Scott Applegate
“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. I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” Philippians 4:10-23 NIV
Four Things I Need to Know If I Am to Ever Find Real Contentment:
- Real contentment is a secret
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”
“Even in contentment I feel the need of some imperishable bliss’”
Wallace Stevens
The problem with temporary contentment:
- A perishable bliss is something that brings joy but will ultimately come to an end.
- The things we love most are actually stirring our longing for something (or someone) greater
2. Imitation contentment is exposed by “plenty” and “want”
“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.”
People who have “plenty” and people who have “want” have the same ultimate problem:
discontentment
3. Real contentment is not discovered, it is learned
“I have learned the secret of being content…”
When I find myself discontented or with a deep longing that cannot be satisfied I can:
- Blame others for my lack of contentment
- Blame my circumstances for my lack of contentment
- Blame my lack of trust on God
There is a God who can meet my deepest needs and longings for contentment.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
4. Real and lasting contentment is only found in our eternal relationship with Jesus Christ
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.” Isaiah 55:1-2 NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
“…Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:37-39 NIV