Learning How To Be Content

1
Learning How To Be Content

• Theme Learning to be pleased with our lot in
  life. Phil. 410-18

2
Introduction

• It is a natural desire to want more, to want
  better.
• From a worldly perspective having more equates
  with wealth.
• Having better equates with success.

3
Introduction

• Our society caters to these natural desires.
• We are taught we need something else, something
  new, or something better.
• In other words, many of these desires center
  around material possessions/money.
• That is why - spiritually - we are told that the
  love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

4
Introduction

• As a result we need to learn how to be content
  with what we have and dont have.
• Thus, we will
• Define what it means to learn to be content.
• How to be content whether we abound or are
  abase (made humble).
• Areas in our lives where we must be content.

5
Defining What It Means To Learn to Be Content

• Contentment Defined.
• TDNT translation of Greek arkeo to be
  sufficient.
• Vine primarily signifies to be sufficient, to
  be possessed of sufficient strength, to be
  strong, to be enough for a thing
• Learn Defined (Vines)
• To increase in knowledge. Mk. 1328
• To ascertain (gain understanding by asking). Gal.
  32
• To learn by use and practice. Heb. 58

6
Accepting Our Lot in Life

• Learning to be satisfied with our (individual)
  lot in life Phil. 410-13
• In this world we have the poor, the rich, and all
  those in-between.
• In our lives we our lot in life may change due to
  varying circumstances. V. 11
• It is not a matter of what is fair or not fair,
  but a matter of learning. V. 12
• Learning how to be content with little.
• Learning how to be satisfied with much.

7
Accepting Our Lot in Life

• No matter what our lot in life godliness with
  contentment is great gain. 1 Tim. 61-10
• Some believe that godliness is a means of
  (financial social) gain. v. 5
• Many in our society today preach a prosperity
  gospel that basically teaches that earthly
  wealth is a direct by-product of godliness.
• Whether rich or poor, however, we are taught that
  godliness is a means of gain if it is accompanied
  with contentment. v. 6-10

8
Learning to Be Content with What We have

• God will always provide. Heb. 135
• God provides through the wages we receive. Lk.
  314
• He provides through the goodness of others. cp.
  Phil. 412-14

9
Learning to Be Content with What We have

• Be content with our daily needs. Matt. 625-34
• Everyday, our heavenly Father cares for our
  needs food, shelter, clothing.
• Further, we live in a society that lives well
  beyond our needs.
• Therefore, with our needs being met we shall be
  content. 1 Tim. 68

10
Conclusion

• Focus too much on the things of this world and
  discontentment is very easy...no matter how
  wealthy we may be.
• Focus on the kingdom of our God and be content
  with what we have in this life and we shall gain
  eternal riches.