Contentment

CONTENTMENT

I Timothy 6:6-10

Adapted from a lesson by Charles Hodge.

Someone has said that the city of contentment is in the state of mind.  Paul said Godliness with contentment is great gain.  Contentment is necessary to spiritual health.  Covetousness is listed with other sins in  Rom. 1:29;       I Cor. 6:10; Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5.  Remember it was the last of the 10 commandments.  Exo. 20:17

Contentment is the opposite of covetousness.  And covetousness is idolatry. Col. 3:5  Covetous people are not content.  Content people are not covetous.    Heb. 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.”

DON’T FRET OVER WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE.  BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY,  DON’T OVERLOOK WHAT YOU DO HAVE.

Paul said in Phil 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. 

Life is a gift.  NOT A RIGHT.  It is a gift from God.  Everything we have is a gift from God.  READ II Cor. 12:7-10  Notice how Paul made up his mind to be content even with a thorn in the flesh and the many infirmities he had.  (Check them out in II Cor. 11:16-33)

People who are never content are either always upset, or constantly finding something to complain about.  With such a mindset it is impossible to live holy lives.

Remember:  Godliness with contentment is great gain.  We brought  nothing into this world and we will take nothing out.

EXCEPT OF COURSE...  A SOUL.