Godliness with Contentment
Cultivating contentment in my heart and in my home.
Am I~ always wanting? wanting more THINGS, wanting what I can't have? wanting something different?
*If God put me in a certain place and I am constantly not be happy about it, is to be mad at God!
*If God gave me what I have and I always want for more, I am not satisfied with what God provided for me!
Is my focus on God? Or is my focus on myself?
"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalms 34:1
" From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised." Psalms 113:3
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Philippians 4:11
If I fill myself with the things of God, what will be the result? Godliness.
Example: A rotten apple spoils the whole barrel.
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." Anonymous
"Contentment is not out there at some other place, in some other time, under some other circumstances. Contentment is being fully present and grateful in any place, at any time, under any circumstance." Dean Jackson
"Contentment is a state of the heart, unaffected by outward circumstances." Crystal Paine
Be Grateful.
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," Ephesians 3:20
(Him=God. God can do Exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think!)
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" Luke 6:38
God is ALREADY giving us GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN,AND SHAKEN TOGETHER, AND RUNNING OVER. . .For what you give is what you will receive.
"A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment." David A. Bednar, “The Windows of Heaven”
"God is enough. If I have HIM, I have all I need." Nancy Leigh DeMoss
If we do not feel grateful for what God has already given us, what makes us think we'd be happy with MORE?
-Happy in a different place
-Happy in a different home
-Happy with a different job
-Happy with a different church
-Happy with the new car
-Happy with the new I-Phone
-Happy with the new X Box game
-Happy with the new I-Pad
God put me there. . .
Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction. Paul says contentment must be LEARNED. "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Contentment is not just talking about worldly goods, but also a state of mind. We should strive to have a peace that passes understanding. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4:7
Learn contentment by valuing others more than you value yourself.
Secret of Contentment by John MacArthur
1. Give thanks in all things. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:18-20) Contentment is a characteristic of a spirit filled believer.
2. Learn to REST in God's providence. Providence is the protective care of God. (HE has determined his plan for us so that we will be benefited and HE will be glorified.) "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 God has already seen the end result. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." I Peter 4:12-13
3. Learn to be satisfied with what you have. " But godliness with contentment is great gain." I Timothy 6:6
4. Live ABOVE your circumstance. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. " II Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul took pleasure in his infirmities so that Christ would be manifested through him (Paul).
5. Learn to rely on God's power and provision. "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." said Paul (Philippians 4:13) Christ has said, "I will never leave thee, nor farsake thee." Hebrews 13:5 Christ faithfully infuses every believer with HIS strength. (Ephesians 3:16) To constantly complain about a circumstance says we do not believe Christ's strength is enough to see us through.
6. Finally, become preoccupied with the well-being of others. Paul summarized this mindset in Philippians 2:3-4 where he wrote: " Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. "
Further Notes on Contentment by John MacArthur
A self centered person is a dis-contented person. The soul of a generous person, the person who lives for the interest and benefit of others, will find blessing upon blessing in their lives. (Proverbs 11:24, Proverbs 19:17, Luke 6:38, II Corinthians 9:6)
God himself has orchestrated our contentment! "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Timothy 6:8.. Thankfully regard what you have as a blessing from God. You'll be more 'satisfied' for what you have a learn not to depend on the worlds standards or what the world defines as needs.
What steals contentment (Joy Robbing) more than anything else is trying circumstances. We loose our place when we allow circumstances to victimize ourselves. Our solution to Joy Robbers is godliness.. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2 See things with and eternal perspective; " While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" II Corinthians 4:18
Remember Christ gives power. Philippians 4:13, Isiah 40:31, Isiah 40:29
Examine your spirituality. Don't look to someone else to impart their spirituality on you, spirituality comes from Christ!
Don't have the expectations-
that life is perfect
that church is perfect
that your spouse is perfect
that your children are perfect
that you are perfect
that your life should be perfect
Nothing is perfect but Christ! "And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin" I John 3:5
I Timothy 6:6-7
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