Finding Contentment: Trusting God's Promises Over Wealth
Summary
In our journey through life, we are often tempted by the allure of wealth and material possessions. The Apostle Paul, in Hebrews 13:5, reminds us to let our lives be free from the love of money and to be content with what we have. This is a timeless lesson, especially relevant in today's world where the pursuit of wealth can easily overshadow our spiritual well-being. Covetousness, or the insatiable desire for more, is a subtle yet pervasive sin that can infiltrate our lives without us even realizing it. It is like a snake that can enter through the smallest of cracks, whether in times of prosperity or adversity.
Contentment, on the other hand, is the antidote to covetousness. It is a rare virtue, yet it is the key to true happiness and peace. Being content with what we have allows us to appreciate the blessings we already possess and to trust in God's provision. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. This divine assurance should be enough to quell our fears and desires for more. If we truly believe that God is with us, we have no reason to be anxious or discontent.
The promise of God's constant presence is not just a comforting thought but a powerful truth that should shape our lives. It is a promise that has been fulfilled time and again throughout the Bible, from Jacob to Joshua, and it remains true for us today. God's promises are not like human promises that are fulfilled once and then forgotten. They are eternal and ever-relevant, providing us with strength and courage in every circumstance.
To truly embrace this promise, we must have faith like a child, believing in God's word without doubt or hesitation. This faith allows us to rest on God's promises, just as Jacob rested on the land God promised him. When we trust in God's word, we find peace and joy, regardless of our material circumstances. Let us, therefore, live with contentment, free from the love of money, and fully trusting in God's unfailing promise to never leave us nor forsake us.
Key Takeaways:
- Covetousness is a subtle sin that can easily infiltrate our lives, often without us realizing it. It can manifest in both prosperity and adversity, making it crucial for us to remain vigilant and guard our hearts against it. [02:18]
- Contentment is the antidote to covetousness. It allows us to appreciate the blessings we have and trust in God's provision. True contentment is not about having more but about being satisfied with what we have. [03:38]
- God's promise to never leave us nor forsake us is a powerful assurance that should shape our lives. This promise has been fulfilled throughout the Bible and remains true for us today, providing strength and courage in every circumstance. [10:41]
- Faith like a child is essential to fully embrace God's promises. When we trust in God's word without doubt, we find peace and joy, regardless of our material circumstances. This faith allows us to rest on God's promises, just as Jacob rested on the land God promised him. [21:39]
- God's promises are eternal and ever-relevant. Unlike human promises, they are fulfilled repeatedly and remain true for all time. This assurance covers all time, space, and circumstances, providing us with a foundation of hope and security. [36:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Hebrews 13:5
- [00:28] - The Danger of Covetousness
- [01:15] - Freedom from the Love of Money
- [02:34] - Covetousness in Prosperity and Adversity
- [03:20] - The Cure: Contentment
- [04:56] - The Illusion of Wealth
- [06:09] - The Richness of Contentment
- [07:10] - The Rarity of Confessing Covetousness
- [08:48] - Covetousness in Disguise
- [10:08] - The Promise of God's Presence
- [11:17] - The Weight of God's Word
- [12:23] - Respect for God's Word
- [14:15] - The Authority of Scripture
- [16:25] - The Eternal Nature of God's Promises
- [19:13] - Jacob's Assurance
- [23:08] - Moses' Encouragement to Israel
- [25:20] - David's Charge to Solomon
- [28:21] - The Timelessness of God's Promises
- [32:43] - The Simplicity of Faith
- [36:03] - The Comprehensive Nature of God's Promise
- [39:08] - God's Unfailing Presence
- [43:01] - The Joy of Trusting God
- [45:14] - Closing Hymn
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 13:5 - "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
2. Genesis 28:15 - "And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."
3. Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 13:5 instruct us to avoid, and what attitude should we adopt instead? [00:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of covetousness and its ability to infiltrate our lives? [02:18]
3. According to the sermon, what is the "antidote" to covetousness, and how is it described? [03:20]
4. What examples from the Bible are given in the sermon to illustrate God's promise to never leave nor forsake us? [19:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" provide a foundation for contentment in our lives? [10:41]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that covetousness can disguise itself in our daily lives? [08:48]
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of having "faith like a child" in embracing God's promises? [21:39]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the eternal nature of God's promises compared to human promises? [16:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where covetousness might be subtly influencing your decisions or desires? How can you guard against this? [02:18]
2. Consider your current circumstances. How can you practice contentment with what you have, and what steps can you take to cultivate this attitude daily? [03:38]
3. Think of a time when you felt alone or forsaken. How can the promise of God's constant presence bring you comfort and assurance in similar situations? [10:41]
4. Identify a specific promise from God that you find difficult to fully trust. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this promise? [21:39]
5. How can you remind yourself of God's eternal promises in moments of doubt or fear? What tangible reminders or practices can you incorporate into your routine? [36:03]
6. In what ways can you encourage others in your community to find contentment and trust in God's provision? How can you be a source of support for them? [06:41]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the simplicity of faith. How can you simplify your faith journey to focus more on trusting God’s promises? [32:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Guarding Against Covetousness
Covetousness is a subtle sin that can easily infiltrate our lives, often without us realizing it. It can manifest in both prosperity and adversity, making it crucial for us to remain vigilant and guard our hearts against it. The insatiable desire for more can creep into our lives like a snake through the smallest of cracks, leading us away from spiritual well-being. In a world that often equates success with material wealth, it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting more, even when we have enough. This desire can distract us from our relationship with God and the contentment He offers. [02:18]
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: Identify an area in your life where you feel the pull of covetousness. How can you actively guard your heart against this desire today?
Day 2: The Richness of Contentment
Contentment is the antidote to covetousness. It allows us to appreciate the blessings we have and trust in God's provision. True contentment is not about having more but about being satisfied with what we have. This virtue is rare but essential for true happiness and peace. When we cultivate contentment, we shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance of blessings already present in our lives. Trusting in God's provision means believing that He knows what we need and will provide it in His perfect timing. [03:38]
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV): "But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."
Reflection: What is one blessing in your life that you often overlook? How can you express gratitude for it today?
Day 3: The Assurance of God's Presence
God's promise to never leave us nor forsake us is a powerful assurance that should shape our lives. This promise has been fulfilled throughout the Bible and remains true for us today, providing strength and courage in every circumstance. Unlike human promises, God's promises are eternal and ever-relevant, offering us a foundation of hope and security. When we truly believe in God's constant presence, we can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we are never alone. [10:41]
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be reminded of God's presence? How can this assurance change your perspective today?
Day 4: Childlike Faith in God's Promises
Faith like a child is essential to fully embrace God's promises. When we trust in God's word without doubt, we find peace and joy, regardless of our material circumstances. This faith allows us to rest on God's promises, just as Jacob rested on the land God promised him. Childlike faith is characterized by simplicity and trust, believing that God will fulfill His promises even when we cannot see how. [21:39]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you struggle to believe? How can you cultivate a childlike faith to trust in it today?
Day 5: The Eternal Nature of God's Promises
God's promises are eternal and ever-relevant. Unlike human promises, they are fulfilled repeatedly and remain true for all time. This assurance covers all time, space, and circumstances, providing us with a foundation of hope and security. Throughout the Bible, God's promises have been a source of strength and encouragement for His people, and they continue to be so for us today. Embracing the eternal nature of God's promises allows us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that His word is unchanging and reliable. [36:03]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: How does the eternal nature of God's promises impact your view of the future? What steps can you take to anchor your hope in His unchanging word today?
Quotes
The Apostle warns us against a tendency very natural to our race let your conversation be without covetousness I'm afraid that the precept is even more wanted now than in the days of the Apostle we are still more sharp and Keen in competition and men in trade are even more anxious to accumulate money than they were in Apostolic times it is not easy for a man to keep his heart clear of covetousness or his hands clean from moral bribes. [00:00:28]
Covetousness May insinuate itself into his life it is a snake which can enter at the smallest hole it lurks in the grass where it is long but it Glides also where the pasture is bare it may come in either in prosperity or in adversity and it is needful to whisper in the ear of each believer whether going up or down in the world let your conversation your daily conduct be without covetousness. [00:02:15]
The Apostle here hints at what is the real cure for covetousness namely contentment this is a rare drug in the market the words of the Apostle make up a golden sentence be content with such things as ye have it is supposed by most persons that they could be content if they were not exactly what they are and where they are but the precept exalts them to be content with their present circumstances. [00:03:20]
After all contentment drinks the cream of life so far as Earthly things are concerned he is the happiest nay he is the richest man who is content with such things as he has the ripest Apple in the garden grows on the tree of content the garments which fit Us best are the most fit for us and are the most comfortable to wear. [00:05:55]
God teaches how to shun the vice of covetousness by cultivating the virtue of contentment May the sweet flower choke the ill weed let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have I asked a question some years ago of a person whom I believed to be one of the most Covetous individuals in my acquaintance and I received from him a singular reply. [00:06:41]
Covetousness breeds an insensibility in the heart a mortification in the conscience a blindness in the mind it is as hard to convict a man of it as to make a deaf ear hear of its own deficiences you cannot make a horse leech see the impropriety of Desiring to suck to all your expostulations it renders the one answer give give covetousness goes about in Disguise. [00:08:07]
I am exceedingly glad that the Apostle Paul had met with certain Covetous Hebrews this epistle was written by a Hebrew of the Hebrews to the Hebrews and the Hebrews from Jacob downwards were never quite free from this sin they are not so today I am glad he met with some of them because in giving an exhortation to them he let drop one of the choicest pearls in all the treasury of God's word. [00:10:00]
The first observation I'm going to make upon this most weighty text is this that a word of the Lord is of great weight to a Believer Paul said let your conversation be without covetousness and there was weight in that he added be content with such things as he have and there was weight in that also for there was inspiration at the back of each sentence. [00:11:17]
When Jehovah himself speaks there is no excuse for doubting questioning or answering again when God himself deals with our souls we are like Wax under the seal at least we desire to be so I want you my hearer to discern whose child You Are by this I observe growing up everywhere a tri in with the word of God a questioning of this and a questioning of that. [00:12:23]
The word of the Lord may have a thousand fulfillments when a man makes a promise and he keeps it that promise is done with you cannot expect a banker to pay a check a second time the merchant who duly meets his bill once has met it once for all and the document is henceforth of no value but when God makes a promise and he fulfills it fulfills it and fulfills it again and again and again. [00:16:25]
The Lord's promise once given is never recalled he does as good as give forth each inspired promise every moment a new he is forever promising that which he once promised in his word he has made a promise for all time when he has once made it so long as there shall be need of such a promise God will never speak in secret in a dark place of the earth and revoke what he has said. [00:17:39]
I cannot under the influence of this Grand text find room for doubt or fear I cannot stand here and be miserable tonight I'm not going to attempt such a thing but I cannot be despondent with such a text as this I will never leave thee nor forsake Thee I defy the Devil Himself to mention circumstances under which I ought to be miserable if this text is true child of God nothing ought to make you unhappy when you can realize this precious text. [00:42:56]
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