Finding True Contentment Through Christ's Strength
Summary
In this final week of our series on contentment, we explored the profound journey from discontent to peace, drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul's words in Philippians. Paul learned to be content in all circumstances, a lesson that did not come easily or quickly. He discovered the secret to contentment: "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me." This strength, infused by Christ, is sufficient for any situation we face. Reflecting on the experiences of our congregation, many have faced unimaginable challenges, yet found God's grace sufficient, proving that His strength is enough.
We turned to Hebrews 13, a passage that holds personal significance for me, as it was read at my wedding. It commands us to keep our lives free from the love of money and to be content with what we have, for God promises, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." This command is not a suggestion but a divine directive, urging us to pursue contentment by aligning our desires with what we have, rather than constantly seeking more.
Christian contentment is an enigma; while the world is never enough, we find satisfaction in Christ alone. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, for without Him, nothing will ever satisfy. The promise of God's unwavering presence is the foundation of our contentment. He assures us that we will never be alone, helpless, or without hope. This promise, underscored by five negatives in the original language, emphasizes its strength and reliability.
We are encouraged to draw on this promise, especially in times of overwhelming challenges, when taking steps of faith, and when following Christ becomes costly. God's promise to never leave or forsake us empowers us to face any circumstance with confidence, knowing that His presence is our ultimate source of contentment.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Secret of Contentment: True contentment is found in the strength that Christ provides. It is not about having everything we desire but about relying on Jesus to strengthen us in every circumstance. This strength is sufficient, and His grace is enough for whatever we face. [01:18]
2. The Enigma of Christian Contentment: While the world can never satisfy a Christian, we find contentment in what we have because of our relationship with Christ. Our hearts are restless until they rest in Him, and this divine satisfaction transcends worldly possessions. [08:21]
3. The Command and Promise: God's command to be content is coupled with His promise to never leave or forsake us. This promise is a powerful motivator, enabling us to obey His command by trusting in His unwavering presence and support. [19:01]
4. Practical Steps to Contentment: Contentment is achieved not by acquiring more but by aligning our desires with what we have. Enjoy what God has given you and make the right comparisons, focusing on gratitude rather than envy. [11:06]
5. Drawing on God's Promise: In times of overwhelming challenges, steps of faith, or costly discipleship, we must draw deeply on God's promise. His assurance of never leaving us provides the courage and strength to persevere and remain content. [30:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Contentment
- [00:46] - Learning Contentment with Paul
- [01:18] - The Secret of Strength in Christ
- [02:12] - Testimonies of God's Grace
- [03:30] - Turning to Hebrews 13
- [04:53] - The Command to Be Content
- [06:32] - The Enigma of Christian Contentment
- [09:06] - Loving God Above All
- [11:06] - Practical Steps to Contentment
- [13:01] - Making the Right Comparisons
- [18:40] - The Promise of God's Presence
- [23:50] - Trusting God's Promise
- [29:02] - Drawing on the Promise in Challenges
- [39:00] - Responding with Confidence
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Journey to Contentment
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 4:11-13
2. Hebrews 13:5-6
3. 1 Timothy 6:6-8
---
Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul identify as the "secret" to being content in Philippians 4:13? How does this relate to the strength he receives from Christ? [01:18]
2. In Hebrews 13:5-6, what command and promise does the author highlight regarding contentment and God's presence? [04:06]
3. According to 1 Timothy 6:6-8, what is the relationship between godliness and contentment, and how does it contrast with worldly desires? [17:17]
4. How does the sermon describe the enigma of Christian contentment in relation to worldly possessions? [08:21]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise "I will never leave you nor forsake you" in Hebrews 13:5-6 serve as a motivator for contentment, according to the sermon? [19:01]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of gratitude in achieving contentment, and how does this align with the biblical passages discussed? [11:06]
3. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" in the context of facing life's challenges? [01:18]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christian contentment is different from worldly satisfaction, and how is this supported by the biblical texts? [08:21]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you draw on the strength of Christ to find contentment in that situation? [01:18]
2. Consider your current financial situation. How can you apply the command in Hebrews 13:5 to be content with what you have, and what steps can you take to free your life from the love of money? [04:06]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel discontent. How can you realign your desires with what you currently have, as suggested in the sermon? [11:06]
4. Think about a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult period. How did this assurance help you remain content, and how can you remind yourself of this promise in future challenges? [19:01]
5. The sermon mentions making the right comparisons to cultivate contentment. What are some comparisons you can make that will help you appreciate what you have rather than envy others? [13:01]
6. How can you practice gratitude daily to enhance your sense of contentment, and what specific actions can you take to focus on the blessings in your life? [11:06]
7. Reflect on the statement, "If God is not enough for you, nothing will ever be enough for you." How does this perspective challenge your current understanding of contentment, and what changes might you need to make in your life? [10:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Strength in Christ for Every Circumstance
True contentment is not about having everything we desire but about relying on Jesus to strengthen us in every situation. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, shares that he learned to be content in all circumstances through the strength that Christ provides. This strength is not a mere human resilience but a divine empowerment that enables believers to face any challenge with peace and assurance. Many in the congregation have faced unimaginable trials, yet they testify to the sufficiency of God's grace, proving that His strength is enough for whatever we face. [01:18]
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being." (Ephesians 3:14-16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a current challenge in your life. How can you rely on Christ's strength to face it today?
Day 2: Divine Satisfaction Beyond Worldly Possessions
Christian contentment is an enigma because, while the world can never satisfy a believer, true satisfaction is found in Christ alone. Our hearts are restless until they rest in Him, and this divine satisfaction transcends worldly possessions. The relationship with Christ provides a peace and fulfillment that material wealth cannot offer. This contentment is not about having more but about finding joy and peace in what we already have through our relationship with Jesus. [08:21]
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:25-26, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a possession or desire that you believe will bring you happiness. How can you shift your focus to find satisfaction in Christ instead?
Day 3: The Command and Promise of God's Presence
God's command to be content is coupled with His promise to never leave or forsake us. This promise is a powerful motivator, enabling believers to obey His command by trusting in His unwavering presence and support. The assurance of God's presence provides a foundation for contentment, as it assures us that we are never alone, helpless, or without hope. This divine promise, emphasized by multiple negatives in the original language, underscores its strength and reliability. [19:01]
"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." (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to trust God's promise of His presence? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?
Day 4: Aligning Desires with Gratitude
Contentment is achieved not by acquiring more but by aligning our desires with what we have. This involves enjoying what God has given us and making the right comparisons, focusing on gratitude rather than envy. By appreciating the blessings we already possess, we cultivate a heart of thankfulness and contentment. This shift in perspective allows us to see the abundance in our lives and reduces the desire for more. [11:06]
"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.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: List three things you are grateful for today. How can focusing on these blessings help you cultivate contentment?
Day 5: Drawing on God's Promise in Challenges
In times of overwhelming challenges, steps of faith, or costly discipleship, believers are encouraged to draw deeply on God's promise. His assurance of never leaving us provides the courage and strength to persevere and remain content. This promise empowers us to face any circumstance with confidence, knowing that His presence is our ultimate source of contentment. By relying on this divine assurance, we can navigate life's difficulties with peace and hope. [30:00]
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience God's presence and promise during that time? How can you draw on His promise in future challenges?
Quotes
Paul says I have learnt in whatever situation I am to be content and we saw that this was something that he clearly grew into over a period of time it didn't come immediately it didn't come easily I have learned it and then even more he says there's a secret to this he says I've learned the secret of having plenty and of facing hunger of being in abundance and even in greed. [00:43:20]
I proved it in my experience that Jesus Christ gives me strength for whatever I face at precisely the time that I needed it that strength was infused into me Jesus Christ strengthens me that's how I can face the different circumstances of life and what I've found is that the strength that I have in him is enough that His grace is sufficient for me. [01:30:53]
Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have now notice friends that this is a direct command from the mouth of God he does not say you know once in a while you might like to have a series and think about this matter of contentment you know at least it should be on your radar screen. [05:05:43]
Jesus Christ means more than all the world to a Christian and so for that reason a Christian is a person who would not be satisfied even if he or she had the whole world listen one more time to Burroughs from whom we've learned so much in the series he says this men of the world seek after wealth and think that if they had this much or that much then they would be content. [06:34:94]
The Christian therefore can say I would not be satisfied with all the world and yet I am content with what I have isn't that a strange enigma there's a mystery in there I would not be satisfied with all the world and yet I am content with what I have. [08:16:39]
If God is not enough for you nothing will ever be enough for you if God is not enough for you nothing and no one will ever be enough for you if you are not content with him you will not be content with anything or with anyone which is why the great Saint Augustine said to God thou hast made us for thyself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee. [10:14:63]
Contentment does not come by adding to what you have but by subtracting from what you desire the world says you will find contentment when your possessions rise to the level of your desires this is what I want when I can get my possessions up to the level of my desires the world says well then you will be content but the Christian knows and has found another way of contentment. [11:13:39]
Compare your condition with what you deserve there's a good comparison when it comes to kindness and mercy God has given me far more than I ever deserved and when it has come to trouble and hardship he has given me far less than I have deserved he says this has God's taken away our estate he might have taken away Christ has he thrown us into prison he might have thrown us into hell. [14:25:96]
Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have for so here's a house statement here's a reason here's a motive here's a way in which you couldn't can fulfill what God has just commanded you to do here's the house for he has said I will never leave you nor forsake you. [18:56:56]
To be forsaken by God would be the worst thing imaginable a person forsaken by God would be completely alone a person forsaken by God would be ultimately helpless a person forsaken by God would be without hope in this world to be forsaken by God would be the hell of Hell itself and God says to his redeemed people in Jesus Christ that will never happen to you. [21:58:66]
We will need to draw deeply on these words when when you are facing an overwhelming challenge and I got to that by reflecting on the fact that early on God gave exactly this promise to Joshua when he was facing the overwhelming challenge of stepping into the shoes of Moses I mean can you imagine what that's like we would you like that job Moses successor who wants that job. [29:51:74]
There is real measurable loss because of your commitment to integrity because you took a stand and were baptized as a Christian believer and then were disowned and will not inherit and all of this and your life could have been much much easier if you had chosen a different path but you chose to walk the path of Jesus and to take up the cross that he holds before you and to follow him. [37:12:00]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?