1. We Can Rejoice in the Lord Because We Can Be Content
(Philippians 4:10-12)

2. A Brief Review
Our lesson today represents the 17th installment in this series of lessons taken from the book of Philippians.
We are learning 20 reasons why we ought to rejoice in the fact that we are children of God.
We are learning these principles so that we can illustrate just how wonderful it is to be a child of God, increase our faithfulness to the Lord, and improve our outreach to others.

3. What We Will Learn Today
We live in a culture that promotes feelings of discontentment.
Harboring feelings of discontentment in one’s heart can lead to a troubled life.
A life of contentment brings about a blessed and beautiful existence.
Contentment is a “learned” behavior.

4. A Culture of Discontentment
We live in a culture that promotes the idea that we should desire things that are:
Bigger, better, and more beautiful
Newer, nicer, and more nifty
More special, spectacular, and sensational
Slogans that are ingrained in our minds include:
“There are some things money can’t buy; for everything else there is ____________.”
“___________; it’s everywhere you want to be.”
“___________; don’t leave home without it.”

5. Discontentment: A Troubled Existence
Anxiety: “I don’t know if I can keep up with my neighbors.”
Strife: “I’m tired of fighting over priorities, principles, and purchases.”
Fear: “What if I lose it all?”
Envy: “I hate those who have more than me?”
Pride: “Look at what I am accomplishing!”

6. Contentment: A Blessed and Beautiful Existence
Satisfaction (Psalm 36:7,8)
Rest (Psalm 37:7)
Praise (Psalm 63:3-5)
A Righteous Life (Proverbs 16:8)
Peace (Proverbs 17:1; Ecclesiastes 4:6)
Great Gain (I Timothy 6:6-8)
Greater Trust in God (Hebrews 13:5)

7. Contentment: A Learned Behavior
Because we as human beings lean toward being selfish and self-serving, contentment does not come to us naturally.
Paul even says in our text, “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.”
Paul came to the understanding that he couldn’t always change his circumstances so he had to change his attitude in those circumstances! (II Corinthians 12:7-10)

8. Contentment: A Learned Behavior
Clues are given in the book of Philippians as to what Paul did in his life to bring about an attitude of contentment.
He developed the right priority. (1:21)
He gave proper praise to God. (2:18)
He kept the ultimate prize in mind. (3:14)
He lived by the right pattern. (3:17)
He maintained the right perspective. (3:20)