Finding Contentment Through Simplicity and Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, and welcome to Hope and Beach Church. Today, we are reminded that this is a no-judgment zone where it's okay not to be okay. Our focus today is on the theme "Less is Better," part of our series "Habits of the Healthy Heart." We often find ourselves disconnected from Jesus due to the busyness and distractions of life. Even our recreation can sometimes serve as a means to disconnect rather than reconnect with God.
We explored the idea that true contentment comes from simplifying our lives and focusing on what truly matters. We practiced the phrase, "I have enough," and discussed how this mindset can transform our lives. Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth but to focus on heavenly treasures. This principle is counter-cultural but aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
We delved into the importance of letting go of what doesn't matter to make room for what does. This involves not just material possessions but also our schedules and distractions. Simplifying our lives allows us to focus on Jesus, who is our ultimate source of contentment.
Paul's teachings remind us that contentment is found in Christ, regardless of our circumstances. Whether we have plenty or are in want, Jesus is enough. This message challenges us to evaluate what truly matters in our lives and to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Contentment in Christ: True contentment is found in Jesus, not in material possessions or worldly achievements. Paul teaches us that whether we have plenty or are in want, we can be content through Christ who strengthens us. This principle challenges us to shift our focus from accumulating more to finding satisfaction in our relationship with Jesus. [42:31]
2. Simplicity and Focus: Simplifying our lives by letting go of what doesn't matter allows us to focus on what truly does. This involves not just material possessions but also our schedules and distractions. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can eliminate the weights that slow us down and live a life that truly matters. [27:49]
3. Heavenly Treasures: Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth but to focus on heavenly treasures. This principle is counter-cultural but aligns with the teachings of Jesus. By prioritizing what matters in the kingdom of God, we can live a life of true significance and eternal value. [24:52]
4. Defining What Matters: It's crucial to define what truly matters in our lives. When faced with the reality of life's brevity, we gain clarity on what is genuinely important. Relationships, faith, and making a difference in the lives of others often emerge as the most meaningful aspects of life. [34:54]
5. Jesus is Enough: The phrase "I have enough" is only true because we have Jesus. He is our source of strength, comfort, and security. When Jesus is at the forefront of our lives, we can find true contentment and peace, regardless of our circumstances. [40:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:44] - No-Judgment Zone
[06:25] - Connection Card
[07:13] - Series Introduction: Habits of the Healthy Heart
[08:11] - Prayer and Worship
[19:51] - Simplifying Life: I Have Enough
[23:24] - The Lord is My Shepherd
[24:52] - Jesus' Teachings on Treasures
[26:27] - Security in God, Not in Wealth
[27:49] - Eliminating Distractions
[29:25] - The Burden of Excess
[31:22] - One Handful with Peace
[33:10] - Defining What Matters
[34:54] - The Most Meaningful Things in Life
[36:14] - Family and Relationships
[38:03] - Transformative Stories
[39:20] - The Lie of More
[40:52] - Because I Have Jesus, I Have Enough
[42:31] - Paul's Secret of Contentment
[44:04] - Jesus at the Forefront
[45:48] - Wrestling with Contentment
[47:45] - What Truly Matters in Crisis
[49:11] - Closing Prayer
[51:01] - The Lord's Prayer
[52:20] - Response and Announcements
[54:36] - Beach Breakfast and Fellowship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV): "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
2. Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): "I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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 him who gives me strength."
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:19-21, what are the two types of treasures mentioned, and what are their characteristics?
2. In Philippians 4:11-13, what does Paul say he has learned to be content with, and what is the source of his strength?
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to throw off certain things. What are these things, and what should believers focus on instead?
4. In the sermon, what phrase did the pastor encourage the congregation to practice saying, and why is it significant? [19:51]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) challenge the cultural emphasis on material wealth and possessions?
2. What does Paul's statement in Philippians 4:11-13 reveal about the nature of true contentment and its source?
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 speaks about throwing off everything that hinders. What might be some modern-day examples of these hindrances, and how can focusing on Jesus help overcome them?
4. The pastor mentioned that simplifying our lives can help us focus on Jesus. How does this idea align with the teachings in Hebrews 12:1-2? [27:49]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any "earthly treasures" you are holding onto that might be hindering your relationship with Jesus? How can you start letting go of them this week? [24:52]
2. Paul learned to be content in all circumstances through Christ. Think about a current situation where you feel discontent. How can you apply Paul's secret of contentment to this situation? [42:31]
3. The pastor encouraged the prayer, "God, give me less of what doesn't matter and more of what does." What are some specific things in your life that don't matter, and how can you start reducing them? [23:24]
4. Hebrews 12:1-2 talks about fixing our eyes on Jesus. Identify one specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What steps can you take to minimize this distraction? [27:49]
5. The sermon emphasized that "Jesus is enough." How can you remind yourself of this truth daily, especially when faced with challenges or desires for more? [40:52]
6. The pastor shared personal stories about meaningful moments with family and friends. What are some non-material things that truly matter to you, and how can you prioritize them more in your daily life? [36:14]
7. Consider the phrase "I have enough because I have Jesus." How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily routine, especially in moments of stress or temptation to accumulate more? [40:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Contentment in Christ
True contentment is found in Jesus, not in material possessions or worldly achievements. Paul teaches us that whether we have plenty or are in want, we can be content through Christ who strengthens us. This principle challenges us to shift our focus from accumulating more to finding satisfaction in our relationship with Jesus. [42:31]
Paul's teachings remind us that contentment is found in Christ, regardless of our circumstances. Whether we have plenty or are in want, Jesus is enough. This message challenges us to evaluate what truly matters in our lives and to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with Jesus.
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV): "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself seeking contentment outside of Jesus? How can you shift your focus to find satisfaction in Him today?
Day 2: Simplicity and Focus
Simplifying our lives by letting go of what doesn't matter allows us to focus on what truly does. This involves not just material possessions but also our schedules and distractions. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can eliminate the weights that slow us down and live a life that truly matters. [27:49]
We often find ourselves disconnected from Jesus due to the busyness and distractions of life. Even our recreation can sometimes serve as a means to disconnect rather than reconnect with God. Simplifying our lives allows us to focus on Jesus, who is our ultimate source of contentment.
Luke 12:15 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"
Reflection: What is one distraction or unnecessary commitment you can let go of this week to focus more on your relationship with Jesus?
Day 3: Heavenly Treasures
Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth but to focus on heavenly treasures. This principle is counter-cultural but aligns with the teachings of Jesus. By prioritizing what matters in the kingdom of God, we can live a life of true significance and eternal value. [24:52]
We explored the idea that true contentment comes from simplifying our lives and focusing on what truly matters. Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth but to focus on heavenly treasures. This principle is counter-cultural but aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
Matthew 6:20-21 (ESV): "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What are some earthly treasures you find yourself holding onto? How can you begin to shift your focus to heavenly treasures today?
Day 4: Defining What Matters
It's crucial to define what truly matters in our lives. When faced with the reality of life's brevity, we gain clarity on what is genuinely important. Relationships, faith, and making a difference in the lives of others often emerge as the most meaningful aspects of life. [34:54]
We delved into the importance of letting go of what doesn't matter to make room for what does. This involves not just material possessions but also our schedules and distractions. Simplifying our lives allows us to focus on Jesus, who is our ultimate source of contentment.
James 4:14 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What are the most meaningful aspects of your life? How can you prioritize these over less important things this week?
Day 5: Jesus is Enough
The phrase "I have enough" is only true because we have Jesus. He is our source of strength, comfort, and security. When Jesus is at the forefront of our lives, we can find true contentment and peace, regardless of our circumstances. [40:52]
Paul's teachings remind us that contentment is found in Christ, regardless of our circumstances. Whether we have plenty or are in want, Jesus is enough. This message challenges us to evaluate what truly matters in our lives and to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with Jesus.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to believe that Jesus is enough? How can you remind yourself of His sufficiency today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So much of our life disconnects us. Even our recreation, we come to disconnect from the world. We come to disconnect, come to the beach. There's something about being in God's creation that we recognize that renews us. It recreates. That's recreation, recreating us. And we want to get renewed and recreated in the new life of Jesus." [06:25](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The answer, when your needs are met. You have enough when your needs are met. So when you have enough, I have this group. Am I deaf in this side or nobody's talking? When do you have enough? So we're going to practice a habit of simplifying, and we're going to learn this little phrase, this little three-word phrase, and we're going to ask God, and we're going to repeat this phrase, this little phrase. We're going to ask God to kind of take that phrase and really put it into our hearts and internalize it. And so if you didn't know, this is C, and the phrase is, I have enough." [23:24](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God, give me less of what doesn't matter, and God, give me more than what does matter. Give me less of what doesn't matter, and give me more than what does matter. Say that out loud. God, give me less of what doesn't matter, and give me more than what does matter. What if you prayed that consistently? What if that was really your desire? I mean, that'd be very, very counter-cultural. Wouldn't it? But it'd be very, very true to the words of Jesus." [24:52](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Better is one handful with what? With tranquility or with peace. Two handfuls of toil and chasing after the wind. Let me illustrate it with this popcorn that set off the alarm at the church this morning. I actually burnt two bags. It's awful, all right? He says, look, better is just one handful with tranquility than two handfuls toil. But I mean, let's just be honest, in America, it looks more like this, right? We didn't worry about handfuls. It's just right there, hand to mouth. We're consumers. We're great consumers. But Ecclesiastes says, better is one handful with what? With peace. Better is less so you have room for what matters." [31:22](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Because I have Jesus, I have enough. Say that. Because I have Jesus, I have enough. Because I have Jesus. You can only say I have enough if you're someone who has Jesus. Jesus, a walk with him, a one who's changed our heart and filled our heart. With this amazing forgiveness that we just praise God in the beginning of our service. That nothing we could do, nothing we could earn, this incredible gift that fills us, that gives us everything we need in it. Because I have Jesus. What? I have enough." [40:52](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you want to change your life, you got to change your habits. But if you want to change your habits, you can put this in the middle of your notes, you got to let God change your heart. We can't change our heart. So Jesus tells us, don't store up stuff. That doesn't last. Don't accumulate more. Don't hoard. But the reality, most of us, almost, that's the goal of this accumulate. What do we want? We want bigger balances in the bank, don't we? I mean, why? Because that gives us a sense of security. I mean, I feel good when the numbers are up and not going down. I mean, we want our security in our money and not in God." [26:27](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What does it mean to have less of what doesn't matter? If you have less of what doesn't matter, what do you do? Scripture teaches in Hebrew 12 once, I remember, let's say it together. Every weight that slows us down. And we do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Let's get rid of everything. Every weight, every stuff, every part of our schedule, every distraction, anything that everything that doesn't matter in the kingdom of God. And let's keep our eyes on Jesus. Let's have enough, as Paul did. And say, we have enough. We have our needs met. And let's just throw the rest overboard. Let's eliminate all the stuff that's weighing us down, distracting us, and keeping us from having our eyes on Jesus." [27:49](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The closer you are to Jesus, the more you realize that the most meaningful things in life are not things. Christian and I have been married. We got three kids and we have five grandkids and our kids are all married. And we're empty nesters. And I can tell you, we look back on raising our kids and being with our children, it's not the things that matter. You didn't eat things. It was a time together. There was stuff like playing soccer. It was doing sports together. It was our Friday night picnic in the family room. My dad fried homemade chicken nuggets and french fries and onion rings. We killed several fryers. You know, movie night together. It was hiking. It was fishing. Pinewood Derby. Prayers at night, at bedtime, or quote unquote bedtime, because every time we did that, one kid wanted to stay up and talk. Like for hours. Building forts in the snow. I mean, the most meaningful things in life are never things." [36:14](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When life comes in, you're not going to care where you travel last year. You're going to care about where you're going for eternity. And that's why Paul said, I've learned the secret. I've learned the secret of being content. I do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Christ, he's everything. Because I have Jesus, I have enough. If I'm sick, I have a healer. If I'm hurting, I have a comforter. If I'm sad, I have some, I have my joy. If I'm in sin, the glory of God, I have a savior. This is the habit of the heart. The habit of simplifying. And so God, give me less of what doesn't matter. God, give me more to what does matter. Why? Because your life is too valuable. Your calling is too great to waste your life on things that don't last. Because I have Jesus. Say it with me. I have enough." [49:11](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And I want to say, as I said before, this could be easy to shake this off. This could be easy to point around because you know why you always see other people that have more and it always says like, I have less. But the reality is we all have a lot. And we all have a lot. And we all have a lot. And we all have our hands. And let me tell you, when you're in a car accident, it's not a stack of cash that you want next to you. It's Jesus. When you're getting reeled into a hospital, an operating room, it's not more followers on social media you want. It's not more popular. It's not a bigger home. It's Jesus that you want. When you send your kids off to college or you send them out to the world, it's not just, hey, I want brand, I want name brand shoes and clothing on them. No, you want Jesus to go with them." [47:45](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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