Great Gain
(Philippians 4:10-13 NLT) - How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
CONTENT: … possessing sufficient strength…
I LEARNED SOMETHING —> I NOW KNOW HOW TO DO IT —> I CAN APPLY IT TO MY LIFE
I LEARNED: Contentedness
I KNOW HOW TO: Be content in every circumstance.
I CAN APPLY IT TO: (in this instance) Being content with having abundance or having lack.
To be CONTENT takes STRENGTH
CONTENT: Peaceful, happy, satisfied
(Matthew 6:31-34 NLT) - “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
(1 Timothy 6:2-8 NLT) - … Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
We have TODAY! That's what we have; we’re not promised tomorrow.
(1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV) - Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
(Proverbs 24:10 NLT) - If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.
“… though He slay me, yet I will trust Him.”
“… Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
(Luke 1:38 NKJV) - … “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” …
DISCONTENTMENT allows our circumstances to dictate our thoughts and actions…
CONTENTMENT gives us the strength to do what must be done in spite of them…