How to Have Contentment?

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

⁸ And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

⁹ But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

¹¹ But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

¹³ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

¹⁴ That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

¹⁵ Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

¹⁶ Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

¹⁷ Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

¹⁸ That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

¹⁹ Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

²⁰ O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

²¹ Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:6-21 (KJV)

Does stability bring contentment? Not necessarily, especially if we allow money and things to capture our hearts. Look how much stuff we must keep us from being content. The more we have, the more we want. 

Things can produce discontentment. The more we look at what others have that we don’t, the more we can become discontented.

Characteristics of Discontentment

• Being driven by the love of money. (Luke 12:2)
  Those who are driven by money and possessions are fools because they lay up treasure for themselves but are not rich towards God.
• Being distracted by seeking the approval of people.
  Being well liked, respected, or just feeling secure by the acceptance of others. Without it, you’re unsatisfied. Seeking the approval of people can be a distraction to contentment.
• Being depressed when you don’t have the material possessions of others. (Luke 12:20)
  Ahab suffered from this when he couldn’t buy Naboth’s vineyard. He got depressed and turned himself to the wall in his room when he was denied what he wanted. Have you ever wanted something so much you became seriously sad when you couldn’t get it? If so, you are suffering from a case of discontent and you need to refocus your desires.
• Being deceived by the world’s definition of success.
  How does the world define success? Class?
• Being dominated by temporary goals and self-achievement.
• Being dissatisfied because of a lack of inner peace in your life.
• Being defiled by worldly amusements.
• Being disappointed because we can’t take our possessions with us after this life. (verse 7)
• Not being delighted in your current circumstances even though God might have you there for a purpose.

Consequences of Discontentment

We fall into temptation.
What’s the temptation of riches spoken of in verse 9? The answer is covetousness. (Proverbs 23: 4-5, Luke 12:15)

We fall into a snare.
What is the trap? Debt, due to the love of things. Debt is the “snare the devil” used to make people discontent. (Psalm 62:10) Don’t let your heart be stolen by the allure of material things and the security of investments. God is our security not, financial wealth.

We fall into many foolish and hurtful lusts.

• Drown men in destruction.
  Can you think of anyone who’s wealth caught up to him or her?
• Drown men in perdition.
  It means ruin or complete loss.

Charge to be Content

Flee from the things that produce discontent. (verse 11)

• The love of money (verse 10)
  • Erring from the faith (verse10b)

Follow a holy standard of living. (verse 11)

• Righteousness is a practical act of right living.
• Godliness is a life lived to glorify God. (Isaiah 43:7)
• Faith is simply trusting God in every situation.
• Love is self-sacrificing for the benefit of others.
• Patience is to endure when bad times come.
• Meekness is a gentle demeanor.

Fight the good fight of faith. (verse 12)

• Be a disciplined and determined follower of Christ.
• Don’t give up when the storms come through rejection, persecution, or misrepresentation.
• Be a spiritual warrior for Christ to the end. (2 Timothy 2:4)

Faithfully obey the commands of God. (verse 14)

Several truths about contentment. (Philippians 4:11-13)

• Contentment is a learned discipline rather than an inherent disposition. (verse 11)
• Contentment can be constant in the face of change. (verse 12)
• Contentment is ultimately found in Christ. (verse 13)

A Charge to the Rich

Is it wrong to be rich or won riches?  No. But it is wrong to let our riches own us!

Don’t be arrogant. (verse 17)

Don’t place your confidence in riches but in God. (verse 17)

Do good to others by being rich in good work. (verse 18)
Share your blessings with others:

• Don’t hoard.
• Don’t be greedy.
• Don’t be stingy.

Prepare for the future. (verse 19)
Be sure you’re saved!