Learning To Be Content
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
3/26/2017 PM
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Text:
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Philippians 4:11
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Psalters: |
66, 115, 152, 159 |
- The blessed condition.
- Contentment is an attitude of being satisfied with what one has been given or is, and not desiring something more or different.
- Contentment has to do with things that are earthly and external: material possessions, relationships, circumstances.
- Contentment is having the attitude which harmonizes with the things we have.
- The source and cause of contentment lies in the heart, not in things (from within, not from without).
- Paul knew no want, but it was not because he had everything.
- His satisfaction was because he learned to exercise the spiritual power to adapt his inner state to his outward situation
- Contentment is a gift of beautiful grace; it is not a natural character trait.
- Natural man is carnal and always at enmity with God, so he cannot be content.
- Contentment is a gift of grace, given by the God of all grace through Christ to His regenerated and justified children.
- It arises out of the realization that we are redeemed from this present evil world (Gal. 1:4).
- The root of this gift of grace is the knowledge of God’s love for us in Christ, so we trust His love.
- It is the tranquil assurance that all things work together for good, and that we have just enough in whatever state we are.
- This grace is beautiful because it is from the gracious (beautiful) God. Discontentment makes one ugly inside.
- Contentment is a grace given, but also it is a lesson learned in God’s school of trying circumstances.
- Paul declares that he had to learn this lesson, i.e., be willing to be taught it.
- He and we have to go into God’s school and learn this lesson in the way of experience, prayer, and self-denial.
- We learn to be content in the way of trusting in our heavenly, wise, and loving Father.