Finding True Contentment Beyond Wealth and Possessions
Summary
Today’s focus was on the deep restlessness and emptiness that comes from making money and possessions the center of our lives, as Solomon so honestly describes in Ecclesiastes. We began by remembering that every human life is made in the image of God, and that the value of life is not a modern debate but a spiritual battle that has raged since the beginning. Our calling is to reflect God’s glory, not just in what we say, but in how we value and protect life, especially the most vulnerable.
Turning to Ecclesiastes, we saw Solomon’s raw reflections on wealth, work, and the pursuit of meaning “under the sun.” He exposes the lie that more money or success will finally bring us peace or satisfaction. Instead, he shows that chasing after wealth leads to restlessness, isolation, and a false sense of control. The drive for more is often rooted in envy and comparison, not in a calling from God. Even excellence in our work can become a form of competition, leaving us empty when we reach the finish line and find it has moved yet again.
Solomon warns that money, when loved, never satisfies. It only amplifies our cravings and multiplies our anxieties. The more we have, the more we want, and the more others want from us. True contentment is not found in abundance, but in learning to say, “I have enough.” The wise life is not about grabbing with both hands, but about living with one open hand—content, diligent, and trusting God to provide.
We also saw how the pursuit of wealth can isolate us from the very people we’re meant to love and serve. Many sacrifice relationships on the altar of career and accumulation, only to find themselves alone with their riches. Solomon’s wisdom is that community and shared life are far more valuable than solitary success. Money promises control, but it cannot guarantee security. Riches can vanish in a moment, and in the end, we leave this world as empty-handed as we entered it.
The gospel offers a better way. Jesus, who had no earthly wealth, lived the most secure and joyful life because His trust was in the Father. He gave up the riches of heaven to make us truly rich in Him. Only Christ can fill the emptiness that money cannot touch, offering peace, joy, and security that no amount of wealth can buy. The invitation is to loosen our grip on temporary things and cling to the One who gives lasting treasure.
Key Takeaways
- Contentment Is Found in Trust, Not Accumulation
The relentless pursuit of more—whether money, possessions, or status—never leads to lasting satisfaction. True contentment comes from trusting God with what we have, learning to say “enough,” and recognizing that our worth is not in what we possess, but in who possesses us. This shift from striving to resting in God’s provision is the antidote to the restlessness that plagues our culture. [58:17]
- Wealth Without Community Is Emptiness
Accumulating riches at the expense of relationships leads to a lonely and meaningless existence. Solomon’s wisdom is that two are better than one, and that strength and joy are found in community, not in solitary achievement. Investing in people, not just possessions, reflects the heart of God and brings a reward that money cannot match. [01:07:11]
- Money Promises Control but Delivers Insecurity
The illusion that wealth can secure our future is shattered by life’s unpredictability. Riches can be lost in an instant, and no amount of planning can guarantee peace or safety. Real security is found in Christ, who holds our future and offers a peace that surpasses all understanding, even when circumstances are uncertain. [01:19:45]
- Generosity and Rest Are Acts of Faith
Giving freely and choosing to rest are countercultural acts that declare our trust in God rather than in our own efforts or resources. Generosity breaks the grip of materialism, and Sabbath rest reminds us that our value is not in our productivity. Both are spiritual disciplines that reorient our hearts toward God’s kingdom and away from the idolatry of self-sufficiency. [01:23:11]
- The Gospel Frees Us from the Tyranny of More
Jesus did not just forgive our greed and striving; He offers a new way to live—one marked by peace, purpose, and joy that are not dependent on circumstances. The invitation is to surrender our endless striving, to let go of lesser treasures, and to cling to Christ, who alone can fill the emptiness within. In Him, we find the only treasure that lasts. [01:24:17]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Opening Thanksgiving
[05:30] - Scripture Memory: Deuteronomy 6
[14:16] - Created in God’s Image
[28:21] - Praying for Life and the Pregnancy Center
[30:26] - Community Prayer and Announcements
[48:08] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes and the Vanity of Wealth
[49:33] - The Restlessness of Comparison
[51:17] - Money’s Empty Promises
[57:33] - The Wisdom of Contentment
[01:05:24] - Money’s Power to Isolate
[01:09:56] - The Tragedy of Possessions Without Peace
[01:17:17] - The Illusion of Control
[01:24:17] - The Gospel Invitation
[01:27:11] - Closing Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Restlessness of More (Ecclesiastes 4–6)
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### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 4:4–12; 5:10–20; 6:1–9
- Genesis 1:26–27
- Luke 12:13–21 (Parable of the Rich Fool, referenced in the sermon)
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 4:4, what does Solomon say is the main motivation behind much of our work and skill? How does he describe the result of this motivation? [51:17]
2. In Ecclesiastes 5:10–12, what does Solomon say about the person who loves money? What are some of the consequences he lists for those who pursue wealth? [54:34]
3. In Genesis 1:26–27, what does it mean that humans are made in the image of God? How does this truth connect to the way we value life and possessions? [16:45]
4. In the parable Jesus tells in Luke 12:13–21, what was the rich man’s mistake, and what did God call him at the end of the story? [01:00:29]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Solomon say that “better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind”? What does this reveal about the difference between contentment and ambition? [57:33]
2. How does the pursuit of wealth lead to isolation, according to Solomon? Can you think of ways this happens in our culture or in your own experience? [01:07:11]
3. The sermon says, “Money promises control, but it cannot guarantee security.” What are some examples from the passage or from life where this is true? [01:19:45]
4. The pastor said, “Contentment doesn’t come from what’s in your hands. It comes from who holds your heart.” What does this mean in practical terms for a Christian? [01:04:00]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon described how the drive for more is often rooted in envy and comparison, not in a calling from God. In what areas of your life do you find yourself comparing what you have to others? How does this affect your peace or contentment? [51:17]
2. Solomon warns that money, when loved, never satisfies and only multiplies anxiety. Are there ways you have experienced this restlessness or anxiety because of money or possessions? What would it look like to say, “I have enough”? [54:34]
3. The pursuit of wealth can isolate us from the people we’re meant to love and serve. Have you ever sacrificed relationships for work, success, or financial gain? What changes could you make to invest more in people than possessions? [01:07:11]
4. The sermon challenged us to live with “one open hand—content, diligent, and trusting God to provide.” What is one area where you need to loosen your grip and trust God more? Is it your job, your savings, your schedule, or something else? [58:17]
5. Generosity and rest are described as acts of faith that break the grip of materialism. Is there a specific way you could practice generosity or Sabbath rest this week? What would be hard about it, and what might God want to teach you through it? [01:23:11]
6. The gospel offers a better way: Jesus gave up the riches of heaven to make us rich in Him. How does remembering what Christ has done for you help you let go of striving for more? [01:24:17]
7. The pastor asked, “Are you trusting your bank account more this morning than you are trusting God?” How can you tell where your trust really lies? What is one step you could take this week to shift your trust from money to Christ? [01:20:45]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you find your worth and security in Him, to loosen your grip on temporary things, and to invest in relationships and generosity that reflect His heart. Pray for the courage to rest and trust in His provision.
Devotional
Day 1: Created in the Image of God: The Value of Every Life
Every human being is created in the image of God, set apart from all other creation, and given inherent dignity and purpose. This truth means that every life, from conception to natural death, is precious and reflects the majesty, grace, and love of God. Our worth is not determined by what we achieve or possess, but by the fact that we bear God's image and are known and loved by Him. Recognizing this should shape how we view ourselves and others, leading us to honor, protect, and cherish life in all its forms. [16:45]
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (ESV)
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to be reminded today that they are made in God’s image and deeply valued—how can you show them this truth in a tangible way?
Day 2: The Restlessness of Chasing Wealth
Pursuing money and possessions as the source of fulfillment leads only to restlessness, anxiety, and emptiness. The drive to have more is often rooted in comparison and envy, and no matter how much we gain, it never truly satisfies our deepest longings. True contentment is found not in abundance, but in learning to say, “I have enough,” and trusting God to provide what we need. When we loosen our grip on material things and seek God’s will above all, we discover a peace that striving can never give. [54:34]
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 (ESV)
"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep."
Reflection: What is one area where you are striving for “just a little more”—how might you practice contentment and gratitude with what you have today?
Day 3: The Isolation of Wealth Without Relationships
Building your life around money and success can lead to isolation, broken relationships, and a lack of true joy. When possessions become more important than people, we end up with full hands but empty hearts, missing out on the richness of community and love. God designed us for relationship—with Him and with others—and true strength and meaning are found in sharing life together, not in solitary accumulation. Investing in relationships and community brings a reward that wealth alone can never provide. [01:07:11]
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 (ESV)
"Again, I saw vanity under the sun: one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, 'For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?' This also is vanity and an unhappy business. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Reflection: Is there a relationship you’ve neglected in pursuit of work or success—how can you intentionally invest in that person this week?
Day 4: The Illusion of Control and the Gift of Trust
Money often promises security and control, but in reality, it can vanish in a moment and leave us with nothing. No amount of wealth can guarantee our future or protect us from suffering, loss, or death. True security is found in trusting God, who holds our lives in His hands and offers us peace that surpasses understanding. When we surrender our need for control and trust in Christ, we find a rest and confidence that money can never provide. [01:19:45]
Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are trying to maintain control—how can you surrender this to God and trust Him with the outcome today?
Day 5: Reorienting Your Life to the Only Lasting Treasure
What you pursue and invest in reveals where your heart truly is. If your hope is in wealth, success, or possessions, you are chasing after the wind and will ultimately be left empty. But Jesus offers a better way: He frees us from the endless striving, forgives our misplaced trust, and invites us to find our identity, purpose, and joy in Him alone. When you let go of lesser treasures and cling to Christ, you discover the only treasure that lasts for eternity. [01:24:17]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 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 is one practical step you can take this week to loosen your grip on earthly treasures and invest more deeply in your relationship with Jesus?
Quotes
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