Philippians 4:10-19, Luis Cruz
The Christmas season highlights one of our life’s challenges - discontentment. Many things in this life can open opportunities for discontentment, especially this season. Family, work, vacations, money, savings, investments, house Christmas decorations, car, gadgets, physical health or even spiritual health can create lots of opportunities to be discontent in this life. The best gauge for discontentment is your credit card. If you’re near maxed out or already maxed out, then you know, you’ve caught this virus. And it’s making your finances, sick. And this virus could also infect your relationship and cause major tensions in the family. This season, Christians must get their “discontentment shot” to protect themselves from this spreading virus. Here’s how to overcome this virus of discontentment.
1. Be joyful with God whatever your circumstance. “10 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. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” • Paul was not in the best place to be - in prison in Rome. • Jailed for preaching the gospel. • Literally chained to a prison guard. • Limited mobility. • And yet there was no sign of bitterness in him. • Instead, he mentioned the word joy or rejoice 36 times. • No sign of entitlement. The secret to overcoming discontentment is to know that your work in the Lord is NEVER in vain. 2. Be thankful to God with what He has given us. “13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 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; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” • People who forgets the track record of God in his life, can bring discontentment on themselves. • Paul kept a record of God’s provisions. • He rested on the fulfillment of the promises of God. • He counted the Philippians as God’s instruments for blessing. • He affirmed their good deeds. The secret to overcoming discontentment is to thank God for His blessings and use your circumstance and material possessions to honor God. 3. Be content with your earthly possessions. “18 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. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:18-19. • God is able to provide and accomplish great things through small things. • Paul knew his calling and purpose. • Have more than enough to accomplish his purpose - God, a pen and paper were all he needed. • He wrote 5 prison letters and impacted the world. Challenge: • Remember that we have more than enough in this life to overcome discontentment. • Give yourself entirely to the Lord. • Use your resources to bless others.