Thanksgiving: Learn To Be Content
Thanksgiving: Learn To Be Content
Philippians 4:4-13
5 reasons why we are stuck being discontented and dissatisfied:
1. Unrealistic expectations.
2. Lack of direction.
3. Ignoring what you really want and chasing the easy goals.
4. Focus on negative.
5. Refuse to take chances.
Conflict of Mindset:
•Pattern of the world (never content) VS Principles of the Bible (contentment in all things.)
Philippians 4:4–9
Paul’s Thanksgiving message:
•Contentment is to be learned and cultivated into a believer’s mind and life that will produce a thankful strength in Christ.
Philippians 4:10–13
Learned Behavior
- Settled – Confidence in God’s sovereignty. “I rejoice in the Lord.”
- Sufficient – With little. “not that I am speaking of being in need.”
- Satisfied – In life’s experiences. “learned in whatever situation.”
- Sustained – By divine power. “All things through Him.”
Personal guide for being content.
1. Appreciate others. (4:10)
•A lack of appreciation promotes discontentment.
- Blame
- Victim mentality
- Validation from others
2. Be satisfied in what you have. (4:11)
1 Timothy 6:6–10
- Circumstantial- Money comes and goes.
- Lacks provision- Money is never enough.
- Untrustworthy- Anxiety
Ecclesiastes 2:10–11
3. Accept what true Biblical contentment means. (4:11-12)
Contentment is NOT. . . . .
- Self-satisfaction which leads to complacency .
- Self-sufficiency which leads to complete independence .
Contentment is . . . . .
- Self-surrender which leads to God dependent .
- Self-discipline which leads to the process of contentment .
4. Realize where your strength comes. (4:13)
Pastor’s Practical Advice To Learn To Be Content In All Things.
1. Learn to act better than you feel .
2. Refuse to compare yourself with others.
3. Accept others the way they are.
4. Accept things the way they are.
5. Memorize and improvise Phillipians 4:19.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”