CONTENTMENT UNDER LOCK AND KEY Philippians 4:

God Provides –Consider the Birds!

Philippians 4:10-23 (New Living Translation) How grateful I am, and how I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but for a while you didn't have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Philippians 4:10-23 (continued) 13 For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. 14 But even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. 15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don't say this because I want a gift from you. What I want is for you to receive a well-earned reward because of your kindness.

Philippians 4:10-23 (continued) 18 At the moment I have all I need--more than I need! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable to God and pleases him. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 20 Now glory be to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.

TAKE HOME Contentment comes in some weird packages, like Locks, Stocks and Prison Cells! Jesus instructed us to not panic about daily needs, after all, he takes care of flowers and birds, and I'm much more important to him than birds and flowers. A good way to contentment is to focus on giving rather than getting, how's that for a paradox?!

Lord Jesus, help me to trust more and fret less, to lift my hands in prayer rather then wring my hands in desperation. I really want to find my rest and contentment in you. Decision

ANNOUNCEMENTSANNOUNCEMENTS

Worship in Song

TO BETTER UNDERSTAND CONTENTMENT I MAY HAVE TO LOOK AT THE FLIP SIDE OF CONTENTMENT FIRST Hebrews 13:5 Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.”

TO BETTER UNDERSTAND CONTENTMENT I MAY HAVE TO LOOK AT THE FLIP SIDE OF CONTENTMENT FIRST Luke 12: And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

THE FUTILITY OF ANXIETY Luke 12:25-34 (continued) 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! 26 And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things? 27 "Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

THE FUTILITY OF ANXIETY Luke 12:25-34 (continued) 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! 29 And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs.

THE FUTILITY OF ANXIETY Luke 12:25-34 (continued) 32 "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. 33 "Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe--no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

JESUS SAID: DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME

Jesus is my Lord and Savoir. Confession: I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is my Lord and Savoir.

Worship in Song

THE DANGER OF TRUSTING IN WEALTH Matthew 13:22 The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced.

JESUS' STORY OF THE FOOLISH RICH MAN Luke 12:13-23 (NLT) Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me." 14 Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" 15 Then he said, "Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own." 16 And he gave an illustration: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.

JESUS' STORY OF THE FOOLISH RICH MAN Luke 12:13-23 (continued) 17 In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. 18 So he said, `I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store everything. 19 And I'll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!' 20 "But God said to him, `You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?'

JESUS' STORY OF THE FOOLISH RICH MAN Luke 12:13-23 (continued) 21 "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.“ 22 Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. 23 For life consists of far more than food and clothing.

GREED, OR PUTTING OUR TRUST IN MONEY, SNUFFS OUT FAITH AND CONTENTMENT, AND MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD! Matthew 13: 22 The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced.

GREED ULTIMATELY, INSTEAD OF PEACE AND CONTENTMENT, PRODUCES ANXIETY AND DEATH 1st Timothy 6:9-10 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Remember the 5 Loaves and 2 Fish –God knows your need and provides!

FAITH FOSTERS CONTENTMENT My Father knows what I need. Luke 12:30 I can put my attention on Kingdom business. Matthew 6: 33, 34

CONTENTMENT PRECEDES GENEROSITY Freely you have received, freely give. Impressed by the power and provision of God, the early church shared their possessions and even sold property to meet the needs of others. Acts 4: 32-37

GENEROSITY PRECEDES EVEN GREATER BLESSING Give and it shall be given to you. Luke 6:38 He delights in meeting my needs. Matthew 14: 20 (Picked up 12 baskets full)

My Story Can Be Your Story. I have no monopoly on God's good stuff! Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

OFFERING Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe.

Worship in Song

PRAYER & PRAISE

TAKE HOME Contentment comes in some weird packages, like Locks, Stocks and Prison Cells! Jesus instructed us to not panic about daily needs, after all, he takes care of flowers and birds, and I'm much more important to him than birds and flowers. A good way to contentment is to focus on giving rather than getting, how's that for a paradox?!

Lord Jesus, help me to trust more and fret less, to lift my hands in prayer rather then wring my hands in desperation. I really want to find my rest and contentment in you. Decision

GO AND TOUCH THE WORLD