1. Contentment

2. The Noun The Greek noun autarkeia, occurring twice, signifies a state of “self-satisfaction, i.e. self- sufficiency” [Thomas 841]. The Greek noun autarkeia, occurring twice, signifies a state of “self-satisfaction, i.e. self- sufficiency” [Thomas 841]. BDAG define it as “‘self-sufficiency’ in the sense of ‘independence’, then generally ‘sufficiency’; (1) external, state of having what is adequate, sufficiency, a competence; (2) internal, state of being content with one’s circumstances, contentment, self-sufficiency …” BDAG define it as “‘self-sufficiency’ in the sense of ‘independence’, then generally ‘sufficiency’; (1) external, state of having what is adequate, sufficiency, a competence; (2) internal, state of being content with one’s circumstances, contentment, self-sufficiency …”

3. The Adjective The Greek adjective autarkēs, occurring once in the NT, describes one who is “self- sufficient, sufficient” [Thomas 842]. The Greek adjective autarkēs, occurring once in the NT, describes one who is “self- sufficient, sufficient” [Thomas 842]. Louw & Nida say it pertains “to being happy or content with what one has” [25.84]. Louw & Nida say it pertains “to being happy or content with what one has” [25.84].

4. The Verb The verbal root, arkeō, which occurs eight times, means “to assist, suffice” [Thomas 714]. The verbal root, arkeō, which occurs eight times, means “to assist, suffice” [Thomas 714]. Strong/Thayer define it as “to be possessed of unfailing strength; (a) to be strong, to suffice, to be enough; to defend, ward off; (b) to be satisfied, to be contented” [714]. Strong/Thayer define it as “to be possessed of unfailing strength; (a) to be strong, to suffice, to be enough; to defend, ward off; (b) to be satisfied, to be contented” [714].

5. Proper Disposition God neither fails nor forsakes his own (Deuteronomy 31:1-8, esp. vs. 6 & 8; Joshua 1:1-9, esp. vs. 5), but faithfully provides for the faithful (Psalm 37:23-26; Proverbs 30:8-9; Matthew 6:11, 25-34). God neither fails nor forsakes his own (Deuteronomy 31:1-8, esp. vs. 6 & 8; Joshua 1:1-9, esp. vs. 5), but faithfully provides for the faithful (Psalm 37:23-26; Proverbs 30:8-9; Matthew 6:11, 25-34). Therefore, the people of God must cultivate a spirit of contentment (Luke 3:10-14; Philippians 4:10-14; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5-6). Therefore, the people of God must cultivate a spirit of contentment (Luke 3:10-14; Philippians 4:10-14; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5-6).

6. Improper Disposition The wicked are never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20; 30:15-16; Habakkuk 2:4-5), but given over to complaining (Exodus 15:22- 26; Psalm 106:24-27; 1 Corinthians 10:9- 11) and covetousness (Ephesians 4:17-19; Ephesians 5:5-6; 3 John 9-10). The wicked are never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20; 30:15-16; Habakkuk 2:4-5), but given over to complaining (Exodus 15:22- 26; Psalm 106:24-27; 1 Corinthians 10:9- 11) and covetousness (Ephesians 4:17-19; Ephesians 5:5-6; 3 John 9-10). Furthermore, they acknowledge no need for God (Psalm 10:3-4; 14:1-3; 36:1-4). Furthermore, they acknowledge no need for God (Psalm 10:3-4; 14:1-3; 36:1-4).

7. Conclusion God has granted sufficient revelation (John 14:8-9; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16). God has granted sufficient revelation (John 14:8-9; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16). God has granted sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 9:8-10; 12:7-9). God has granted sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 9:8-10; 12:7-9). Will you not obey while there is time and opportunity (Numbers 14:11-24; Deuteronomy 32:15-22)? Will you not obey while there is time and opportunity (Numbers 14:11-24; Deuteronomy 32:15-22)?