Joyful Contentment

by Pastor Alvin Lim

Contentment is being satisfied (rested in God) despite life circumstances. Joy is how to be happy despite life circumstances. If you're never contented, you'll never live in joyfulness.

Discontentment is a faith (trust) issue. Affect both believers and non believers.

1. Contentment can be learnt by counting your blessings
Philippians 4:10-13
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. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to [b]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. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

- contentment is acquired
- contentment is a lifelong journey
- Jesus himself said we have to be on guard against greed in
Luke 12:15
And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

- life is not consist in abundance of possession, it is a life abundance in God
- we can never be contented in what we don't have, but in what we have
- are we counting God's blessings or money?

2. Contentment in all circumstances is possible through God's strength

3. Contentment i found in pursuing what is eternal
Philippians 4:14-18
Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I [a]have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

Where is true joy found?
1 Timothy 6:6-17
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

4. Contentment is knowing our God the Provider
Philippians 4:19-20
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Response :
- What are you counting? Money or blessings
- What are you giving to? Temporal or Eternal
- What are you pursuing? Happiness or God
- What is your need? God is your strength & provider

What is your need? God is your strength and provider