Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me. Regarding this, you did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. 12 I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me.
The World’s View of Contentment: Materialism vs Minimalism.
The materialism solution = a little bit more
The minimalist solution = a little bit less
Contentment is not denying hurts and disappointment
Contentment is not liking your current circumstances
Contentment is not settling for things the way they are
II Corinthians 9:6-7 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Let every man give according to the purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.
II Corinthians 9:8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you, always having enough of everything, may abound to every good work.
“I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me”.
II Corinthians 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Element of contentment
- Thought Control
Contentment has nothing to do with your circumstances, but everything to do with how you think.