The Secret of Contentment
Text: Philippians 4:10-13
Core Idea: True contentment does not come from circumstances but through Christ – He alone is the ground of our contentment but also the source of power that will make this possible. Then let’s make every effort to learn to be content in Christ knowing that this is how we can rise above our circumstances.
INTRODUCTION
Well, we are currently going through the Book of Philippians – reflecting on what it means to press on with joy in all circumstances. And last week, we learned that if we want to press on, we must first stand firm in the Lord by guarding and controlling what goes on in our minds because our inner thoughts shape our outward actions. No wonder Paul so earnestly called us to think about the things that are excellent and praiseworthy – to immerse ourselves in the gospel truths. Of course, it’s not enough just to think about such things. Paul exhorted us to put these things into practice – to apply these truths to our lives. Now, I pointed out that Paul gave this command to the Philippian Christians who were going through intense trials of many kinds. This is worth mentioning because some wrongly assume that it’s okay to compromise when they’re experiencing great pain – “God will understand if I’m a little more self-centered, a little more greedy, a little more lazy, a little less disciplined, a little less humble, a little less courageous because He knows how much I’m suffering.” But that couldn’t be further from the truth – the Bible makes it clear that we should never use our trials as an excuse to sin but that we must faithfully live out the gospel in all circumstances. Then I pray that you’ll do just that – to think and practice what you know and believe instead of mindlessly doing life hoping that you’ll somehow drift into godliness. Well, today, Paul will teach us the importance of guarding not just our minds and actions but our hearts as well – the importance of contentment. This of course is a timely message for all of us because we live in a world that has been plagued with discontentment. Too many of us are dissatisfied with how we look and how much money we make. We often complain about our spouse, our children, the job we have, the car we drive, or the season of life we’re in because this really is not where we thought we would be at this point in our lives. But listen to what Thomas Watson said, “Discontent makes a man unable to enjoy what he possesses. A drop or two of vinegar will sour a whole glass of wine. Let a man have the affluence and confluence of worldly comforts, yet a drop or two of discontentment will embitter and poison all.” Discontentment will cause us to question God’s goodness and make it impossible for us to enjoy the gifts that God has graciously given to us. Then, friends, let’s draw our attention to what Paul says here so that we can learn to cultivate contentment in our hearts. Let’s not take this lightly because it can make a huge difference in your life today. So, with that in mind, please turn your Bibles to Philippians 4:10-13. Let me read this for us.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Amen. This is the Word of God for you today.
In verse 10, Paul finally shares one of the main reasons he wrote this letter – which was to express his gratitude to the Philippians for their generosity toward him. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, alone in chains, waiting for his sentence, knowing full well that he may not walk out of this place alive, Epaphroditus showed up – telling him that he wasn’t forgotten, that the Christians in Philippi were praying for him, and that they had sent him to take care of him physically but also financially as well. No wonder Paul was filled with great joy – verse 10, “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.” By the way, when Paul said, “At last,” he wasn’t being cynical. He wasn’t saying, “Finally, you decide to show up. Well, it’s about time. After all that I’ve done, it’s the least you could do.” No, that’s not what Paul meant because he was certain that their concern for him hadn’t diminished in any way – it’s just that they had no opportunity to show it. Why? It could’ve been because they weren’t sure where Paul was since he was constantly moving around to preach the gospel, or it could’ve been because they didn’t have anything to give since their possessions had recently been taken away by the Romans. Either way, what’s important is that when the opportunity came, they seized it right away – no wonder Paul was so grateful. But in saying this, he didn’t want the Philippians to misunderstand him to think that he was saying this to somehow flatter them and manipulate them to give more – which is why he said in verse 11, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Remember that Paul was writing this from prison where he must have been hungry, cold, and lonely – and yet he found a way to be content. How? Well, let’s take a closer look at this passage so that we can learn this secret and experience true contentment in our lives as well. Let me share three things.
· CONTENTMENT IS NOT CIRCUMSTANTIAL
· CONTENTMENT IS LEARNED
· CONTENTMENT IS POSSIBLE THROUGH CHRIST
1) CONTENTMENT IS NOT CIRCUMSTANTIAL
That’s exactly what Paul says in verse 11, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Regardless of what was happening in his life, Paul was always content. That sounds almost ridiculous because let’s be honest – who can be content at all times? But Paul shares that that has been his experience – whether he was in the midst of adversity or prosperity, hungry or full, humbled or honored, his heart was always at peace because he was satisfied with the lot that had been given to him. Now, if you knew the kind of life Paul lived, you would be even more surprised that he would make a confession like this. Listen to what he said in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.” Here, we get a glimpse of the pain that he had to endure for the sake of Christ. And it’s clear that Paul was a man who knew what it meant to be brought low – and yet he remained content in his soul. Now, as much as that is extraordinarily amazing, what stood out to me even more so was the fact that he wasn’t just content in the midst of deprivation but also in abundance as well. The need for contentment in the midst of prosperity might not be so obvious to us because we assume that wealth would naturally create contentment in our hearts – but to think like this is to undermine the power of sin. Listen to what Erich Fromm (a German psychologist) said, “Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” Sadly, we know exactly what he means because the truth is that we all have a list of things that we think would make our lives better – that if we had those things, we would never complain, never be bitter, but be happy all the time. “If only I could get into that school, if only I had that job, if only I could date that person, if only I was married, if only I had children, if only my children were like this, if only my spouse was like this, if only I had a body like that, if only I was driving a car like that, if only I was living in a house like that, if only I had talent like that, then my life would truly be complete. I would definitely be content.” Friends, have you ever thought like this? In fact, are you thinking like this right now? Honestly, I sometimes think like this because the grass always looks greener on the other side. But the truth is that even when I was able to get to the other side, my longings were never satisfied – I wanted more. The Bible tells us that the cravings of our hearts will never be satisfied with the things of this world because only the Creator God can fill our longings – He’s the only One who knows us and loves us which means that until we come to know Him, our hearts will always remain empty, hungry, and dissatisfied. Then remember that our wealth can actually become a source of our trial. I know that sounds absurd but that’s true because the power, privilege, and pleasure that our wealth brings can cause us to lose sight of Jesus and forget that our ultimate home is in heaven. Listen to what Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:7-10, “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” True contentment is not dependent on our circumstances – it’s rooted elsewhere.
Now, before I move on to talk about the ground of Christian contentment, let me quickly share a few more things about what contentment is not so that there’s no misunderstanding. First, contentment is not denying our disappointments and hurts. Paul is not telling us to be stoic – in that, we should just suppress our pain and pretend that everything is okay. But at the same time, contentment is not liking everything that goes on in our lives as well. Let me make it clear. Paul did not enjoy being in his prison cell – I’m sure it was a terrible experience. Who would be happy to be chained in that dark, damp place alone and hungry? Then, in the same way, the Bible is not telling us to be happy about our problems and struggles. No, that’s not what contentment is. One more thing, contentment is not settling. Paul was not against working hard – which is why we read that he pressed on to the point of persecuting himself so that he could take hold of Christ. Even though he was content, he didn’t want to settle down when it came to his relationship with Christ. He didn’t say, “I think I did enough. I’m sure God will understand if I stop here and take it easy.” No, he went all in.
Then what does it mean to be content? It’s to be confident that we have all that we need to face anything in life. When Paul said that he’s not in need and that he has learned the secret of being content, he was basically saying, “Yes, it’s true that I don’t like being in this tough spot, but I can face whatever circumstances with peace in my heart because everything that I need and desire is found in Christ. If I know that He is for me, who can be against me? If I know that He is with me, whom shall I fear? Then regardless of what God brings into my life, I can face it with confidence because I am in Christ and Christ is in me.” That’s what Paul was saying here. Then let me ask you, “What are you facing that is tempting you to be discontent today? What is robbing you of that peace, joy, and contentment you have in Christ?” Again, you don’t have to like the situation you’re in. It’s okay to complain to God – “God, I don’t like my financial problems. I don’t like my physical problems. I don’t like my singleness. I don’t like my marriage. I don’t like the pressure at work. I don’t like the fact that I was let go.” It’s okay to tell God about these things. But we should never complain about God – “Why would You let this happen? It’s all Your fault. If You did this or that, my life wouldn’t be where it is today.” Brothers and sisters, our circumstances should never cause us to sin – to become bitter, envious, anxious, or discontent. It should never cause us to give up. Instead, we should continue to stand firm knowing that in Christ is all that we need. Then where’s the ground of Christian contentment? Not in circumstances but in Christ. Then let me ask you, “Is your heart firmly rooted in Christ?” If so, you’ll be able to find ways to be content regardless of your circumstances. I’m not in any way implying that your circumstances will turn out better if you stand firm in the Lord – it may but it may not as well. In fact, it could even get worse. I can’t tell you what God’s plans are. But what I can tell you with certainty is that God will be with you – He will never leave you or forsake you. And if He’s not going to deliver you from the storms of your life, He will give you everything you need to endure the storms of life. Sometimes He’ll look at the storms of our lives and say, “Quiet! Be still!” But other times He’ll look at us and say, “Quiet! Be still and know that I am God.” Friends, no circumstance will ever cultivate true contentment in our hearts. It can only be experienced if we root ourselves in Christ – He is the source of our contentment.
2) CONTENTMENT IS LEARNED
Verse 12, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” Paul makes it clear that contentment wasn’t “zapped” into his heart – in that, it wasn’t an instantaneous transformation but a learning process. Life for Paul was a classroom – every circumstance he found himself in was an opportunity to grow, be stretched, and gain perspective. This is important to point out because it tells us that Christian contentment is possible but not guaranteed just because you’re a Christian. In fact, Christians can go through their whole lives without ever discovering the secret because they haven’t made the effort to learn. Thomas Watson said, “The art of contentment is not achieved without holy industry” – which means that this is not possible without our effort. It’s going to take time. It’s going to be difficult. But that’s exactly what Paul did – he wasn’t passive in his learning. No, he actively gave his attention to His Saviour. Paul wasn’t preoccupied with his circumstances. How do I know this? Because he doesn’t talk about the condition of his imprisonment once in this letter. Think about it. He was in chains. He was awaiting trial – and there was the potential for execution. Then here’s what could’ve been on his mind – how hungry he was, how weak he felt, how lonely he was, how unjustly he was treated, how scared he was, and more. But that’s not what he gave his attention to. Paul wasn’t preoccupied with his circumstances – instead, he was preoccupied with his Saviour. He didn’t write this letter to draw their attention to his harsh and difficult circumstances – no, he wrote this letter to make much of his Saviour. That’s what he gave attention to. Then let me ask you, “In whatever situation you’re in today, what is it that you’re preoccupied with? Are you preoccupied with the details of your circumstances, or are you preoccupied with Christ – who He is and what He is able to do in the midst of your struggles? What’s filling your heart and mind today?”
Now, I’m going to assume that your desire is to be preoccupied with Christ and that you want to learn the secret of contentment. So, I want to share just two things that you should think about and meditate on because they will shape your perspective and help you learn contentment. First, remember that God knows what’s best for us – in that, we must understand the providence of God. Simply put, providence means that the hidden hand of God is always at work in the ordinary affairs of day-to-day life to achieve the ultimate purpose of God in our lives. It’s to know that God’s will is being done in all our circumstances. In fact, this is exactly how Paul perceived his life. Listen to what he said in Philippians 1:12-14, “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me [being imprisoned in Rome] has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Paul could’ve said, “Because I’m imprisoned, all my plans are now ruined. I could’ve done so much for the Lord – but what a waste. How could God allow this to happen?” But that’s not what he said. He trusted in the Lord – and in hindsight, he was able to see that his imprisonment was actually a good thing because the palace guard got to hear the gospel, and other believers were inspired to be courageous. Because he understood that God was at work in his life, he was able to rejoice and be satisfied even in prison. In fact, there’s a wonderful verse that describes the relationship between God’s providence and our contentment – listen to what Psalm 16:6 says, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Here, David tells us that God Himself has set boundary lines for him. Now, that could sound restricting – “Why does God control what I can and cannot have?” As a result, we could be tempted to jump over that boundary – thinking that there’s something better waiting for us out there. We could think that God is holding back good things from us. But that’s not how David perceived this – he was thankful for this boundary because he knew that God would give him the most delightful gift possible. He thought to himself, “There must be a reason why God had fenced me in.” So, he chose to trust in His goodness. Understanding the providence of God will teach us contentment.
Second, remember that we are treated better than we deserve – in that, we must understand the seriousness of our sin. Well, what is it that we deserve? Nothing but the righteous wrath of God. Of course, because of His love for us, the gospel tells us that God sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty of our sins by dying for us on the cross so that we would be forgiven and adopted as the children of God. But before we celebrate the good news, we must first dwell on the bad news – namely, that we justly deserve the wrath of God because of our sin. Then think with me. If all we deserved was eternal judgment, aren’t we right now doing far better than what we deserve? If we remember that God the Judge has now become God the Father for us through the work of Christ, shouldn’t our hearts be filled with peace in all circumstances? Please don’t get me wrong – I’m not trying to just make you feel bad. No, I’m inviting you to see where we would’ve been without Christ in our lives. Friends, we need to think about our past not to be depressed but to be thankful and joyful today. So, reflect on the depth of your sin today, but think about the depth of God’s grace as well. In fact, make a list of everything you have that you don’t deserve today because it will keep your heart humble and content. Understanding the seriousness of sin will teach us contentment.
Horatio Spafford was an American lawyer who was blessed with wealth, a lovely wife, and five children. He lived a life dedicated to the Lord – actively working to free the slaves and faithfully serving his church as an elder. But in 1870, tragedy came in great measure as his four-year-old son suddenly died from a fever. Then in 1871, he lost many of the properties that he owned when a massive fire swept through downtown Chicago – devastating the city. But he didn’t let this destroy him – instead, he demonstrated the love of Christ by assisting those who were in great need. Now, in 1873, Spafford decided to take a holiday in England after seeing his wife’s health decline. But because of his business, he had to stay back a little longer. So, he sent his family ahead – his wife and his four girls who were 11, 9, 5, and 2. But the ship carrying his family collided with another – taking the lives of 226 people including his four girls. His wife was miraculously saved. As soon as she became conscious, she telegraphed Spafford, which simply said, “Saved alone. What shall I do?” Can you imagine what he must have felt receiving this message? As soon as he received the message, he set off at once to be reunited with his wife. And on their way back home, he wrote a beautiful yet powerful hymn called “It is well with my soul.” Then with this story in mind, listen to the words of this song.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet
Though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.
How can he say that it is well with his soul after all that he had experienced? Because he was certain that he was loved by God. Because he was certain that he had been forgiven and freed from his sin through what Christ had accomplished on the cross. Because he had learned to be content in all circumstances. Despite the tragedy that he experienced, a river of peace flowed into his heart whenever he thought about the love of God and the work of Christ on the cross – and as a result, he was content. Then, brothers and sisters, we too need to take refuge in God in the darkest moment of our lives knowing that He loves us and cares for us. He understands. Then my prayer for you is that you’ll run to the Lord and learn to be content in Him because this is the only way you’ll rise above your circumstances.
3) CONTENTMENT IS POSSIBLE THROUGH CHRIST
I think we can all agree that contentment is a desirable thing – something that we should strive to attain. But it doesn’t change the fact that it’s not easy to acquire. Then can anyone truly learn to be content in all circumstances? Paul must have expected this question because he says in verse 13, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” – which means that learning to be content is possible because God will work in and through us. Now, this could arguably be one of the most famous verses in the Bible – but sadly it’s also one of the most misunderstood and misapplied verses as well. Paul is not in any way saying that God will give us superhuman power to achieve extraordinary things in life or that we can do anything if we just trust in the Lord. No, the context tells us that this is all about contentment. Paul was basically saying, “If you think that it’s impossible to be content in your situation, remember that you can do this through Him who will give you strength. You can do this not because you have strong willpower but because He will supply you with everything you need to accomplish this.” Then it’s clear that Christian contentment only comes from total dependence on Christ – which means that if you find yourself grumbling, complaining, and discontent, ask for His help. Pray because He’ll give you this peace that transcends all understanding. Jesus is not only the ground of our contentment but also the power that makes contentment possible.
Then with all these things in mind, let me ask you, “What are you facing today? What problems are dragging you down? What circumstances in your life are pressing in? What health problems are wearing you out? What broken dreams are keeping you disappointed and resentful? What are the things that are keeping you overwhelmed?” Whatever they are, God’s message to us is that we can learn to be content because everything we need and desire is available in Christ Jesus. He’ll give us the strength we need to be at peace even in the raging storms of our lives. Then may God grant you this kind of contentment today so that you’ll be able to confess Psalm 73:25-26 with joy in your hearts – “Whom have I in heaven but you? Earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
CONCLUSION
Lighthouse family, true contentment does not come from circumstances but through Christ – He alone is the ground of our contentment but also the source of power that will make this possible. Then let’s make every effort to learn to be content in Christ knowing that this is how we can rise above our circumstances.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Paul states that contentment is learned and not circumstantial. What steps can we take to actively learn and practice contentment in our daily lives? Share a personal experience where you struggled with contentment. How did you overcome it, or what did you learn from that experience?
2) Discuss the relationship between being preoccupied with our circumstances versus being preoccupied with our Saviour. How can this shift in focus help us find contentment?
3) What specific actions can you take this week to cultivate contentment in your life, especially in areas where you currently feel dissatisfied? How can you support others in your community who are struggling with discontentment? What role can encouragement and mutual support play in fostering contentment?