The Biblical Worldview on Finding Contentment

Notes: The Biblical Worldview on Finding Contentment
Greg Laurie
Worldview: Thinking and Living Biblically
Sunday, July 30, 2017

Are you content?

Do you think something you are trying to achieve will finally make you content?

Or is there always an "if only" thing in life?

The secret to happiness and joy for the Christian is in the way we think.

The good life does not begin with circumstances change, but when our attitudes do.

Philippians 4:10-13 NKJV
[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. [11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: [12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Real contentment is not a state of account it is a state of heart.

Contentment is not our ability to change our circumstances, but in our ability to live with them.

1. Paul found contentment because he rejoiced in the Lord.

Grateful people demonstrate less envy, materialism and self-centeredness.

Philippians 4:11 NKJV
[11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

What you have in Christ is far greater than anything you don't have in life.

A sure sign of spiritual growth is when you recognize you need to grow spiritually.

2. Contentment does not necessarily come naturally.

Philippians 4:12 NKJV
[12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Paul found contentment because he learned to take life as it came.

3. Contentment does not come from what we have it comes from who we know.

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
[5] Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

4. Contentment comes from leaning on Christ, not leaning on yourself.

Philippians 4:13 NKJV
[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I'm sure no one in Heaven wants to come back to earth.

5. Contentment is knowing if I'm not content with what I have, I will never be content with what I want.

Jesus cares if "one light goes out" and so should we.

6. Contentment is not from getting but from giving.

Getting more stuff does not bring happiness or contentment; giving more stuff does.

Happiness and contentment does not come from seeking happiness and contentment. It comes from seeking God.

When you have Christ, you have everything.