1. Content Paul knew the “secret”

2. The “secret” is not a secret at all Phil 4:11 “I have learned…to be content…I have learned the secret…”Phil 4:11 “I have learned…to be content…I have learned the secret…” Learned: Greek word implies learning came by choosing to practice somethingLearned: Greek word implies learning came by choosing to practice something Content: An internal state of satisfaction not dependent on outward circumstancesContent: An internal state of satisfaction not dependent on outward circumstances

3. The secret is….. Secret: “ Gr...that which is hidden in plain viewSecret: “ Gr...that which is hidden in plain view ▫Not unlike a child’s game of hide & seek Jer 29:13 “You will seek Me & find Me when you search for Me with all your heartJer 29:13 “You will seek Me & find Me when you search for Me with all your heart When we turn our hearts toward God and His Word, we will find Him. In Him is the key to contentmentWhen we turn our hearts toward God and His Word, we will find Him. In Him is the key to contentment

4. 5 attitudes that turn hearts Phil 4: 4-8Phil 4: 4-8 ▫Rejoice in the Lord. ▫Be forbearing; the Lord is near. ▫Be anxious for nothing/pray w/gratitude. ▫Let God’s peace guard your hearts/minds. ▫Dwell on Godly things/attitudes.

5. Rejoice! 1. Rejoice –give & receive joy in the Lord – implies reciprocity1. Rejoice –give & receive joy in the Lord – implies reciprocity ▫Thes 5:16 – rejoice always  Neh 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is our strength  (It strengthens every aspect of our being)  Ps 16:11 - In His presence, there is FULLNESS of joy

6. Be forbearing Forbearing - attitude of patient perseverance and gentleness, esp. in difficult times.Forbearing - attitude of patient perseverance and gentleness, esp. in difficult times. ▫People need to “see” the gospel of Jesus lived out in us. ▫The Lord’s return is imminent and He wishes that NONE should perish. ▫Heb 2:10 – Jesus, the Perfect One, had to complete the course.

7. Release anxiety 3. Be anxious for nothing Anxiety: Gr>a divided mind; realizing the “god” on the throne of your heart is incapable of taking care of you!3. Be anxious for nothing Anxiety: Gr>a divided mind; realizing the “god” on the throne of your heart is incapable of taking care of you! When I give Jesus Lordship, I can pray w/confidence, certain of His love for meWhen I give Jesus Lordship, I can pray w/confidence, certain of His love for me I don’t thank God FOR the difficulties; I thank Him for His faithfulness and grace IN the midst of my difficulties.I don’t thank God FOR the difficulties; I thank Him for His faithfulness and grace IN the midst of my difficulties.

8. Let peace rule you 4. Peace that guards our hearts & minds4. Peace that guards our hearts & minds ▫Same Greek word as used for a garrison doing prison duty  To keep that which is dangerous “behind bars” or roped off; isolated from… ▫Our thoughts/feelings keep us from believing God ▫Our hearts & minds must stay under the “guard” of God’s peace

9. Dwell God’s peace enables us to “dwell” (to meditate on, to live in) the beauty of Who He is, the wonders of what He’s done.God’s peace enables us to “dwell” (to meditate on, to live in) the beauty of Who He is, the wonders of what He’s done. Phil 4:13 “I CAN do ALL things (whatever it is that God requires of me) through Christ who strengthens mePhil 4:13 “I CAN do ALL things (whatever it is that God requires of me) through Christ who strengthens me

10. The challenge…. Can you let go of your need to feel in control of your life?Can you let go of your need to feel in control of your life? Can you cast all your cares on Him? (1 Pet 5:6)Can you cast all your cares on Him? (1 Pet 5:6) ▫(btw, it’s delusional to think you’re in control or that you have the capability of carrying all your cares  )

11. Be blessed! Phil 4:19 “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.Phil 4:19 “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. There is an intimacy with Christ that can only come when we have “learned” (by practice) to be content.