CONTENTMENT, A PARADOX!

                                                          Philippians 4:10-13          

  Introduction:

      A.  Contentment is a great virtue and a great vice.  It's a paradox or seeming contradiction.  Examples

Contentment is a paradox

  I.  What is contentment?

      A.  What contentment isn't.

            1.  Contentment isn't  satisfaction.

            2.  Contentment isn't the suppression  of desires for something better.

      B.   What, then, is contentment?

            1.   A  submission to the changes and circumstances of life without anxiety in                          the belief that we have a good Heavenly Father who knows our needs                              and will supply those needs.

  II.  Contentment is learned from God's word.

      A.  Jesus teaches contentment.  Mt. 6:25-34, Mt 7:11

      B.  Paul teaches contentment.  Phil. 4:10-13, I Timothy 6:6

      C.  Blessings of contentment.  Phil 1:18, Phil. 4:4

III.   Several circumstances with which we should not be content.

      A.  As individuals.  Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23

      B.  With others.  James 1:27, James 4:17, Galatians 6:1-2

      C.  As congregation.  Mt. 28:19-20

      D.  What should we be motivated to do? . 

    

  Conclusion:

      A.  Another look at definition of contentment.

      B.  Along with our understanding, we need to ask God when to be contented and when to be

           discontented.

      C.  Question:  Am I contented with my relationship with God?      YES or NO?

Invitation extended