ENEMIES OF CONTENTMENT

1 Timothy 6:6-10 Now 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

clothing, with these we shall be content. (9) But those who desire to be rich fall into

temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in

destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which

some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.

CONTENTMENTA. Contentment is a learned trait - Philippians 4:11 Not that I

speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

B. It is a disciplined trait - 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Now 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 clothing, with these we shall be content.

C. It is a commanded trait - Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

D. Yet, it is such a rare trait! E. It is something we learn from living life as His disciple.

I. ENVY. A. Envy is "a state of ill will toward someone because of some real or

presumed advantage experienced by such a person" (Greek-English Lexicon of the N.T., 1996, p. 759).

B. It is hard to be content with my circumstances when I am focused on how much better I think someone else has it.

C. In fact, I will be full of resentment rather than contentment. Ironically, feeding this mindset makes joy and satisfaction impossible!

D. Proverbs 14:30 A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.

E. Envy is listed with the works of the flesh in Gal. 5:19-21F. Envy should be a thing of the past for Christians - Titus 3:3 For we

ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

II. UNGRATEFULNESS. A. Paul marked being ungrateful as a sign of "difficult

times" - 2 Timothy 3:1-4 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: (2) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, (4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

B. Have you noticed how some people, however hard life beats them up, remain upbeat?

C. Are they just naturally inclined to be positive.

II. UNGRATEFULNESS. D. But what about people who seem miserable and

dissatisfied despite countless advantages and blessings?

E. Gratitude, like contentment, is a learned discipline. F. When we don't learn it, we darken our hearts with

the evil of ungratefulness. G. Paul said some knew God, but "they did not honor

Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened" (Rom. 1:21).

H. The wrath of God is revealed against them (Rom. 1:18).

III. COVETOUSNESS. A. The more you have, the more you want. B. The New Testament has a lot to say about covetous.

1. Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."

2. Romans 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,

3. Ephesians 5:3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;

III. COVETOUSNESS. B. The New Testament has a lot to say about covetous.

4. Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

5. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness--God is witness.

6. 2 Peter 2:3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

7. 2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.

III. COVETOUSNESS. C. Notice, it is lumped in with the most despicable

of behaviors. What is it? It is a desire to want more than others whether we need it or not.

D. We think in terms of material possessions, and while that is a significant aspect of greed it can extend to the relationships, perceived happiness or popularity we witness others having.

E. Our society tells us to pursue "top dog" position, letting no one have more or be more than you.

F. That mentality kills contentment.

ENEMIES OF CONTENTMENTA. Whatever science is involved in contentment,

there certainly is also an art. B. It is a spiritual discipline. C. You incorporate it only through diligence and

persistence. D. Be aware of the enemies of contentment and

root them out! E. You will be the beneficiary, and so will everyone

who knows you.

TONIGHT’S SERMONWHAT CHRIST WAS MADE