can do all of this through him C. “I who strengthens me” 1. secret is a radical dependence on Jesus in all circumstances Paul’s 2. The 1st century Stoic philosophers found contentment through self-sufficiency and drawing on their own inner resources. Paul turns that notion on its head as he finds contentment through Christ-sufficiency and complete dependence on him. D. Jesus was everything for Paul (see Philippians 1:21 and 3:8) 1. If you make Jesus your treasure and your satisfaction than you can experience contentment no matter the circumstances because what brings your heart contentment can never be taken away 2. If you make something else your treasure and satisfaction (wealth, job, health, relationships, etc.) then your heart is in danger of losing contentment. E. Finding contentment in times of poverty and need (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Times of need provide us with opportunities to learn that is Christ’s grace alone enough F. Finding contentment in times of plenty (1 Timothy 6: 17-29) 1. Times of plenty provide us with an opportunity to not become arrogant or fix our hope on things, but to put our hope on God. 2. Times of plenty provide us with opportunities to be grateful for the many blessings God is bringing into our lives (instead of feeling guilty for them) 3. Times of plenty provide us with an opportunity to be generous to others V. Conclusion A. Practice living in the of grace and his provision “enoughness” Jesus’ B. He may not always provide all that we want, but we can be content that he is enough and will provide us with enough
C. “I can do all of this through him who strengthens me” 1. Paul’s secret is a radical dependence on Jesus in all circumstances 2. The 1st century Stoic philosophers found contentment through self-sufficiency and drawing on their own inner resources. Paul turns that notion on its head as he finds contentment through Christ-sufficiency and complete dependence on him. D. Jesus was everything for Paul (see Philippians 1:21 and 3:8) 1. If you make Jesus your treasure and your satisfaction than you can experience contentment no matter the circumstances because what brings your heart contentment can never be taken away 2. If you make something else your treasure and satisfaction (wealth, job, health, relationships, etc.) then your heart is in danger of losing contentment. E. Finding contentment in times of poverty and need (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Times of need provide us with opportunities to learn that Christ’s grace alone is enough F. Finding contentment in times of plenty (1 Timothy 6: 17-29) 1. Times of plenty provide us with an opportunity to not become arrogant or fix our hope on things, but to put our hope on God. 2. Times of plenty provide us with opportunities to be grateful for the many blessings God is bringing into our lives (instead of feeling guilty for them) 3. Times of plenty provide us with an opportunity to be generous to others V. Conclusion A. Practice living in the “enoughness” of Jesus’ grace and his provision B. He may not always provide all that we want, but we can be content that he is enough and will provide us with enough
Philippians_4_10-13_outline.docx