BIG IDEA
Consistency builds contentment
MESSAGE NOTES:
WHAT:
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 ESV
Contentment is defined as: satisfied with what one has, and free from the need of external aid or circumstances. It is the image of something that is completely self sufficient, not in need of anything else to make it whole or bring peace to it.
Learned is defined as: to learn by use and practice; to be in the habit, to learn through and by experience.
SO WHAT:
Jesus is enough. Paul doesn’t need anything else to be satisfied or whole. He is good no matter what.
Paul’s contentment is grounded in the fact that there is nothing that can seperate Paul from the love of God.
In Romans 8:38-39 Paul writes,”I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Paul experiences contentment in the highs and lows of life by consistently depending on Christ, and Christ alone.
NOW WHAT:
We experience contentment in the highs and lows of life by consistently giving our time and attention to Jesus.
Bethany Allen, a pastor up in Portland Oregon, said in a recent teaching on this passage that, “contentment does not come naturally- and how we pursue it is often contrary to how we achieve it.”
Start by seeking God in small ways, and stay consistent with it. Consistency in small ways over a long period of time makes a big impact. We create new habits focused on spending time with God and loving others.
Here are a few ideas to get you started on intentionally spending time with Christ:
Wake up earlier than you have to spend quiet time with Jesus, reflecting on how much God loves you.
Write out a prayer to God of everything you are grateful for.
Use a Bible reading plan to help give you consistency.
Go for a walk and admire God’s beautiful creation.
Give God the glory before an activity, (yes even your video games)
Participate in YX with a joyful heart! Yes, church is a huge way that we stay connected to Christ. Good news for you guys is, this is happening every week, so there you go! Built in consistency!