IntroductionYou would think that in our technological You would think that in our technological

world everyone would be content in world everyone would be content in America. America.

Many have big screen TV’s in their home Many have big screen TV’s in their home with a multitude of channels to with a multitude of channels to entertain them, computers with entertain them, computers with

lightning fast speed to learn whatever lightning fast speed to learn whatever we desire, and cell phones to call we desire, and cell phones to call

whomever we want at a minimal cost. whomever we want at a minimal cost.

Even the richest person who lived in the Even the richest person who lived in the past could only dream about what we past could only dream about what we enjoy everyday. But it doesn’t satisfy enjoy everyday. But it doesn’t satisfy

us! What is the secret of contentment?us! What is the secret of contentment?

IntroductionThe apostle Paul revealed it when he said, The apostle Paul revealed it when he said,

““I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I

am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to

live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both

of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Christ

who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

Why aren’t people content? How we can Why aren’t people content? How we can learn Paul’s secret? The Bible reveals learn Paul’s secret? The Bible reveals

the answer!the answer!

Discontentment- ProsperityMany aren’t content because they want to Many aren’t content because they want to

be rich. They think that riches will bring be rich. They think that riches will bring happiness, security, and peace. But happiness, security, and peace. But

does it? does it?

The Bible warns us, The Bible warns us, “But “But those who want to those who want to get richget rich fall into temptation and a snare fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires and many foolish and harmful desires

which plunge men into ruin and which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For destruction. For the love of moneythe love of money is a is a

root of all sorts of evilroot of all sorts of evil, and some by , and some by longing for it have wandered away from longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with the faith and pierced themselves with

many griefs.” many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)(1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Discontentment- ProsperityWhy would we want to be rich? Why would we want to be rich?

Because we aren’t content with what we Because we aren’t content with what we have. have.

We allow the devil to deceive us into We allow the devil to deceive us into believing that we are the exception to believing that we are the exception to

the rule and we won’t suffer the the rule and we won’t suffer the consequences.consequences.

Solomon, a prosperous man, realized that Solomon, a prosperous man, realized that money will never satisfy you because money will never satisfy you because you always you always want more and you will

have to give it to someone who may be foolish. Thus he hated life. (Eccl.

5:10-11; 2:18; Pr. 23:4-5)

Discontentment- PleasureSolomon tried to satisfy himself with Solomon tried to satisfy himself with

pleasure. pleasure. (Eccl. 2:1)

He could have the best entertainment, the most beautiful women, and the most expensive wine in the world anytime he desired. (Eccl. 2:2-3, 8)

He didn’t refuse himself from any pleasure. (Eccl. 2:10)

But after it was over he realized that it was vanity and striving after the wind.

(Eccl. 2:11)

Discontentment- PleasureHow many athletes or actors are truly How many athletes or actors are truly

content with their lives? content with their lives?

How many lottery winners are happy? How many lottery winners are happy?

People may have all the money and People may have all the money and pleasure in the world but they can’t pleasure in the world but they can’t

purchase contentment and they can’t purchase contentment and they can’t buy salvation. buy salvation.

Instead of being happy they are Instead of being happy they are frustrated. frustrated.

““What shall it What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?”

(Matthew 16:26)

Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain

Does prosperity = great gain? Does prosperity = great gain?

Does pleasure = great gain? Does pleasure = great gain?

What did the apostle Paul learn? What did the apostle Paul learn?

““Now godliness with contentment is great Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13)

Solomon learned as he gave his conclusion, “Fear God and keep His

commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13)

Blessings of Contentment for the Godly

He has peace of mind instead of worry. He has peace of mind instead of worry. (Phil. 4:6-7; Eccl. 5:12)

He is thinking about positive instead of negative things. (Phil. 4:8; Eccl. 12:9-

10)

He rejoices in his labor for the Lord. (Phil. 4:9; Eccl. 2:24)

He is satisfied with the necessities of life. (Phil. 4:18; 1 Tim. 6:6-8; Eccl.

5:18-20)

He is thankful for every blessing, especially salvation. (1 Thess. 5:18; 1

Tim. 1:12ff)

ConclusionIf you are seeking contentment in this life If you are seeking contentment in this life

through prosperity or pleasure you will through prosperity or pleasure you will never find it because it will never last. never find it because it will never last.

If you want to be content without godliness If you want to be content without godliness it won’t happen.it won’t happen.

The pleasures of sin are only The pleasures of sin are only temporary (Heb. 11:25) and those in trust in riches will have to give it up at death and will suffer eternal misery. (Luke 12:15-20;

16:19ff)

But those who have learned to be content will be able to anticipate eternal bliss! (1

Peter 1:3-5)