"HOW TO FIND CONTENTMENT"

June 8      “HOW TO FIND CONTENTMENT”        Philippians 4:11

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”  (Philippians 4:11)

Paul stated that he had learned to be contented in whatever state he found himself to be in.  I believe that we have more discontented people today than we have ever had.  This discontentment is seen on the faces the young and old, alike.  We are seeing it demonstrated in our schools, our homes, on our jobs, and even in the church.  Discontentment; what misery it has brought to us.  I am excited to tell you that in the midst of all of this, discontentment, you can say with the Apostle Paul, “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”  Four things today about contentment  and discontentment:                                                                        

 1.Why, are we discontented?                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Why can’t we find contentment?                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Where are people trying to find it?                                                                                                                                                        4. Where contentment can be found. 

So, why is it that we are discontented?  I believe it is because God created us to have fellowship and communion with Him and we are not fulfilling His purpose.  Some sinners go through a lifetime searching to fulfill this purpose and never let Christ in.  Why can’t we find contentment?  The one huge, overriding reason for lack of contentment is that it cannot be found in the “World!”  You can look until the day that you die, and you still will not find it!  Trying to find contentment in the world is sort of like going to the Pepsi Cola plant searching for a Coke!  Jesus is the originator of contentment and He has the franchise on it and if you want it, you must come to Him!  Contentment is not found in the places that some are looking.  So, where are we trying to find it?  Many are trying to find contentment in “Things.”  Many are saying, “The reason that I am discontent is that I don’t have a new car, a big house, some nice furniture, modern technology, etc.”  Guess what?  Even if they obtained all of these things, they still would not be satisfied!  There are many that are searching for contentment through “Alcohol, Drugs, Hobbies and Sports, Television and Social Media,” and other “Worldly” distractions.  I found something in my Daddy’s sermon notes that I would like to share that speaks about contentment related to Television.  It is called, “TELEVISION, THE TWENTY-THIRD CHANNEL.”   “The T.V. is my shepherd… It maketh me sit down and do nothing for His name’s sake because it requireth all my spare time.  It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian because it presenteth so many good shows that I must see.  It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the World and keepeth me from the study of God’s word.  It leadeth me in the paths of failing to attend the Wednesday night prayer meeting, and doing nothing in the Kingdom of God.  Yea, though I live to be a hundred, I shall keep on viewing my T.V. as long as it will work, for it is my closest companion.  Its sound and picture, they comfort me.  It presenteth entertainment before me, and keepeth me from doing important things with my family.  It fills my head with ideas which differ from those set forth in te Word of God.  Surely, no good thing will come of my life, because, my T.V. offereth me no good time to do the Will of God.  Thus, I will dwell in the place of the Devil and His angels forever.”  To bring it into the 21st Century, we can substitute “Social Media” for Television, and the message still applies!  None of this can bring contentment, so where can it be found?  Paul found it on the road to Damascus.  The Bible plainly teaches that he did not have it until then by the words, “It is hard for thee to kick against the prick.”  But after he came to know Christ, he said, “What will thou have me to do?”  Contentment is found in the Will of God!  First, we must accept it, and secondly, we must carry it out!  Then we can say with Paul, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”  Do not let this world and all of its attractions, distract you from “seeking” God’s will and then, carrying it out!  Praise God! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!