03/27/17 CONTENTMENT, NOT COMPLACENCY

03/27/17 CONTENTMENT, NOT COMPLACENCY

I preached yesterday on one of the several doctrinal concepts that distinguishes (comes between) us and other believers. No, I do not believe God wants believers to believe differently from one another, but sadly, that is the way it is.

I preached on being CONTENT. I realize that all believers should believe this and all preachers should preach this, but the fact is, that it is either preached against (as with the cultists, such as the Name It, Claim It crowd), or it is preached with a caveat or "disclaimer" or explanation by western Christians, who have lost touch with the heart of Biblical Christianity.

Being CONTENT is not being COMPLACENT. Christian "contentment" is a matter of being satisfied with God. Our focus is on God and His will, rather than on self and our own temporal desires.

Here are some of the verses I shared yesterday.

Philippians 4:11-13(11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
(12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
(13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (esp. 6, 8, 10)
(6) But 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 raiment let us be therewith content.
(9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
(10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Hebrews 13:5-6
(5) Let your conversation (behavior or character) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
(6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

If we live in the light of His glory, we will not grovel in the darkness of covetousness, greed, envy or jealousy. We will live in the love of God, not in the love of the world or the things of the world.