of men, but the calling is come follow me. And then I'm going to make you a fisher of men. And then you will do this, but come follow me." [01:04:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your future is not secured by you. It's found in him. All of your future planning. And listen, a man must plan his way, but the Lord directs his steps. That is so critically clear. You should be a planner. You should plan your way. Listen, I've also seen Christians who sat in a chair and just waited on the Lord. And God said, I ain't. There, dude. There were some pretty logical steps to take. Maybe make a phone call. That would be a good one. I'll help you along the way. A man should plan his way, but the Lord will direct his steps." [01:10:20] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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