“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:11-13

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Society tells us to find gratitude in what we currently have, but the gospel calls us to abandon everything we have for the sake of Jesus. Contentment in life comes from loving union with our savior, not through our circumstances and possessions. In this week's message, Pastor Ryan Schlachter teaches us that whether we’re in need of “just one more thing” to feel satisfied or are only fulfilled because our circumstances are favorable, true contentment is anchored in the person of Jesus. 

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What is the context?

• In writing this letter from prison, Paul expresses that he has experienced both abundance and lack, but true well-being does not depend on outward circumstances.

Circumstances don’t make us content

• When our contentment is centered on our circumstances rather than on the person of Jesus, it becomes fragile and unstable.
•  While society encourages gratitude for what we currently have, the gospel calls us to abandon all we have for the sake of Christ, trusting in Him alone.

We learn to be content

• Contentment is something we learn. In both good and bad circumstances, there is something valuable being taught and produced within us.
• How we steward the good times is a reflection of how we've navigated the hard times. It reveals how closely we've walked with Jesus through the storms.

Our contentment comes from connection

• When we focus more on our circumstances than on our connection with Christ, we can’t find contentment in him alone. 
• It is deep fellowship with Jesus that brings us into a place of true contentment. 
• Both lack and abundance point to a deeper longing that is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Everything we seek can be found in Him.

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Additional Resources

• 2 Corinthians 11:25-27
• Psalm 62
• Romans 8
• Matthew 28
• John 15
• Ephesians 1
• Zephaniah 3 

Dinner Party Questions

1. When have you trusted in circumstances for your contentment instead of the person of Jesus?
2. What does it look like to learn contentment? How can you practice contentment in your life this week?
3. We can’t be connected to someone we do not know. How can you find deep fellowship with God this week to grow in connection and relation