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Short Sermon #74: CONTENTMENT, JOY AND HAPPINESS - 10-minute sermons and devotions

“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.” – Philippians 4 Verses 11-12 (NIV)

This is a powerful statement, an elevated spiritual position – contentment.

Paul says, “I am not in need. I can make do with whatever is available, whether it is much or little.” Imagine this.

May this word minister to you today!

How could Paul say this? What was the driving force toward such an attitude?

The simple answer is - focus. Paul did not focus on the things of this world. His primary focus was on things above; that is what he was passionate about. Paul was driven by eternity, not by his surroundings or circumstances.

As Christians, we live in the world, but we are not of it, as the Bible teaches; that’s what Jesus taught us. We are, as it were, spirits looking at the world from above. We should never be moved by the things of this world, only by spiritual things. 

Paul said, “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.” - Philippians 4: 12 (NIV) O how I wish every Christian would learn this secret! It would surely solve a number of problems and ward off so many risks and heartaches that some Christians face in this age.

I do not want to sound critical, but I think too many Christians are chasing material things more than they are seeking Christ. Such people are driven by this world, not by eternity; they are looking at the things of this world more than they look at the things above. There surely is an urgent need for the body of Christ to rearrange its priorities.

A person who is driven by material things cannot live a joyful life. This is because joy is independent of any outside factors. Take the example of Paul – he was content in every situation; he therefore could afford to be full of joy always.

Joy, and hence contentment, is a fruit of the Spirit. Listen to this: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness …” - Galatians 5:22 (NIV) 

If you are filled with the Spirit of God, you will be joyful always because joy is a fruit of the Spirit.

This should be easy to understand - joy comes from the Spirit. It does not come from food, property, or clothing. Of course, happiness does come from such things. That is why the worldly are sometimes happy and sometimes unhappy depending on the state of their possessions.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4 (NIV). I think you now understand why Paul gave this instruction. I want you to especially note the use of the word ‘always’. It means always.

The following verses can give you further insight into the topic under discussion:
  • “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” - Acts 2:28 (NIV). The presence of the Lord gives joy. 
  • “I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds” - 2 Corinthians 7:4 (NIV). Note this – Paul’s joy knew no bounds, even in the face of troubles. If joy were related to external circumstances, there would have been no way Paul could have overflowed with joy under such circumstances.
  • “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” - 2 Corinthians 8:2 (NIV). Their joy overflowed in the midst of severe trials and extreme poverty. 
  • “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness …” - Galatians 5:22 (NIV) 
So “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

Learn to be content in each and every situation. Let eternity drive you. Look at the things above, not at the things below. You are a spirit being, not a physical body!

PRAYER

Prayer point for today: That I may not be shaken by external circumstances.

I thank You, heavenly Father, for this profound teaching. I have learnt a lot from Paul's attitude towards life.

Father, most of the problems that believers face today stem from lack of contentment, accompanied by sustained effort aimed at accumulating more material things. By so doing, many have compromised their fellowship with You and ended up in situations they now regret.

Father, I want to live a life full of joy, contentment, and peace. I want my primary focus to be on my walk with You. Transform me now, heavenly Father, into a type of Paul in the world; that I may achieve what he achieved for You, maybe more, by Your grace.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may find help in times of need.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.
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