Can I Be Truly Content?

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Philippians 4:13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

I. THE EFFECT OF ALWAYS WANTING MORE

• FATIGUE

Proverbs 23:4

"Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint."

• DEBT

Ecclesiastes 5:11 (LB)

"The more you have, the more you spend..."

• WORRY

Ecclesiastes 5:12 (GN)

"A working man...can get a good night's sleep. But the rich man has so much that he stays awake worrying."

• CONFLICT

James 4:1 (NCV)

"Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that war within you."

• DISSATIFACTION

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (GN)

"You'll never be satisfied if you long to be rich. You'll never get all you want."

Philippians 4:12-13

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.

How Do I Learn contentment?

1. Make peace with others.

Philippians 4:2

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Key: Resolve conflict God’s way

a. Gently confront and offer forgiveness (Matthew 18:15-18)

b. Put the debt they owe you in God’s hands (Romans 12:17-21)

(Will God make this right?)

2. Be Grateful

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Key: Don’t compare, connect.