1 00:00:30,419 --> 00:00:33,699 Young ladies did certainly way better than the men. 2 00:00:33,779 --> 00:00:36,259 So just thought I'd clarify that. 3 00:00:37,219 --> 00:00:38,339 That was tremendous. 4 00:00:39,859 --> 00:00:43,419 I appreciate the work that goes into that, all the effort by 5 00:00:43,419 --> 00:00:44,339 our adults as well. 6 00:00:45,299 --> 00:00:49,459 Again, happy Mother's Day and so glad to see you here this morning. 7 00:00:49,859 --> 00:00:53,259 This is good again to have Brother Mark and Miss Tracy Brown 8 00:00:53,259 --> 00:00:53,859 with us this morning. 9 00:00:54,499 --> 00:00:57,859 Brother Mark and I have been friends a very long time and just 10 00:00:58,169 --> 00:00:59,289 shows us how old we are. 11 00:01:01,129 --> 00:01:06,009 He's older than me, no doubt, but he did mention in Sunday school, 12 00:01:06,009 --> 00:01:11,129 and I failed to mention that I, at the age of 18, had the opportunity 13 00:01:11,129 --> 00:01:14,128 to be a youth pastor in my hometown in the big metropolis of 14 00:01:14,128 --> 00:01:17,769 Bowie, Texas, huge town just 60 miles north of here. 15 00:01:18,569 --> 00:01:22,769 It's a small town and I was there for a year and a half as youth 16 00:01:22,769 --> 00:01:24,729 pastor, and Brother Mark Brown followed me. 17 00:01:24,729 --> 00:01:28,059 I want to apologize publicly for having to follow me. 18 00:01:29,019 --> 00:01:33,939 And then we had opportunity to drive to college together some over 19 00:01:33,939 --> 00:01:35,019 that period of that year. 20 00:01:35,579 --> 00:01:39,259 And we graduated Norris Baptist Bible Seminary together, 21 00:01:40,299 --> 00:01:41,819 the big class of four. 22 00:01:41,819 --> 00:01:47,419 We were half the class and the better half of the class, no doubt. 23 00:01:47,419 --> 00:01:48,939 Yeah, better half of the class. 24 00:01:48,939 --> 00:01:54,299 Brother Mark has pastored and this Last pastorate was 22 years 25 00:01:55,169 --> 00:02:01,089 at Maranatha Baptist Church there somewhere in Columbus, Georgia, 26 00:02:01,729 --> 00:02:03,329 and tremendous work there. 27 00:02:03,489 --> 00:02:07,369 His son now pastors that church, Brother Troy, and doing a 28 00:02:07,369 --> 00:02:08,209 fantastic job. 29 00:02:08,769 --> 00:02:13,249 And yes, Brother Mark Brown is kin to Brother Wiggins, and so that 30 00:02:13,809 --> 00:02:14,849 makes him famous. 31 00:02:15,569 --> 00:02:19,009 And Brother Wiggins, some of you are visiting and you don't know 32 00:02:19,009 --> 00:02:21,209 who Brother Wiggins is, but Brother Wiggins was our associate 33 00:02:21,209 --> 00:02:22,209 pastor for 12 years. 34 00:02:23,869 --> 00:02:24,949 But they are canon. 35 00:02:24,949 --> 00:02:27,509 I appreciate Brother Mark's willingness, driving all the way 36 00:02:27,509 --> 00:02:30,469 from here from Tennessee, and appreciate him very much. 37 00:02:30,469 --> 00:02:31,469 Come on, preach for us. 38 00:02:36,189 --> 00:02:36,829 Amen. 39 00:02:36,909 --> 00:02:42,589 Well, I am older than him, but I'm better looking, so, you know, 40 00:02:43,469 --> 00:02:44,429 it's a balance. 41 00:02:44,589 --> 00:02:45,229 Amen. 42 00:02:45,709 --> 00:02:46,949 It is good to be here. 43 00:02:46,949 --> 00:02:51,199 Appreciate the friendship with the Crawfords for many years. 44 00:02:52,799 --> 00:02:55,919 The Stones, we know them, appreciate them as well. 45 00:02:56,719 --> 00:02:59,839 And yes, I am kin to Brother Michael. 46 00:03:00,479 --> 00:03:03,919 He is my cousin, and we'll leave it at that. 47 00:03:04,639 --> 00:03:05,279 Amen. 48 00:03:05,679 --> 00:03:06,959 But it's good to be here. 49 00:03:07,039 --> 00:03:11,879 And we've had the opportunity to be here on several occasions through 50 00:03:11,879 --> 00:03:12,399 the years. 51 00:03:12,399 --> 00:03:14,559 And it's always, always a blessing. 52 00:03:15,199 --> 00:03:19,279 And I will say happy Mother's Day and what a special day that is. 53 00:03:19,279 --> 00:03:22,119 We're not going to be preaching on Mothers and Mother's 54 00:03:22,119 --> 00:03:22,399 Day. 55 00:03:23,839 --> 00:03:25,999 I think my wife took care of that this morning. 56 00:03:25,999 --> 00:03:26,559 Amen. 57 00:03:26,559 --> 00:03:30,079 But we do want to say happy Mother's Day. 58 00:03:30,079 --> 00:03:31,599 It's always a special day. 59 00:03:31,599 --> 00:03:33,679 That position an honored position. 60 00:03:35,039 --> 00:03:38,639 And my mother passed away when I was 18 years old. 61 00:03:39,519 --> 00:03:43,079 And so sometimes it's a little bit of a bittersweet day for me, 62 00:03:43,079 --> 00:03:43,439 but. 63 00:03:44,279 --> 00:03:48,199 And I think many can identify with that, but that still does not 64 00:03:48,919 --> 00:03:51,719 take away from the special day that it is. 65 00:03:51,799 --> 00:03:56,039 And I want to wish all the mothers here a very happy Mother's 66 00:03:56,039 --> 00:03:56,359 Day. 67 00:03:56,679 --> 00:03:57,319 Amen. 68 00:03:57,799 --> 00:03:59,719 All right, Philippians chapter number four. 69 00:04:00,279 --> 00:04:02,279 We're going to get moving this morning. 70 00:04:02,279 --> 00:04:04,839 Philippians chapter number four. 71 00:04:05,719 --> 00:04:11,729 While you're turning there, I want to kind of just again say, I 72 00:04:11,729 --> 00:04:15,329 appreciate, Brother Crawford the opportunity to stand behind your 73 00:04:15,329 --> 00:04:15,929 pulpit. 74 00:04:16,249 --> 00:04:17,769 I don't take that lightly. 75 00:04:17,769 --> 00:04:18,169 It's. 76 00:04:19,289 --> 00:04:20,769 It should be. 77 00:04:20,769 --> 00:04:25,169 And I know with him, it is a guarded thing, and I appreciate the 78 00:04:25,169 --> 00:04:26,569 opportunity this morning. 79 00:04:26,809 --> 00:04:28,489 Philippians chapter number four. 80 00:04:29,129 --> 00:04:33,769 There was a large landowner, and just since we're here, we'll 81 00:04:33,769 --> 00:04:35,609 say he was in the state of Texas. 82 00:04:35,609 --> 00:04:36,169 Okay. 83 00:04:36,989 --> 00:04:38,189 Large landowner. 84 00:04:39,709 --> 00:04:44,829 He lived in a home on that piece of property, a large piece 85 00:04:44,829 --> 00:04:45,469 of property. 86 00:04:46,029 --> 00:04:49,629 And he was told that his home and property. 87 00:04:50,349 --> 00:04:55,949 It was rumored that it was the property and the home place of a 88 00:04:56,429 --> 00:04:59,389 notorious outlaw many years prior. 89 00:05:00,109 --> 00:05:05,069 And the story was told that this outlaw had robbed several banks. 90 00:05:06,369 --> 00:05:11,569 And the rumor was, the story was that he hid all the money that 91 00:05:11,569 --> 00:05:17,249 he had stolen somewhere on the property, only to be retrieved later. 92 00:05:18,129 --> 00:05:23,649 The problem is the outlaw was killed before he was able to get 93 00:05:23,649 --> 00:05:24,129 the money. 94 00:05:24,369 --> 00:05:32,169 So the rumor was that somewhere on that property was a 95 00:05:32,169 --> 00:05:33,889 large sum of money. 96 00:05:34,799 --> 00:05:42,559 But years had gone by, and now a property owner became obsessed 97 00:05:42,719 --> 00:05:48,959 with that story and the idea that a fortune was buried somewhere 98 00:05:48,959 --> 00:05:49,999 on his property. 99 00:05:51,039 --> 00:05:55,679 So he spent pretty much the rest of his life trying to find that 100 00:05:55,999 --> 00:05:56,719 treasure. 101 00:05:57,519 --> 00:06:00,879 All over the property, he began to dig hole after hole. 102 00:06:01,739 --> 00:06:03,339 He looked in every stump. 103 00:06:03,339 --> 00:06:05,059 He looked in every knothole. 104 00:06:05,059 --> 00:06:08,219 He turned over every rock. 105 00:06:08,219 --> 00:06:12,059 But he never found that buried money. 106 00:06:13,339 --> 00:06:20,059 Eventually, this man died empty, disappointed, Pretty much 107 00:06:20,619 --> 00:06:27,299 a wasted life, because he had looked continually for that buried 108 00:06:27,299 --> 00:06:27,979 treasure. 109 00:06:29,089 --> 00:06:34,369 But when settling this man's affairs, this man's son was clearing 110 00:06:34,369 --> 00:06:37,329 the house of his father, who had been looking for this treasure 111 00:06:37,329 --> 00:06:37,889 for years. 112 00:06:38,769 --> 00:06:41,889 And as he was up in the attic, he found an old Bible. 113 00:06:42,769 --> 00:06:46,689 And the Bible was discovered. 114 00:06:47,649 --> 00:06:53,609 And it had been there apparently, years before even this 115 00:06:53,609 --> 00:06:55,569 man's father had bought the property. 116 00:06:56,139 --> 00:06:59,259 It was left by some prior owners. 117 00:06:59,659 --> 00:07:05,259 And within the pages of that Bible, there was a map that led to 118 00:07:05,259 --> 00:07:06,459 that buried money. 119 00:07:07,819 --> 00:07:09,659 Philippians chapter number four. 120 00:07:09,659 --> 00:07:11,739 We're going to read a portion of Scripture. 121 00:07:12,699 --> 00:07:15,819 Notice with me verse number eight. 122 00:07:16,379 --> 00:07:23,029 The Bible there says, finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, 123 00:07:23,029 --> 00:07:24,749 whatsoever things are honest. 124 00:07:24,749 --> 00:07:29,189 Whatsoever things are just, Whatsoever things are pure, Whatsoever 125 00:07:29,189 --> 00:07:32,309 things are lovely, Whatsoever things are of good report. 126 00:07:33,029 --> 00:07:37,428 If there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these 127 00:07:37,428 --> 00:07:37,829 things. 128 00:07:38,549 --> 00:07:42,309 Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard 129 00:07:42,709 --> 00:07:45,029 and seen in me do. 130 00:07:45,829 --> 00:07:48,309 And the God of peace shall be with you. 131 00:07:49,239 --> 00:07:53,599 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at the last, your 132 00:07:53,599 --> 00:07:58,279 care of me hath flourished again, wherein ye were also careful, 133 00:07:58,279 --> 00:07:59,959 but ye lacked opportunity. 134 00:08:00,679 --> 00:08:02,719 Not that I speak in respect of want. 135 00:08:02,719 --> 00:08:06,439 For I have learned in whatsoever state, I am therewith 136 00:08:06,839 --> 00:08:07,639 to be content. 137 00:08:07,799 --> 00:08:09,319 Now, let me stop right there. 138 00:08:09,879 --> 00:08:12,439 And that's not talking about Texas. 139 00:08:14,609 --> 00:08:15,249 Tennessee. 140 00:08:16,449 --> 00:08:18,129 It might be talking about Alabama. 141 00:08:19,169 --> 00:08:19,729 Not sure. 142 00:08:19,729 --> 00:08:21,169 Whatsoever state I am. 143 00:08:21,169 --> 00:08:22,809 That's not what he's talking about. 144 00:08:22,809 --> 00:08:23,169 There. 145 00:08:23,409 --> 00:08:24,729 We'll return to that. 146 00:08:24,729 --> 00:08:27,809 But that thought just came to my mind as I was reading it. 147 00:08:27,809 --> 00:08:28,289 Amen. 148 00:08:29,729 --> 00:08:32,609 I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound. 149 00:08:32,689 --> 00:08:35,849 Everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and 150 00:08:35,849 --> 00:08:38,209 to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 151 00:08:38,529 --> 00:08:41,319 I can do all things through Christ, which strength strengtheneth 152 00:08:41,319 --> 00:08:42,279 me notwithstanding. 153 00:08:42,279 --> 00:08:45,839 Ye have well done that ye did communicate with my affliction. 154 00:08:45,839 --> 00:08:46,919 Know ye Philippians. 155 00:08:47,479 --> 00:08:47,799 Now? 156 00:08:47,799 --> 00:08:51,039 Ye Philippians, know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when 157 00:08:51,039 --> 00:08:55,119 I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning 158 00:08:55,119 --> 00:08:57,239 giving and receiving, but ye only. 159 00:08:57,639 --> 00:09:01,519 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 160 00:09:01,519 --> 00:09:05,119 Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound 161 00:09:05,119 --> 00:09:05,799 to youo account. 162 00:09:06,609 --> 00:09:08,129 But I have all and abound. 163 00:09:08,209 --> 00:09:09,489 Notice this next phrase. 164 00:09:09,489 --> 00:09:13,889 I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were 165 00:09:13,889 --> 00:09:14,729 sent from you. 166 00:09:14,729 --> 00:09:19,849 An odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing 167 00:09:19,849 --> 00:09:20,529 to God. 168 00:09:20,849 --> 00:09:24,609 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches. 169 00:09:24,609 --> 00:09:27,089 In glory by Christ Jesus. 170 00:09:27,169 --> 00:09:31,409 Now unto God and our Father be glory forever and ever. 171 00:09:32,459 --> 00:09:32,939 Amen. 172 00:09:33,579 --> 00:09:34,459 Let's pray together. 173 00:09:34,939 --> 00:09:39,099 I want to draw your attention this morning to verse number 11. 174 00:09:39,819 --> 00:09:41,819 And I want you to notice what it says. 175 00:09:42,539 --> 00:09:46,819 Not that I speak in respect of want, for I have learned in whatsoever 176 00:09:46,819 --> 00:09:47,739 state I am. 177 00:09:48,139 --> 00:09:49,579 Watch these next words. 178 00:09:49,739 --> 00:09:53,019 Therewith to be content. 179 00:09:55,419 --> 00:09:59,219 As I have been in the ministry for several years now. 180 00:09:59,219 --> 00:10:04,239 You know, it's really kind of odd because we used to be the preacher 181 00:10:04,239 --> 00:10:06,999 boys and we've blinked. 182 00:10:07,959 --> 00:10:12,039 And now, not that I'm old, but I'm not far from it. 183 00:10:13,879 --> 00:10:18,119 But through the years, one thing that I have seen in people 184 00:10:19,079 --> 00:10:21,959 is a lack of contentment. 185 00:10:23,319 --> 00:10:26,519 A lack of contentment in the day in which we're living. 186 00:10:26,679 --> 00:10:31,359 Especially with social media and the fast paced life that we're 187 00:10:31,359 --> 00:10:37,899 living, it seems like people just can't seem to be content. 188 00:10:39,099 --> 00:10:42,699 And I want to preach a thought this morning very simply. 189 00:10:43,659 --> 00:10:48,859 Learning contentment, Learning contentment. 190 00:10:48,859 --> 00:10:52,419 Let's pray together and we'll dig into this and see what the Lord 191 00:10:52,419 --> 00:10:53,459 has for us this morning. 192 00:10:53,459 --> 00:10:56,339 Lord, we do love you and we thank you so much for the opportunity 193 00:10:56,339 --> 00:10:59,419 that's been ours to be in your house this morning, Lord. 194 00:10:59,419 --> 00:11:03,509 For the Sunday school hour, Lord, for Mother's Day. 195 00:11:03,509 --> 00:11:05,989 What a special day that is, Lord. 196 00:11:05,989 --> 00:11:09,149 For the opportunity to sing praises to your name and to fellowship 197 00:11:09,149 --> 00:11:10,109 with the people of God. 198 00:11:10,109 --> 00:11:13,629 What a blessing it's been already, Lord, as we look into the 199 00:11:13,629 --> 00:11:17,789 word of God, I pray that you would just bless this time together. 200 00:11:18,189 --> 00:11:21,909 Lord, I pray that we would have open eyes to behold wondrous 201 00:11:21,909 --> 00:11:23,549 things out of thy law this morning. 202 00:11:24,029 --> 00:11:27,189 I pray Lord, we'd have open ears to hear what thus saith the 203 00:11:27,189 --> 00:11:27,549 Lord. 204 00:11:28,059 --> 00:11:30,819 But Lord especially give us open hearts that we might receive 205 00:11:30,819 --> 00:11:32,699 your word upon good ground this morning. 206 00:11:33,259 --> 00:11:36,339 Lord, I pray you'd give us clarity of thought as we preach the 207 00:11:36,339 --> 00:11:38,299 message that you've impressed upon our hearts. 208 00:11:38,619 --> 00:11:42,499 And Lord, I pray that your word would do the work that only 209 00:11:42,499 --> 00:11:43,059 it can do. 210 00:11:43,059 --> 00:11:45,939 This morning we're going to thank you in advance for what you 211 00:11:45,939 --> 00:11:47,259 do in Jesus name. 212 00:11:47,899 --> 00:11:48,539 Amen. 213 00:11:49,499 --> 00:11:53,589 In our text this morning, it's a familiar passage of scripture and 214 00:11:53,589 --> 00:11:56,749 Paul is writing to the church at Philippi. 215 00:11:56,749 --> 00:12:02,949 And as we I think are familiar with this fact, it's a people that 216 00:12:02,949 --> 00:12:04,709 Paul had a great affection for. 217 00:12:05,509 --> 00:12:07,109 He had a love for this people. 218 00:12:08,709 --> 00:12:12,829 Paul is writing this and while he's writing this we know that he's 219 00:12:12,829 --> 00:12:18,949 in bonds and probably not in the best circumstance of life yet 220 00:12:18,949 --> 00:12:22,879 he writes this letter to this people that he loves and it is a 221 00:12:22,879 --> 00:12:24,439 letter of encouragement. 222 00:12:24,759 --> 00:12:28,679 He's not bemoaning his circumstances, he's not whining about 223 00:12:28,759 --> 00:12:32,479 his situation, but he's encouraging the people that he has 224 00:12:32,479 --> 00:12:33,719 a great affection for. 225 00:12:34,599 --> 00:12:38,639 And even in that probably is some things that we should glean. 226 00:12:38,639 --> 00:12:39,239 Amen. 227 00:12:39,399 --> 00:12:41,599 But Paul is writing this. 228 00:12:41,599 --> 00:12:46,279 And in the text that we read, Paul just kind of makes a couple 229 00:12:46,279 --> 00:12:52,259 of statements that remind us that Paul kind of experienced the 230 00:12:52,259 --> 00:12:54,139 best in life and the worst in life. 231 00:12:54,859 --> 00:12:56,459 Paul had some good times. 232 00:12:56,539 --> 00:12:57,739 Notice verse number 12. 233 00:12:57,739 --> 00:13:01,499 He said, I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound. 234 00:13:02,299 --> 00:13:07,659 He says, I know I've been full and I've been hungry. 235 00:13:07,659 --> 00:13:10,219 In other words, I've been on the top of the mountain. 236 00:13:11,419 --> 00:13:15,539 I've been where God is blessing and the sun is shining and 237 00:13:15,539 --> 00:13:19,199 the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing and the kids 238 00:13:19,199 --> 00:13:23,679 are behaving and the grandkids are the grandkids. 239 00:13:23,759 --> 00:13:24,399 Amen. 240 00:13:25,439 --> 00:13:28,559 I've been on the mountain when everything was going well. 241 00:13:29,039 --> 00:13:29,839 But I've also. 242 00:13:29,919 --> 00:13:30,519 You know what? 243 00:13:30,519 --> 00:13:32,959 I've also been in some dark valleys. 244 00:13:33,279 --> 00:13:35,519 I've been in some situations that. 245 00:13:35,759 --> 00:13:37,279 That have been difficult. 246 00:13:38,159 --> 00:13:41,599 And I believe this morning we can all identify with that. 247 00:13:41,599 --> 00:13:42,159 Amen. 248 00:13:42,989 --> 00:13:46,189 There are the blessings of God, and we praise the Lord for that. 249 00:13:46,189 --> 00:13:49,589 But there are times when God brings us through the valley and 250 00:13:49,589 --> 00:13:50,189 the storms. 251 00:13:50,189 --> 00:13:53,709 And by the way, that's a blessing as well. 252 00:13:53,709 --> 00:13:55,789 We just don't see it as such at the time. 253 00:13:55,789 --> 00:13:56,429 Amen. 254 00:13:56,909 --> 00:14:00,349 But we find in the book of Genesis, it's referred to as blessings 255 00:14:00,349 --> 00:14:05,029 of the deep that lieth under those blessings in disguise, if you 256 00:14:05,029 --> 00:14:05,309 will. 257 00:14:06,029 --> 00:14:10,029 And so all of it, in fact, is blessing. 258 00:14:10,029 --> 00:14:10,349 But. 259 00:14:11,019 --> 00:14:13,979 But we do go sometimes through some difficult times. 260 00:14:14,459 --> 00:14:17,979 And Paul makes a statement in verse number 11 that I want to draw 261 00:14:17,979 --> 00:14:21,259 your attention to about contentment. 262 00:14:21,419 --> 00:14:25,019 You know, he's basically saying, whatsoever state I am in, 263 00:14:25,179 --> 00:14:30,259 again, not Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, but whatever circumstance 264 00:14:30,259 --> 00:14:35,099 or whatever situation I find myself in, I have learned something. 265 00:14:35,499 --> 00:14:40,139 Whatever it is that I'm going through, I have learned in that. 266 00:14:40,919 --> 00:14:47,719 That state, in that situation, in that circumstance, to be content. 267 00:14:48,839 --> 00:14:49,559 To be content. 268 00:14:49,719 --> 00:14:50,679 Notice verse 11. 269 00:14:50,679 --> 00:14:56,119 He says, in whatsoever state, I am therewith to be content. 270 00:14:56,759 --> 00:14:59,239 He's making the point that contentment. 271 00:14:59,239 --> 00:14:59,559 Watch. 272 00:14:59,559 --> 00:15:06,709 This is not based on our circumstance or our situation, yet 273 00:15:06,709 --> 00:15:09,229 sometimes that's kind of what we do. 274 00:15:10,429 --> 00:15:13,869 He I want you to notice something important here. 275 00:15:13,869 --> 00:15:17,229 I want you to notice, you know, we can learn a lot, sometimes 276 00:15:17,869 --> 00:15:21,309 not only by what is said, but what is not said. 277 00:15:22,349 --> 00:15:28,749 And I want you to notice what Paul does not say in verse number 278 00:15:28,749 --> 00:15:29,149 11. 279 00:15:30,029 --> 00:15:37,229 Paul does not say, in whatsoever state I am, I have found 280 00:15:38,029 --> 00:15:38,909 contentment. 281 00:15:40,269 --> 00:15:45,069 He says, I have learned contentment. 282 00:15:46,269 --> 00:15:49,789 Now, in the story that we related to you in the introduction, 283 00:15:50,269 --> 00:16:00,569 there was a man who spent his life futilely trying to find a rumored 284 00:16:01,129 --> 00:16:02,729 buried treasure. 285 00:16:03,849 --> 00:16:04,649 He tried. 286 00:16:04,729 --> 00:16:06,249 He dug hole after hole. 287 00:16:06,569 --> 00:16:08,129 He looked all over the property. 288 00:16:08,129 --> 00:16:09,169 He never found it. 289 00:16:09,169 --> 00:16:12,809 And can I tell you, this morning, there are people all over 290 00:16:12,809 --> 00:16:13,369 the world. 291 00:16:13,369 --> 00:16:15,529 There are people all over our nation. 292 00:16:15,529 --> 00:16:17,529 There are people in our churches. 293 00:16:17,849 --> 00:16:21,969 And likely, if this is a church, like many other churches 294 00:16:21,969 --> 00:16:27,199 throughout the nation, it is filled with people who are trying 295 00:16:27,919 --> 00:16:34,319 their best to find contentment, trying to find contentment. 296 00:16:34,319 --> 00:16:39,239 In our world today, people are digging hole after hole trying to 297 00:16:39,239 --> 00:16:40,399 find contentment. 298 00:16:41,119 --> 00:16:44,879 Boy, if I just had a little bit more money, I'd be content. 299 00:16:46,079 --> 00:16:50,559 If I had this material item or this new truck or this new. 300 00:16:50,969 --> 00:16:55,049 I think just trying to find contentment in material things. 301 00:16:56,409 --> 00:17:00,249 They're trying to find contentment in a new job, trying 302 00:17:00,249 --> 00:17:04,129 to find contentment in a new home, trying to find contentment 303 00:17:04,129 --> 00:17:09,129 in drugs or alcohol, trying to find contentment in a new church, 304 00:17:09,129 --> 00:17:10,969 a new spouse, or a new body. 305 00:17:10,969 --> 00:17:12,329 And we could go on and on. 306 00:17:13,209 --> 00:17:16,729 And if I could just get this, then I would be content. 307 00:17:18,129 --> 00:17:22,369 But, folks, can I remind you that Paul here doesn't say that we 308 00:17:22,689 --> 00:17:27,569 find contentment, but rather contentment is learned. 309 00:17:28,369 --> 00:17:31,489 We must learn to be content. 310 00:17:31,809 --> 00:17:32,729 Now, let me. 311 00:17:32,729 --> 00:17:36,849 Let me do a little housekeeping real quickly. 312 00:17:37,249 --> 00:17:41,889 Contentment is not the same thing as complacent. 313 00:17:43,418 --> 00:17:47,178 You know, a lot of times we try to kind of group the two together. 314 00:17:47,818 --> 00:17:50,698 Complacency, not good. 315 00:17:51,658 --> 00:17:53,898 We always want to strive for growth. 316 00:17:54,138 --> 00:17:54,778 Amen. 317 00:17:55,258 --> 00:17:58,698 We don't want to kind of just settle for good enough. 318 00:17:58,858 --> 00:17:59,378 Amen. 319 00:17:59,378 --> 00:18:03,498 We don't want to be complacent, but we should be content. 320 00:18:04,538 --> 00:18:05,898 Now, what does contentment mean? 321 00:18:05,898 --> 00:18:07,658 Contentment is very simply this. 322 00:18:07,898 --> 00:18:15,809 It means satisfied, quiet, at ease of mind, content. 323 00:18:17,089 --> 00:18:19,969 You see, contentment is not something we find. 324 00:18:20,609 --> 00:18:24,049 It's something that we must learn. 325 00:18:24,769 --> 00:18:25,569 It's a process. 326 00:18:26,689 --> 00:18:29,649 It's part of part of our spiritual growth, by the way. 327 00:18:30,929 --> 00:18:34,369 Now, how do we learn to be content if we're not. 328 00:18:34,849 --> 00:18:38,649 If it's not found, then how do we learn to be content? 329 00:18:38,809 --> 00:18:41,769 Well, let's notice a couple of things in. 330 00:18:42,249 --> 00:18:48,129 In this portion of Scripture, how I believe Paul learned to be 331 00:18:48,129 --> 00:18:48,489 content. 332 00:18:49,289 --> 00:18:52,089 And I think we can glean some of these things as well. 333 00:18:52,089 --> 00:18:53,689 Go back to chapter number three. 334 00:18:54,729 --> 00:18:58,169 Just some simple thoughts here this morning on how we can learn 335 00:18:58,169 --> 00:18:59,049 to be content. 336 00:19:00,409 --> 00:19:04,089 Contentment is something that we ought to have in our life. 337 00:19:05,659 --> 00:19:09,419 And again, many times we're not learning contentment. 338 00:19:09,899 --> 00:19:14,379 We're trying to find it in things or circumstances or position 339 00:19:14,619 --> 00:19:16,539 or possessions and those kind of things. 340 00:19:16,779 --> 00:19:19,419 But I want you to notice how Paul learned to be content. 341 00:19:19,499 --> 00:19:21,979 Notice chapter number three, the last two verses. 342 00:19:22,619 --> 00:19:25,379 Paul's writing the Church of Philippi, and he says this for our 343 00:19:25,379 --> 00:19:26,219 conversation. 344 00:19:26,539 --> 00:19:31,259 Our citizenship is in heaven, from whence also we look for the 345 00:19:31,259 --> 00:19:33,179 Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 346 00:19:33,179 --> 00:19:34,459 Now watch verse 21. 347 00:19:34,989 --> 00:19:39,029 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like 348 00:19:39,029 --> 00:19:43,309 unto his glorious body according to the working whereby 349 00:19:43,309 --> 00:19:49,629 he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 350 00:19:49,709 --> 00:19:52,589 How can we learn to be content? 351 00:19:52,829 --> 00:19:53,549 Number one? 352 00:19:53,709 --> 00:19:59,549 We can learn to be content when we Realize that we're just strangers 353 00:19:59,549 --> 00:20:01,789 and sojourners in this world. 354 00:20:02,529 --> 00:20:04,769 Let me just put it like the song says it. 355 00:20:04,849 --> 00:20:06,649 This world is not my home. 356 00:20:06,649 --> 00:20:08,209 I'm just traveling through. 357 00:20:08,209 --> 00:20:08,849 Amen. 358 00:20:09,249 --> 00:20:11,169 Listen, if you're. 359 00:20:11,649 --> 00:20:15,969 If you're living a life to where you're driving your tent stakes 360 00:20:15,969 --> 00:20:20,889 down in this life and in this world, and if in this life only you 361 00:20:20,889 --> 00:20:24,929 have hope, you're going to be discontented. 362 00:20:25,409 --> 00:20:25,809 Why? 363 00:20:26,049 --> 00:20:28,849 Because this world will not satisfy. 364 00:20:30,279 --> 00:20:32,359 How do we learn to be content? 365 00:20:33,159 --> 00:20:35,399 Realize we're not home yet. 366 00:20:35,959 --> 00:20:36,519 Amen. 367 00:20:36,759 --> 00:20:37,319 Listen. 368 00:20:37,719 --> 00:20:41,079 Many are trying to find contentment in this life. 369 00:20:41,799 --> 00:20:47,519 But when we began to realize that this is not all there is, somebody 370 00:20:47,519 --> 00:20:51,319 said this, and I liked it, so I'm going to say it, too. 371 00:20:51,319 --> 00:20:51,879 Amen. 372 00:20:52,039 --> 00:20:57,299 If you're here this morning and you're lost, this is as good 373 00:20:57,299 --> 00:20:58,899 as it's ever going to get. 374 00:21:00,019 --> 00:21:03,699 But if you're here this morning and you're a child of God, 375 00:21:04,179 --> 00:21:08,219 if you've trusted Jesus Christ as your personal savior, this is 376 00:21:08,219 --> 00:21:10,179 as bad as it's ever going to get. 377 00:21:10,179 --> 00:21:10,819 Amen. 378 00:21:10,899 --> 00:21:14,539 We've got a hope in heaven that's a blessed hope. 379 00:21:14,539 --> 00:21:15,139 Amen. 380 00:21:15,539 --> 00:21:18,259 And we've got something to look forward to. 381 00:21:18,739 --> 00:21:19,619 So watch this. 382 00:21:19,859 --> 00:21:20,819 One of these days. 383 00:21:21,139 --> 00:21:22,319 I like this one. 384 00:21:22,549 --> 00:21:28,149 One of these days, this flesh is going to put on incorruption. 385 00:21:28,149 --> 00:21:28,709 Amen. 386 00:21:28,789 --> 00:21:31,269 This mortal's going to put on immortality. 387 00:21:32,309 --> 00:21:32,709 This. 388 00:21:33,189 --> 00:21:37,109 This corruptible is going to put on incorruption. 389 00:21:37,189 --> 00:21:37,749 Amen. 390 00:21:38,309 --> 00:21:40,549 Listen, we're going to be changed. 391 00:21:40,549 --> 00:21:41,029 Amen. 392 00:21:41,029 --> 00:21:43,469 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. 393 00:21:43,469 --> 00:21:44,029 Amen. 394 00:21:44,029 --> 00:21:47,269 Listen, we've got something to look forward to. 395 00:21:49,039 --> 00:21:51,999 Look over real quickly, if you will, just a few pages. 396 00:21:51,999 --> 00:21:52,999 Hold your place right there. 397 00:21:52,999 --> 00:21:55,519 But look at Colossians, chapter number three. 398 00:21:56,879 --> 00:21:58,799 Colossians, chapter number three. 399 00:21:59,359 --> 00:22:01,079 Notice with me verse number one. 400 00:22:01,079 --> 00:22:05,199 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are 401 00:22:05,199 --> 00:22:08,639 above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 402 00:22:08,639 --> 00:22:12,359 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 403 00:22:12,359 --> 00:22:15,209 For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. 404 00:22:15,289 --> 00:22:20,169 When Christ, who is your life, shall appear, then shall ye also 405 00:22:20,409 --> 00:22:23,409 appear with him in glory. 406 00:22:23,409 --> 00:22:26,489 You want to know how to learn to be content? 407 00:22:27,849 --> 00:22:29,769 Set your affection on things above. 408 00:22:33,049 --> 00:22:35,649 Many are trying to find that contentment. 409 00:22:35,649 --> 00:22:39,209 But when we lift our heads and we get a view of heaven this morning 410 00:22:39,449 --> 00:22:44,899 and we realize that what God has for us and what we have to look 411 00:22:44,899 --> 00:22:49,859 forward to, it'll help us to be able to cope or to put up with 412 00:22:49,859 --> 00:22:52,539 what we may be going through in this life. 413 00:22:52,619 --> 00:22:54,219 If we Realize, you know what? 414 00:22:54,219 --> 00:22:55,339 This is temporal. 415 00:22:56,139 --> 00:22:57,419 This is temporal. 416 00:22:57,659 --> 00:23:01,059 You see, in a sense, this morning, realizing that we'll never 417 00:23:01,059 --> 00:23:05,859 find contentment in this world will produce a contentment as we 418 00:23:05,859 --> 00:23:08,249 look forward to what coming. 419 00:23:08,969 --> 00:23:15,689 Realizing this is temporary will help us to be content. 420 00:23:16,249 --> 00:23:20,489 You know, there's been times when we go through difficult situations, 421 00:23:20,729 --> 00:23:24,449 but maybe, maybe we know that it's. 422 00:23:24,449 --> 00:23:26,009 Maybe we've got to go to the dentist. 423 00:23:29,209 --> 00:23:30,249 What a blessing. 424 00:23:32,009 --> 00:23:33,609 And it's a valley. 425 00:23:34,709 --> 00:23:35,589 It's a storm. 426 00:23:35,749 --> 00:23:37,389 If you're a dentist here this morning. 427 00:23:37,389 --> 00:23:43,109 I'm sorry, but it's not fun. 428 00:23:46,309 --> 00:23:47,509 But it's temporal. 429 00:23:48,949 --> 00:23:50,228 It'll be over soon. 430 00:23:51,109 --> 00:23:53,109 Not soon enough, but it'll be over soon. 431 00:23:54,629 --> 00:24:00,749 You know, we can learn to be content in whatsoever state or circumstance 432 00:24:00,749 --> 00:24:06,389 or situation we find ourself in when we realize it's temporary 433 00:24:07,509 --> 00:24:09,509 and we have something to look forward to. 434 00:24:09,509 --> 00:24:10,069 Amen. 435 00:24:10,629 --> 00:24:13,869 Thank God for the hope of heaven. 436 00:24:13,869 --> 00:24:16,869 Number two, how did Paul learn to be content? 437 00:24:17,029 --> 00:24:19,188 Notice with me back in chapter number four. 438 00:24:19,188 --> 00:24:20,709 Look at verse number four. 439 00:24:22,789 --> 00:24:24,229 Rejoice in the Lord. 440 00:24:24,309 --> 00:24:25,429 What's that next word? 441 00:24:26,149 --> 00:24:26,629 Alway? 442 00:24:26,709 --> 00:24:28,229 And again I say rejoice. 443 00:24:29,039 --> 00:24:31,319 Let your moderation be known unto all men. 444 00:24:31,319 --> 00:24:32,279 The Lord is at hand. 445 00:24:32,279 --> 00:24:33,919 Be careful for nothing but in everything. 446 00:24:33,919 --> 00:24:37,399 By prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests 447 00:24:37,399 --> 00:24:38,719 be made known unto God. 448 00:24:39,039 --> 00:24:43,239 And the peace of God, that kind of speaks of contentment, which 449 00:24:43,239 --> 00:24:46,719 passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds 450 00:24:46,719 --> 00:24:47,919 through Christ Jesus. 451 00:24:47,999 --> 00:24:51,159 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things 452 00:24:51,159 --> 00:24:54,039 are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, 453 00:24:54,039 --> 00:24:57,499 whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report. 454 00:24:57,579 --> 00:25:01,819 If there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these 455 00:25:02,539 --> 00:25:02,939 things. 456 00:25:03,819 --> 00:25:07,819 Secondly, this morning, how did Paul learn to be content? 457 00:25:08,059 --> 00:25:12,579 Well, not only did he realize he was a stranger and a sojourner 458 00:25:12,579 --> 00:25:17,259 in this life, but he saw things from the right perspective. 459 00:25:18,459 --> 00:25:21,739 He saw things from the right perspective. 460 00:25:21,739 --> 00:25:25,939 Let me say it this way, where we focus our attention on. 461 00:25:27,219 --> 00:25:32,619 And what we focus our attention on will affect our sense 462 00:25:32,619 --> 00:25:33,779 of contentment. 463 00:25:34,419 --> 00:25:40,099 Paul was content because he saw things from the right perspective. 464 00:25:41,219 --> 00:25:44,779 And just kind of real quickly, the right perspective comes number 465 00:25:44,779 --> 00:25:49,299 one, from praise in verse number four, from prayer in verse 466 00:25:49,299 --> 00:25:54,469 number six, and from pondering the right things there in verse number 467 00:25:54,469 --> 00:25:54,789 eight. 468 00:25:54,789 --> 00:26:02,109 You know, we tend most people, not all, but we tend sometimes to 469 00:26:02,109 --> 00:26:03,029 look at the negative. 470 00:26:04,229 --> 00:26:07,189 We tend sometimes to focus on the negative. 471 00:26:08,229 --> 00:26:13,749 What we don't have instead of what God's blessed us with, what 472 00:26:13,749 --> 00:26:14,069 we. 473 00:26:14,469 --> 00:26:15,669 What we can't do. 474 00:26:18,079 --> 00:26:23,239 Or, you know, in a church setting, sometimes we'll start looking 475 00:26:23,239 --> 00:26:28,919 around and kind of get discontented because of who's not 476 00:26:28,919 --> 00:26:29,279 here. 477 00:26:30,079 --> 00:26:32,398 And we miss the blessing of who is. 478 00:26:33,839 --> 00:26:35,999 We sometimes focus on the negative. 479 00:26:38,239 --> 00:26:43,129 We have 10 grandchildren. 480 00:26:43,289 --> 00:26:44,649 I know I don't look that old. 481 00:26:45,689 --> 00:26:47,369 Number 11 is on the way. 482 00:26:49,209 --> 00:26:50,409 The oldest one. 483 00:26:50,409 --> 00:26:51,809 Y' all think Christmas is fun. 484 00:26:51,809 --> 00:26:53,529 Y' all think vacation time is fun. 485 00:26:54,649 --> 00:26:59,049 The oldest One of almost 11 grandchildren is 12 years old. 486 00:27:04,569 --> 00:27:07,049 Our oldest grandson's name is Noah. 487 00:27:08,449 --> 00:27:08,929 Noah. 488 00:27:09,649 --> 00:27:13,009 Noah has an interesting personality. 489 00:27:13,489 --> 00:27:20,929 He's pretty quiet, and he is a. 490 00:27:21,889 --> 00:27:27,409 Though he's quiet, he's generally a positive outlook guy. 491 00:27:28,449 --> 00:27:33,329 You know, if he's playing sports and he's losing by 60 points, 492 00:27:33,329 --> 00:27:34,689 he still thinks he's coming back. 493 00:27:39,699 --> 00:27:41,619 Noah is our oldest. 494 00:27:41,939 --> 00:27:42,659 When he was. 495 00:27:42,819 --> 00:27:45,939 He's 12 now, but he was probably about 9 years old. 496 00:27:46,899 --> 00:27:54,179 And Noah was my high school football game buddy. 497 00:27:55,219 --> 00:28:01,779 Noah lived for Central High School of Phoenix City, Alabama, 498 00:28:01,779 --> 00:28:02,499 football games. 499 00:28:03,299 --> 00:28:08,939 And Noah and Papa went to Phoenix City, Central of Phoenix 500 00:28:08,939 --> 00:28:09,859 City football games. 501 00:28:10,179 --> 00:28:11,459 He looked forward to it. 502 00:28:12,339 --> 00:28:18,139 One Friday, he was at the house, and he was getting ready. 503 00:28:18,139 --> 00:28:20,099 Him and Papa was going to the football game. 504 00:28:20,899 --> 00:28:26,179 Well, his younger siblings were at the house there as well, 505 00:28:26,179 --> 00:28:29,349 but me and him was going to go to the game, and they were outside 506 00:28:29,349 --> 00:28:29,949 playing for. 507 00:28:29,949 --> 00:28:31,229 It's Friday afternoon. 508 00:28:31,709 --> 00:28:34,029 You know, anticipation of the. 509 00:28:34,189 --> 00:28:36,149 Of the ball game is wearing. 510 00:28:36,149 --> 00:28:37,109 Wearing him out. 511 00:28:37,109 --> 00:28:37,469 And. 512 00:28:37,869 --> 00:28:40,189 And so they're outside playing. 513 00:28:40,829 --> 00:28:41,469 He comes in. 514 00:28:41,469 --> 00:28:42,549 I said, noah, let's go. 515 00:28:42,549 --> 00:28:43,709 Let's get ready to go to the game. 516 00:28:44,029 --> 00:28:48,629 So we're getting ready to go to the game, and I walk out, and 517 00:28:48,629 --> 00:28:50,709 Noah is behind me, and I. 518 00:28:50,709 --> 00:28:55,829 And I look down, and on our driveway, there was, y' all know, 519 00:28:55,829 --> 00:28:57,069 that sidewalk chalk. 520 00:28:57,899 --> 00:29:01,059 You know, the kids had been out there, and they're drawing pictures 521 00:29:01,059 --> 00:29:02,579 on the sidewalk and everything. 522 00:29:02,579 --> 00:29:05,339 And I thought, but that's cute. 523 00:29:05,739 --> 00:29:08,859 They had a lot of fun doing that, I'm sure. 524 00:29:08,859 --> 00:29:12,219 And as me and Noah's walking toward the truck, I look at my black 525 00:29:14,059 --> 00:29:20,619 Toyota Tundra, and there's sidewalk chalk all over it. 526 00:29:24,309 --> 00:29:31,749 And I papa, Papa, well, let's not tell on ourself. 527 00:29:31,749 --> 00:29:32,309 Amen. 528 00:29:33,989 --> 00:29:34,789 I'm preaching. 529 00:29:34,789 --> 00:29:35,709 I can tell the story. 530 00:29:35,709 --> 00:29:37,269 I want to, like, I want to tell it. 531 00:29:38,309 --> 00:29:43,269 Papa got upset, and I'm like, who in the world rode on my truck? 532 00:29:45,669 --> 00:29:48,709 And Noah's countenance kind of started sinking. 533 00:29:50,019 --> 00:29:55,779 Noah, I said, I don't even think we ought to be able to go. 534 00:29:55,779 --> 00:29:57,179 I don't even think we're going to the ball game. 535 00:29:57,179 --> 00:29:58,739 And he like, huh? 536 00:29:59,379 --> 00:30:01,419 I mean, this is ridiculous, Noah. 537 00:30:01,419 --> 00:30:03,019 I mean, what in the world are you doing? 538 00:30:03,019 --> 00:30:03,339 I. 539 00:30:03,339 --> 00:30:04,259 We shouldn't even go. 540 00:30:04,419 --> 00:30:06,819 Of course I knew we was going to the ball game because papa wanted 541 00:30:06,819 --> 00:30:07,059 to go. 542 00:30:07,059 --> 00:30:12,259 But so I walk over to the little utility thing, I get our stadium 543 00:30:12,259 --> 00:30:15,059 seats out and I, I tell you what, I, I just don't even know if 544 00:30:15,059 --> 00:30:16,939 I ought to be bringing you to the ball game, Noah. 545 00:30:16,939 --> 00:30:20,639 And he gets in the back seat and I get in the, I put it in reverse 546 00:30:20,639 --> 00:30:23,399 and I'm backing out and we're pulling down the street a little 547 00:30:23,399 --> 00:30:23,679 bit. 548 00:30:23,759 --> 00:30:26,919 It was just, it was probably about a three minute drive to the 549 00:30:26,919 --> 00:30:27,999 stadium from our house. 550 00:30:28,079 --> 00:30:31,359 And I'm driving and I'm steady, just wearing him out. 551 00:30:31,359 --> 00:30:32,319 This is ridiculous. 552 00:30:32,399 --> 00:30:34,239 I think I'm just going to turn around and go back home. 553 00:30:34,879 --> 00:30:42,359 It got quiet for a few minutes and Noah said, papa, can we just 554 00:30:42,359 --> 00:30:45,799 forget about that for a little while and just concentrate on how 555 00:30:45,799 --> 00:30:47,759 much fun we're going to have at the football game. 556 00:30:52,239 --> 00:30:56,319 He's looking at this whole sidewalk chalk thing from a different 557 00:30:56,399 --> 00:30:57,159 perspective. 558 00:30:57,159 --> 00:30:57,759 Amen. 559 00:30:59,039 --> 00:30:59,759 You know what? 560 00:31:00,079 --> 00:31:06,079 If we would learn, if we would learn to see things from a different 561 00:31:06,239 --> 00:31:16,449 perspective instead of always looking for fault in people, instead 562 00:31:16,449 --> 00:31:20,689 of looking at what we can complain about what we don't have, 563 00:31:20,689 --> 00:31:21,849 what we can't do. 564 00:31:23,369 --> 00:31:25,529 What's wrong with this and what's wrong with that? 565 00:31:25,529 --> 00:31:29,169 Well, I tell you what, you know that church down there, it's 566 00:31:29,169 --> 00:31:32,649 alright, but they never have the temperature right in there. 567 00:31:33,129 --> 00:31:34,809 I'm going to go ahead and clue y' all in. 568 00:31:36,169 --> 00:31:39,289 This is from many years experience in the ministry. 569 00:31:40,579 --> 00:31:43,619 You can never get the temperature right in a church. 570 00:31:46,019 --> 00:31:50,219 Hey, if it's too cold in here, bring you, bring you a coat or something. 571 00:31:50,219 --> 00:31:50,819 Amen. 572 00:31:50,899 --> 00:31:53,899 If it's too hot, fan and just fan for Jesus. 573 00:31:53,899 --> 00:31:55,059 And you know what? 574 00:31:56,499 --> 00:31:59,099 One of these days we're going to be going home anyway. 575 00:31:59,099 --> 00:31:59,699 Amen. 576 00:31:59,779 --> 00:32:00,979 Hey, watch this. 577 00:32:01,779 --> 00:32:04,339 Paul saw things from the right perspective. 578 00:32:05,949 --> 00:32:11,349 If we could begin to see people and family and ministry and 579 00:32:11,349 --> 00:32:16,909 church and our jobs and our circumstances and instead of focusing 580 00:32:16,909 --> 00:32:20,829 on the negative, begin to focus on the blessing. 581 00:32:22,189 --> 00:32:24,429 Hey, God has blessed us. 582 00:32:25,149 --> 00:32:31,709 But our problem is we like to see that little bitty speck that 583 00:32:31,709 --> 00:32:33,069 just wears us out. 584 00:32:33,309 --> 00:32:35,229 And we miss all the good. 585 00:32:36,489 --> 00:32:38,329 You know what I was about to miss? 586 00:32:38,489 --> 00:32:43,369 A good, A good time spent with my grandson at a high school football 587 00:32:43,609 --> 00:32:49,129 game and concession stand food and all that goes with it because 588 00:32:49,129 --> 00:32:54,209 of sidewalk chalk on my truck that's going to rinse off when it 589 00:32:54,209 --> 00:32:55,049 rains anyway. 590 00:32:57,129 --> 00:32:59,449 And it's a 2004 truck. 591 00:32:59,449 --> 00:33:01,369 I mean, for Pete's sake. 592 00:33:03,439 --> 00:33:04,239 Still running. 593 00:33:05,119 --> 00:33:08,799 I still drive it 340,000 miles later. 594 00:33:09,119 --> 00:33:09,679 Amen. 595 00:33:11,519 --> 00:33:12,759 Got a den or two in it. 596 00:33:12,759 --> 00:33:13,359 But you know what? 597 00:33:13,359 --> 00:33:15,359 Let's see things from the right perspective. 598 00:33:16,479 --> 00:33:17,359 Contentment. 599 00:33:18,479 --> 00:33:20,039 We don't find contentment. 600 00:33:20,039 --> 00:33:21,919 We learn contentment. 601 00:33:23,199 --> 00:33:24,319 I'm going to give you. 602 00:33:26,879 --> 00:33:28,799 I'm going to be a blessing to you this morning. 603 00:33:29,859 --> 00:33:31,139 I've come to be a blessing. 604 00:33:32,419 --> 00:33:37,859 I'm going to give you the outline and some time I want you 605 00:33:37,859 --> 00:33:39,019 to notice real quickly. 606 00:33:39,019 --> 00:33:40,419 How do we learn contentment? 607 00:33:41,059 --> 00:33:42,619 We learn contentment. 608 00:33:42,619 --> 00:33:44,099 We're in chapter number four. 609 00:33:44,659 --> 00:33:48,819 When we realize that we're strangers in this world. 610 00:33:49,539 --> 00:33:53,699 When we see things from the right perspective, notice with me 611 00:33:53,699 --> 00:33:56,829 verse number 12 and 13. 612 00:33:56,829 --> 00:33:58,109 I know both how to be abased. 613 00:33:58,109 --> 00:34:00,029 I know how to abound everywhere in all things. 614 00:34:00,029 --> 00:34:03,789 I'm instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound 615 00:34:03,789 --> 00:34:04,669 and to suffer. 616 00:34:04,669 --> 00:34:06,269 Need watch verse 13. 617 00:34:06,909 --> 00:34:10,189 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 618 00:34:11,309 --> 00:34:15,709 You know, sometimes we take verses and we pull them. 619 00:34:16,669 --> 00:34:20,069 You know, you've seen Philippians 4:13 on people's eye 620 00:34:20,069 --> 00:34:20,309 black. 621 00:34:20,309 --> 00:34:22,149 And you know, I can do all things through Christ. 622 00:34:22,149 --> 00:34:26,329 I can play, play football and, you know, lift weights and all, and 623 00:34:26,329 --> 00:34:27,089 that's okay. 624 00:34:27,089 --> 00:34:27,769 But you know what? 625 00:34:27,769 --> 00:34:29,649 In the context here, you know what he's talking about. 626 00:34:29,649 --> 00:34:31,569 He's talking about learning contentment. 627 00:34:32,689 --> 00:34:33,569 Here's the point. 628 00:34:33,729 --> 00:34:37,009 The only way we can learn contentment is with his help. 629 00:34:39,169 --> 00:34:42,769 He said, I know both how to abound, be abased, and to abound. 630 00:34:42,769 --> 00:34:44,849 I'm known to be full and hungry. 631 00:34:45,009 --> 00:34:48,289 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 632 00:34:49,099 --> 00:34:57,099 You see, we are not naturally content, so we must rely on him and 633 00:34:57,099 --> 00:35:00,459 his strength to help us learn contentment. 634 00:35:00,459 --> 00:35:02,139 It doesn't come naturally for us. 635 00:35:03,739 --> 00:35:07,019 Contentment, by the way, is not complacency. 636 00:35:07,739 --> 00:35:11,619 It isn't being indifferent to your circumstances that's complacency. 637 00:35:11,619 --> 00:35:14,989 It doesn't mean you give up on trying to to make things better. 638 00:35:14,989 --> 00:35:16,309 That's complacency. 639 00:35:16,709 --> 00:35:19,949 It isn't just throwing up your hands and saying, well, it is what 640 00:35:19,949 --> 00:35:20,389 it is. 641 00:35:21,109 --> 00:35:23,909 That's not contentment, that's complacency. 642 00:35:24,309 --> 00:35:26,949 But what contentment is, is simply this. 643 00:35:27,109 --> 00:35:29,829 It means you're not controlled by your circumstances. 644 00:35:31,349 --> 00:35:32,549 You're not controlled. 645 00:35:33,429 --> 00:35:38,709 Give you real quickly verse 18 and 19, just giving you the outline. 646 00:35:40,079 --> 00:35:45,919 I have all and abound, I am full, having received of Epaphroditus 647 00:35:45,919 --> 00:35:47,519 the things which were sent from you. 648 00:35:47,519 --> 00:35:50,519 An odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing 649 00:35:50,519 --> 00:35:52,839 to God, but my God shall supply. 650 00:35:52,839 --> 00:35:55,919 And we know this is speaking to a missions giving Church. 651 00:35:56,559 --> 00:35:59,439 He says, my God shall supply all your need. 652 00:36:00,399 --> 00:36:01,479 Let me give you another one. 653 00:36:01,479 --> 00:36:06,409 Contentment comes when we know that his supply all that we need 654 00:36:07,769 --> 00:36:11,249 when we know his supply is all we need. 655 00:36:11,249 --> 00:36:13,409 Instead of he's supplying us. 656 00:36:13,409 --> 00:36:14,329 And we want more. 657 00:36:14,889 --> 00:36:17,049 We want more and we want more. 658 00:36:17,369 --> 00:36:18,009 You know what? 659 00:36:18,009 --> 00:36:20,249 What he supplies us with is all we need. 660 00:36:22,329 --> 00:36:28,889 And we can learn to be content when we keep Christ supreme in our 661 00:36:28,889 --> 00:36:29,209 life. 662 00:36:29,209 --> 00:36:30,249 Verse number 20. 663 00:36:30,769 --> 00:36:32,689 Now, unto God and our Father be glory. 664 00:36:33,169 --> 00:36:34,769 Let me give it to you real quickly. 665 00:36:34,849 --> 00:36:36,049 It's just simply this. 666 00:36:37,249 --> 00:36:46,689 When we learn that our life is for his glory, it takes away discontentment. 667 00:36:47,809 --> 00:36:49,489 Because it's not all about me. 668 00:36:49,489 --> 00:36:50,369 It's all about Him. 669 00:36:51,809 --> 00:36:54,129 And by the way, that begins with our salvation. 670 00:36:56,619 --> 00:37:01,619 We're never going to be content if we've never trusted Jesus 671 00:37:01,619 --> 00:37:03,099 Christ as our personal Savior. 672 00:37:03,419 --> 00:37:07,139 You're going to try to find contentment in this, this, this, 673 00:37:07,139 --> 00:37:07,899 this and this. 674 00:37:07,899 --> 00:37:13,539 You'll never learn to be content until you know that you are 675 00:37:13,539 --> 00:37:17,499 a child of God on your way to heaven until you've trusted Him. 676 00:37:17,499 --> 00:37:19,899 If you're here this morning, you've never trusted Jesus Christ 677 00:37:19,899 --> 00:37:21,339 as your personal savior. 678 00:37:22,229 --> 00:37:23,589 Let me encourage you this morning. 679 00:37:23,669 --> 00:37:25,029 Don't wait till it's too late. 680 00:37:25,829 --> 00:37:27,069 Get that settled today. 681 00:37:27,069 --> 00:37:29,029 We're all sinners in need of a Savior. 682 00:37:29,189 --> 00:37:29,749 Amen. 683 00:37:29,829 --> 00:37:30,789 Born sinners. 684 00:37:31,909 --> 00:37:34,789 And Jesus Christ came and he put on flesh. 685 00:37:34,789 --> 00:37:37,309 And he went to the cross of Calvary and He shed his blood. 686 00:37:37,309 --> 00:37:37,669 Why? 687 00:37:37,909 --> 00:37:41,029 Because he knew that you needed a Savior. 688 00:37:41,749 --> 00:37:42,949 You needed to be saved. 689 00:37:42,949 --> 00:37:46,789 And the only thing that satisfied the righteous demand of 690 00:37:46,789 --> 00:37:50,039 a holy God was the blood of Jesus Christ. 691 00:37:51,079 --> 00:37:55,159 If you've never trusted Christ as your personal savior, get it settled 692 00:37:55,159 --> 00:37:55,479 today. 693 00:37:56,839 --> 00:38:01,239 We'll never find contentment if we don't know for sure we're saved. 694 00:38:02,279 --> 00:38:09,639 And by the way, for the child of God walking in his will, contentment 695 00:38:09,639 --> 00:38:10,839 is not something we find. 696 00:38:11,959 --> 00:38:14,449 It's something that is learned. 697 00:38:17,809 --> 00:38:22,369 The man in our story took the Bible out of the attic and he dusted 698 00:38:22,369 --> 00:38:23,809 it off and he found a map. 699 00:38:24,769 --> 00:38:27,129 He took the map and he walked the property. 700 00:38:27,129 --> 00:38:30,049 And sure enough, there it was. 701 00:38:32,689 --> 00:38:39,009 He found the hidden money that had been buried there so long ago. 702 00:38:40,329 --> 00:38:41,369 Where did he find it? 703 00:38:42,569 --> 00:38:46,049 He found it in the word small town. 704 00:38:46,049 --> 00:38:47,769 And there was some interest in the story. 705 00:38:47,769 --> 00:38:50,889 And so the news crew came out and interviewed him. 706 00:38:51,529 --> 00:38:53,129 And the question was asked. 707 00:38:56,009 --> 00:38:59,449 Your father owned this property for many years. 708 00:39:00,489 --> 00:39:03,369 And he searched and he searched and he searched and he never 709 00:39:04,409 --> 00:39:07,989 found the buried treasure. 710 00:39:09,509 --> 00:39:10,389 How did you. 711 00:39:11,909 --> 00:39:15,829 He said, the difference between my father and myself is this. 712 00:39:18,549 --> 00:39:21,989 He tried to find the buried treasure. 713 00:39:25,509 --> 00:39:27,029 But I learned where it was. 714 00:39:28,949 --> 00:39:31,999 I learned where it was. 715 00:39:34,159 --> 00:39:40,239 People are trying to find contentment and they're not satisfied. 716 00:39:42,319 --> 00:39:49,079 We learn to be content when we realize this world's not our home. 717 00:39:49,079 --> 00:39:51,359 When we see things from a different perspective. 718 00:39:51,359 --> 00:39:53,279 When we rely upon his strength. 719 00:39:53,599 --> 00:39:57,039 When we know that his supply is all that we need. 720 00:39:57,669 --> 00:40:02,469 When we know for sure that we're saved and when he is supreme 721 00:40:02,469 --> 00:40:06,389 in our life we will learn to be content.