Finding Contentment in Any Situation
(Pastor Sam Domínguez of Seniors for Christ church on March 12, 2023)
Scripture: Philippians 4:11 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
Intro: In this world, we find persons in various states and conditions such as: (1)spiritually (idolaters and true worshipers); (2) soul wise (lost and saved); (3) body wise (weak and strong); (4) backgrounds (wretched and saintly); (5) physically (sick and healthy); (6) financially (poor and wealthy); (7) aspirations (hopelessness and hope-filled); (8) goals (unachievable and attained); (9) politics (uninvolved and active); and, more.
The apostle Paul found himself in varied circumstances before and aftersurrendering his life to Christ. Let’s consider 5 things that Paul found.
- 4:1,4 “Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
Paul found: Real joy; the highest values; incomparable love; and, a solidRock foundation upon which to build the rest of his life on Earth.
- 4:5-7 “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses allunderstanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Paul found: Freedom and knowledge. He became a man of: prayer; gratitude; thanksgiving; self-discipline; and, peace with God. He shared his new-found freedom with others.
III. 4:8.9 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul found: the Way; the Truth; the Life; and, true Christianity. He witnessed unwavering and eternal honesty; real, enduring justice; the greatest purity; unimaginable beauty; mercy; goodness; and, power.
- 4:10-13 “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Paul found: Contentment; great pleasure; a right relationship with God. He had searched for God on the wrong road of religion and works.
But, then, Jesus Christ found Paul walking on 2 wrong roads – the Damascus road and the “wide road”.
Paul finally found the most valuable treasure of all and all else he had paled in comparison – worldly “dung”, excrement, garbage, eternally worthless.
- 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Paul found: The source of continuous supply and caring; the fountain of eternal youth and immortality; Jesus – the Hope of Glory!
Conclusion:
- If, today, you are not a true Christian, you are as lost as Paul was before Jesus found him.
- All the things that the apostle Paul found, can still be found today because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Jesus said: “seek and you shall find”.
- This is a great “come to Jesus moment”. If you know that He is calling you today, then respond in faith and let us pray with you.