New and Better Strength

Well, I have a Well, I have a confession to make. I don't know, I hope confession to make. I don't know, I hope confession to make. I don't know, I hope it's a safe place to make confessions. it's a safe place to make confessions. it's a safe place to make confessions. It's church, so I'm going to try it, but It's church, so I'm going to try it, but It's church, so I'm going to try it, but my confession is this that I have a very my confession is this that I have a very my confession is this that I have a very hard time turning down a good deal on a hard time turning down a good deal on a hard time turning down a good deal on a quality item. Like if I see something quality item. Like if I see something quality item. Like if I see something and it's good quality and the price is and it's good quality and the price is and it's good quality and the price is right, right, right, I buy it. Now, whether I need it or not I buy it. Now, whether I need it or not I buy it. Now, whether I need it or not is irrelevant, but I get it. And this is irrelevant, but I get it. And this is irrelevant, but I get it. And this happens so often, I have a second happens so often, I have a second happens so often, I have a second confession to make. confession to make. confession to make. Within a week, I return the item. I mean, Karen, you can check this with I mean, Karen, you can check this with Karen. Karen will look at me. If we're Karen. Karen will look at me. If we're Karen. Karen will look at me. If we're in the store together, she'll look at me in the store together, she'll look at me in the store together, she'll look at me and she goes, "You really want an and she goes, "You really want an and she goes, "You really want an errand, don't you?" Cuz she knows within errand, don't you?" Cuz she knows within errand, don't you?" Cuz she knows within a week that's coming back. I'll buy the a week that's coming back. I'll buy the a week that's coming back. I'll buy the item and put the receipt along with the item and put the receipt along with the item and put the receipt along with the item cuz I know I know what's coming. item cuz I know I know what's coming. item cuz I know I know what's coming. It's going back. Every now and then I It's going back. Every now and then I It's going back. Every now and then I buy a final sale thing and then I argue buy a final sale thing and then I argue buy a final sale thing and then I argue with the clerk. with the clerk. with the clerk. They usually will let you return it. They usually will let you return it. They usually will let you return it. What is it? It's FOMO. It's a fear of What is it? It's FOMO. It's a fear of What is it? It's FOMO. It's a fear of missing out. We all have a fear of missing out. We all have a fear of missing out. We all have a fear of missing out on something, don't we? It missing out on something, don't we? It missing out on something, don't we? It might For me, it might be a good deal on might For me, it might be a good deal on might For me, it might be a good deal on something. For you, it might be a party something. For you, it might be a party something. For you, it might be a party or an experience or some social or an experience or some social or an experience or some social get-together and you don't want to miss get-together and you don't want to miss get-together and you don't want to miss out on the thing. You're terrified of out on the thing. You're terrified of out on the thing. You're terrified of missing out on the thing. And when missing out on the thing. And when missing out on the thing. And when what's the problem there? There's this what's the problem there? There's this what's the problem there? There's this inner yearning for more and and for inner yearning for more and and for inner yearning for more and and for thousands of years, this has been a thousands of years, this has been a thousands of years, this has been a problem. This is not a new problem. It's problem. This is not a new problem. It's problem. This is not a new problem. It's not unique to me or you. This has been not unique to me or you. This has been not unique to me or you. This has been with us since the beginning of time and with us since the beginning of time and with us since the beginning of time and so various philosophers and theologians so various philosophers and theologians so various philosophers and theologians through the years of different religions through the years of different religions through the years of different religions have have struggled through what to do

have have struggled through what to do have have struggled through what to do about it and they presented an antidote. about it and they presented an antidote. about it and they presented an antidote. The antidote is contentment. The antidote is contentment. The antidote is contentment. The ever-elusive contentment. The ever-elusive contentment. The ever-elusive contentment. And so as we've been journeying through And so as we've been journeying through And so as we've been journeying through the letter Paul wrote to the the letter Paul wrote to the the letter Paul wrote to the Philippians, we get to a space as he Philippians, we get to a space as he Philippians, we get to a space as he wraps up his letter where Paul too wraps up his letter where Paul too wraps up his letter where Paul too addresses the theme of contentment. addresses the theme of contentment. addresses the theme of contentment. Here's the verse. It says, "I rejoice Here's the verse. It says, "I rejoice Here's the verse. It says, "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you greatly in the Lord that at last you greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no were concerned, but you had no were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show. In other words, opportunity to show. In other words, opportunity to show. In other words, what's going on is if you've been with what's going on is if you've been with what's going on is if you've been with this, Paul is a resident currently, as this, Paul is a resident currently, as this, Paul is a resident currently, as he writes this letter, of the Roman he writes this letter, of the Roman he writes this letter, of the Roman judicial system. He is not free to move judicial system. He is not free to move judicial system. He is not free to move about the city. And so, as such, if you about the city. And so, as such, if you about the city. And so, as such, if you didn't have people looking after your didn't have people looking after your didn't have people looking after your needs, you starved while incarcerated. needs, you starved while incarcerated. needs, you starved while incarcerated. And the Philippian Christians, they had And the Philippian Christians, they had And the Philippian Christians, they had concern for Paul, meaning they sent him concern for Paul, meaning they sent him concern for Paul, meaning they sent him a financial gift or food gifts or both, a financial gift or food gifts or both, a financial gift or food gifts or both, so that while he was incarcerated, he so that while he was incarcerated, he so that while he was incarcerated, he would have his needs met. He even says would have his needs met. He even says would have his needs met. He even says to them, "You had previous concerns, but to them, "You had previous concerns, but to them, "You had previous concerns, but when he was thousands of miles away from when he was thousands of miles away from when he was thousands of miles away from them, they couldn't do much about it. It them, they couldn't do much about it. It them, they couldn't do much about it. It would have cost more to actually get the would have cost more to actually get the would have cost more to actually get the stuff to him than the stuff was worth."

stuff to him than the stuff was worth." stuff to him than the stuff was worth." So, he says, "You had concern, you So, he says, "You had concern, you So, he says, "You had concern, you couldn't, but finally you could, and you couldn't, but finally you could, and you couldn't, but finally you could, and you did." But then he says something. did." But then he says something. did." But then he says something. I am not saying this because I'm in I am not saying this because I'm in I am not saying this because I'm in need. need. need. Really, Paul? You are incarcerated. Really, Paul? You are incarcerated. Really, Paul? You are incarcerated. I'm not saying this because I'm in need. I'm not saying this because I'm in need. I'm not saying this because I'm in need. No, for I have learned to be content, No, for I have learned to be content, No, for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. whatever the circumstances. whatever the circumstances. And there's the magic word, contentment. And there's the magic word, contentment. And there's the magic word, contentment. You see, as various philosophers and You see, as various philosophers and You see, as various philosophers and theologians through the years have theologians through the years have theologians through the years have defined the term, it is differently defined the term, it is differently defined the term, it is differently rooted than the Christian understanding rooted than the Christian understanding rooted than the Christian understanding of contentment. of contentment. of contentment. See, uh philosophers have used the term See, uh philosophers have used the term See, uh philosophers have used the term self-sufficiency. This is what Socrates self-sufficiency. This is what Socrates self-sufficiency. This is what Socrates said about the subject, "Who is the said about the subject, "Who is the said about the subject, "Who is the wealthiest person?" That was the wealthiest person?" That was the wealthiest person?" That was the question he was asked. "The one who is question he was asked. "The one who is question he was asked. "The one who is content with least, for contentment is content with least, for contentment is content with least, for contentment is nature's wealth." In other words, have nature's wealth." In other words, have nature's wealth." In other words, have the inner resolve not to need anything the inner resolve not to need anything the inner resolve not to need anything more. That is wealth at its finest. On more. That is wealth at its finest. On more. That is wealth at its finest. On the other end of the spectrum, one of the other end of the spectrum, one of the other end of the spectrum, one of the most discontented men was John D. the most discontented men was John D. the most discontented men was John D. Rockefeller, the great industrialist. He Rockefeller, the great industrialist. He Rockefeller, the great industrialist. He was asked many years ago, "How much is was asked many years ago, "How much is was asked many years ago, "How much is enough money?" And he said, "Just a enough money?" And he said, "Just a enough money?" And he said, "Just a little bit more." Now, the funny part little bit more." Now, the funny part little bit more." Now, the funny part is, when he said that, he was worth is, when he said that, he was worth is, when he said that, he was worth north of in today's dollars $400 north of in today's dollars $400 north of in today's dollars $400 billion. His personal wealth was 2% of billion. His personal wealth was 2% of billion. His personal wealth was 2% of the gross national product of the United the gross national product of the United the gross national product of the United States of America. Oh, but just a little States of America. Oh, but just a little States of America. Oh, but just a little bit more.

bit more. bit more. And of course this is this is such a And of course this is this is such a And of course this is this is such a problem humorous and comedians make fun problem humorous and comedians make fun problem humorous and comedians make fun of it. Uh Oscar Wilde one of the great of it. Uh Oscar Wilde one of the great of it. Uh Oscar Wilde one of the great writers he says anyone who lives within writers he says anyone who lives within writers he says anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of their means suffers from a lack of their means suffers from a lack of imagination. imagination. imagination. Some of you are like I have a very Some of you are like I have a very Some of you are like I have a very active imagination. active imagination. active imagination. Uh they say money I like Daniel Tosh Uh they say money I like Daniel Tosh Uh they say money I like Daniel Tosh he's an American comedian contemporary he's an American comedian contemporary he's an American comedian contemporary guy he says money can't buy happiness guy he says money can't buy happiness guy he says money can't buy happiness they say but it can buy jet skis do you they say but it can buy jet skis do you they say but it can buy jet skis do you ever see anyone sad on a jet ski? I ever see anyone sad on a jet ski? I ever see anyone sad on a jet ski? I don't think so. don't think so. don't think so. Will Rogers homegrown humorous Will Will Rogers homegrown humorous Will Will Rogers homegrown humorous Will Rogers what's he say? Too many people Rogers what's he say? Too many people Rogers what's he say? Too many people spend money they they haven't earned to spend money they they haven't earned to spend money they they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress buy things they don't want to impress buy things they don't want to impress people they don't even like. people they don't even like. people they don't even like. It's a problem. It's a problem. It's a problem. This problem in Paul as he's writing to This problem in Paul as he's writing to This problem in Paul as he's writing to the Christians in Philippi in their the Christians in Philippi in their the Christians in Philippi in their church church church he wants to establish some good rooting he wants to establish some good rooting he wants to establish some good rooting and he says uh and he says uh and he says uh he says I am not saying this verse 11 he says I am not saying this verse 11 he says I am not saying this verse 11 verse 11. I am not saying this because I verse 11. I am not saying this because I verse 11. I am not saying this because I am in need for I have learned to be am in need for I have learned to be am in need for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

content whatever the circumstances. content whatever the circumstances. Now the the interesting thing is this Now the the interesting thing is this Now the the interesting thing is this contentment was contentment was contentment was well as we've established this was much well as we've established this was much well as we've established this was much in the air and the water of people 2,000 in the air and the water of people 2,000 in the air and the water of people 2,000 years ago as it is today. years ago as it is today. years ago as it is today. The ancient Spartans which would have The ancient Spartans which would have The ancient Spartans which would have been centuries before the writing of the been centuries before the writing of the been centuries before the writing of the Apostle Paul but their mythology still Apostle Paul but their mythology still Apostle Paul but their mythology still lives with us today. The ancient lives with us today. The ancient lives with us today. The ancient Spartans when they'd raise their little Spartans when they'd raise their little Spartans when they'd raise their little boys they would have them run around boys they would have them run around boys they would have them run around without sandals on their feet to toughen without sandals on their feet to toughen without sandals on their feet to toughen up their feet so that they would grow up their feet so that they would grow up their feet so that they would grow content even walking on painful surfaces content even walking on painful surfaces content even walking on painful surfaces and they would dress them in less than and they would dress them in less than and they would dress them in less than proper dress in the winter months so proper dress in the winter months so proper dress in the winter months so that they would feel the bite and the that they would feel the bite and the that they would feel the bite and the chill of the cold weather so that they chill of the cold weather so that they chill of the cold weather so that they would become content even when they were would become content even when they were would become content even when they were discomf- uncomfortable. And and and they discomf- uncomfortable. And and and they discomf- uncomfortable. And and and they they would they would they would have them push away from the dinner have them push away from the dinner have them push away from the dinner table when they were still hungry, so table when they were still hungry, so table when they were still hungry, so that they would learn how to be content that they would learn how to be content that they would learn how to be content even so that they didn't have enough even so that they didn't have enough even so that they didn't have enough food. And it wasn't out of some food. And it wasn't out of some food. And it wasn't out of some religious reverence for the Spartans. It religious reverence for the Spartans. It religious reverence for the Spartans. It was the Spartans way of raising boys was the Spartans way of raising boys was the Spartans way of raising boys that would be tough men, so that they that would be tough men, so that they that would be tough men, so that they could fight battles with all the could fight battles with all the could fight battles with all the neighboring Greek kingdoms, so that they neighboring Greek kingdoms, so that they neighboring Greek kingdoms, so that they could say, "Look, we're tougher than you could say, "Look, we're tougher than you could say, "Look, we're tougher than you are." It was a a flex.

are." It was a a flex. are." It was a a flex. Now, in the modern times, we have a Now, in the modern times, we have a Now, in the modern times, we have a version not Spartan, but Spartan in version not Spartan, but Spartan in version not Spartan, but Spartan in aesthetic. We have minimalism. aesthetic. We have minimalism. aesthetic. We have minimalism. Now, minimalism is interesting because Now, minimalism is interesting because Now, minimalism is interesting because it's it's not really built out of it's it's not really built out of it's it's not really built out of contentment. And if you're a minimalist, contentment. And if you're a minimalist, contentment. And if you're a minimalist, no offense, I admire it. I I look no offense, I admire it. I I look no offense, I admire it. I I look through magazines and there'll be this through magazines and there'll be this through magazines and there'll be this vast, beautiful room with like one vast, beautiful room with like one vast, beautiful room with like one couch, one table, and one lamp. And I'm couch, one table, and one lamp. And I'm couch, one table, and one lamp. And I'm like, "Oh, that is beautiful." Don't like, "Oh, that is beautiful." Don't like, "Oh, that is beautiful." Don't visit my house. I'm not a maximalist, visit my house. I'm not a maximalist, visit my house. I'm not a maximalist, but I like trinkets and books, and but I like trinkets and books, and but I like trinkets and books, and they're everywhere in my house. But but they're everywhere in my house. But but they're everywhere in my house. But but minimalism is a vibe. It's a look. It's minimalism is a vibe. It's a look. It's minimalism is a vibe. It's a look. It's not built out of necessarily. For some not built out of necessarily. For some not built out of necessarily. For some it might be, but for many it's not out it might be, but for many it's not out it might be, but for many it's not out of reverence It's just the look today, of reverence It's just the look today, of reverence It's just the look today, and it'll be French country tomorrow, and it'll be French country tomorrow, and it'll be French country tomorrow, and so it will be. But Paul is rooting and so it will be. But Paul is rooting and so it will be. But Paul is rooting this in something very very different, this in something very very different, this in something very very different, because it is not built around because it is not built around because it is not built around deprivation. deprivation. deprivation. Now, listen. Now, listen. Now, listen. Contentment, when we talk about Contentment, when we talk about Contentment, when we talk about contentment, is usually the message for contentment, is usually the message for contentment, is usually the message for people who don't have much. Hey, just be people who don't have much. Hey, just be people who don't have much. Hey, just be content.

content. content. But actually, what Paul writes is for But actually, what Paul writes is for But actually, what Paul writes is for everybody, cuz this is what he says everybody, cuz this is what he says everybody, cuz this is what he says next. He says, next. He says, next. He says, um um um He says this. He says, "I know what it He says this. He says, "I know what it He says this. He says, "I know what it is to be in need. is to be in need. is to be in need. But I also know what it is to have But I also know what it is to have But I also know what it is to have plenty." plenty." plenty." Now, we don't know a lot about Paul, but Now, we don't know a lot about Paul, but Now, we don't know a lot about Paul, but he was born a Roman citizen, and he was he was born a Roman citizen, and he was he was born a Roman citizen, and he was from a family that had enough wealth from a family that had enough wealth from a family that had enough wealth that they send him away to Jerusalem to that they send him away to Jerusalem to that they send him away to Jerusalem to study, to go to university, to study study, to go to university, to study study, to go to university, to study under the most prominent professor of under the most prominent professor of under the most prominent professor of the day. So, all of those things took the day. So, all of those things took the day. So, all of those things took place with some financial means. So, place with some financial means. So, place with some financial means. So, perhaps it was his origin story of perhaps it was his origin story of perhaps it was his origin story of plenty. We don't know, but he says, "I plenty. We don't know, but he says, "I plenty. We don't know, but he says, "I have had plenty. I have learned the have had plenty. I have learned the have had plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every secret of being content in any and every secret of being content in any and every situation, whether I'm well fed." He was situation, whether I'm well fed." He was situation, whether I'm well fed." He was not well fed when he wrote this, but not well fed when he wrote this, but not well fed when he wrote this, but there were seasons where he was or there were seasons where he was or there were seasons where he was or hungry, whether living in plenty or in hungry, whether living in plenty or in hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. want. want. Well fed, Well fed, Well fed, hungry, plenty, want. hungry, plenty, want. hungry, plenty, want. We have it in our mind that contentment We have it in our mind that contentment We have it in our mind that contentment is really the goal of the is really the goal of the is really the goal of the of the folks that don't have a lot, but of the folks that don't have a lot, but of the folks that don't have a lot, but the real test of contentment is when you the real test of contentment is when you the real test of contentment is when you have have have a lot.

a lot. a lot. If you don't have much, you can envy and If you don't have much, you can envy and If you don't have much, you can envy and you can covet. Those are sins, not a you can covet. Those are sins, not a you can covet. Those are sins, not a good idea. They won't help you. good idea. They won't help you. good idea. They won't help you. However, However, However, when you have plenty, you you have to when you have plenty, you you have to when you have plenty, you you have to have some other inner resolve. have some other inner resolve. have some other inner resolve. And Paul says, "It's a secret. I've And Paul says, "It's a secret. I've And Paul says, "It's a secret. I've learned the secret." And the language he learned the secret." And the language he learned the secret." And the language he uses here when he says, um, "I have uses here when he says, um, "I have uses here when he says, um, "I have learned learned the secret." It this was learned learned the secret." It this was learned learned the secret." It this was in the old language the same word that in the old language the same word that in the old language the same word that was used about initiation into what was was used about initiation into what was was used about initiation into what was called the mystery religions. And that called the mystery religions. And that called the mystery religions. And that was the the summary caption of a lot of was the the summary caption of a lot of was the the summary caption of a lot of different religious groups that were different religious groups that were different religious groups that were very, very popular in the 1st century in very, very popular in the 1st century in very, very popular in the 1st century in the Roman Empire. And the mystery the Roman Empire. And the mystery the Roman Empire. And the mystery religions were the clickbait of religions were the clickbait of religions were the clickbait of religions at the time. You know what religions at the time. You know what religions at the time. You know what clickbait is? You're You're stumbling clickbait is? You're You're stumbling clickbait is? You're You're stumbling around on social media and it was like, around on social media and it was like, around on social media and it was like, "Did you know this?" And you're like, "Did you know this?" And you're like, "Did you know this?" And you're like, "No, I didn't even know I cared, but now "No, I didn't even know I cared, but now "No, I didn't even know I cared, but now I click on it." And a couple of minutes I click on it." And a couple of minutes I click on it." And a couple of minutes later, you regret that, don't you? Or later, you regret that, don't you? Or later, you regret that, don't you? Or you doom scroll forever, you know? And you doom scroll forever, you know? And you doom scroll forever, you know? And that's clickbait. Well, the mystery that's clickbait. Well, the mystery that's clickbait. Well, the mystery religions were sort of the clickbait of religions were sort of the clickbait of religions were sort of the clickbait of ancient religious orders because it was ancient religious orders because it was ancient religious orders because it was like, "Well, I have a secret and I have like, "Well, I have a secret and I have like, "Well, I have a secret and I have a religious thing, and it's really cool.

a religious thing, and it's really cool. a religious thing, and it's really cool. You should think about being part of You should think about being part of You should think about being part of it." Well, what is it about? Can't it." Well, what is it about? Can't it." Well, what is it about? Can't really tell you about it unless you kind really tell you about it unless you kind really tell you about it unless you kind of join up. How do I join up? Well, you of join up. How do I join up? Well, you of join up. How do I join up? Well, you know, we could talk about that. know, we could talk about that. know, we could talk about that. And then you initiate them into the And then you initiate them into the And then you initiate them into the religion. religion. religion. And so Paul says, "I have learned I have And so Paul says, "I have learned I have And so Paul says, "I have learned I have been initiated into the religion." And been initiated into the religion." And been initiated into the religion." And when people use that language in the 1st when people use that language in the 1st when people use that language in the 1st century, they were century, they were century, they were inviting you into a secret inviting you into a secret inviting you into a secret that might take a while for the secret that might take a while for the secret that might take a while for the secret to be revealed. And Paul doesn't wait. to be revealed. And Paul doesn't wait. to be revealed. And Paul doesn't wait. Paul says, "Here is the secret. I And Paul says, "Here is the secret. I And Paul says, "Here is the secret. I And get this, next verse. get this, next verse. get this, next verse. I can do all this I can do all this I can do all this Plenty want. I can do all this through Plenty want. I can do all this through Plenty want. I can do all this through him him him who gives me strength. who gives me strength. who gives me strength. I can do all this through him who gives I can do all this through him who gives I can do all this through him who gives me strength." me strength." me strength." Now, some of you are like, "That verse Now, some of you are like, "That verse Now, some of you are like, "That verse is familiar. It's my favorite verse." is familiar. It's my favorite verse." is familiar. It's my favorite verse." But maybe you recite it in the King But maybe you recite it in the King But maybe you recite it in the King James, "I can do all things through James, "I can do all things through James, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." It's the Christ who gives me strength." It's the Christ who gives me strength." It's the It's the same verse. It's just a It's the same verse. It's just a It's the same verse. It's just a different rendering of it. And if you different rendering of it. And if you different rendering of it. And if you have ever grabbed hold of that verse and have ever grabbed hold of that verse and have ever grabbed hold of that verse and you're like, "This is my verse. I I can you're like, "This is my verse. I I can you're like, "This is my verse. I I can run a marathon through Christ who gives run a marathon through Christ who gives run a marathon through Christ who gives me strength." If ever you've set a fi- me strength." If ever you've set a fi- me strength." If ever you've set a fi- of a physical exercise goal because of a physical exercise goal because of a physical exercise goal because Christ offers you his strength.

Christ offers you his strength. Christ offers you his strength. Well, Well, Well, that may not be the best use of this that may not be the best use of this that may not be the best use of this verse. verse. verse. If you have claimed this verse and If you have claimed this verse and If you have claimed this verse and you've embarked upon a business you've embarked upon a business you've embarked upon a business enterprise and you said, "I can be enterprise and you said, "I can be enterprise and you said, "I can be successful through Christ who I can I successful through Christ who I can I successful through Christ who I can I can do it because of him." Well, that can do it because of him." Well, that can do it because of him." Well, that may not be the best use of the ver- And may not be the best use of the ver- And may not be the best use of the ver- And to quote The Princess Bride, "You keep to quote The Princess Bride, "You keep to quote The Princess Bride, "You keep using that word." using that word." using that word." I do not think it means what you I I you I do not think it means what you I I you I do not think it means what you I I you keep quoting that verse. I do not think keep quoting that verse. I do not think keep quoting that verse. I do not think it means what you think it means. it means what you think it means. it means what you think it means. It's going to mean something better, It's going to mean something better, It's going to mean something better, though. though. though. So, let's look at the rough translation. So, let's look at the rough translation. So, let's look at the rough translation. This is the rough translation if we just This is the rough translation if we just This is the rough translation if we just took it in Greek. Cuz if you know, if took it in Greek. Cuz if you know, if took it in Greek. Cuz if you know, if you've ever studied another language, you've ever studied another language, you've ever studied another language, those of us who speak English, we we those of us who speak English, we we those of us who speak English, we we often often often say things weird to anyone outside of say things weird to anyone outside of say things weird to anyone outside of the English language. Or as we would say the English language. Or as we would say the English language. Or as we would say it, everybody's weird but us. it, everybody's weird but us. it, everybody's weird but us. Because our subject, verb, predicate is Because our subject, verb, predicate is Because our subject, verb, predicate is very predictable, but in other very predictable, but in other very predictable, but in other languages, the words are all jumbled languages, the words are all jumbled languages, the words are all jumbled together and depending on the tense and together and depending on the tense and together and depending on the tense and all these other things, they mean all these other things, they mean all these other things, they mean different things. And this is how Paul different things. And this is how Paul different things. And this is how Paul wrote it in the old language. All I have wrote it in the old language. All I have wrote it in the old language. All I have strength to do strength to do strength to do in by him who gives me power. One cool in by him who gives me power. One cool in by him who gives me power. One cool piece is the word he uses for power or piece is the word he uses for power or piece is the word he uses for power or strength is dynamite. It's the word we strength is dynamite. It's the word we strength is dynamite. It's the word we get our word dynamite power. So, it's get our word dynamite power. So, it's get our word dynamite power. So, it's like he gives me dynamite kind of like he gives me dynamite kind of like he gives me dynamite kind of strength. That's cool. But it's this all strength. That's cool. But it's this all strength. That's cool. But it's this all Is it all this? All things? What's the Is it all this? All things? What's the Is it all this? All things? What's the all?

all? all? Well, actually it all Well, actually it all Well, actually it all is connected is connected is connected to the context. to the context. to the context. And what's the context Paul's And what's the context Paul's And what's the context Paul's elaborating on? elaborating on? elaborating on? I can I can be content no matter whether I can I can be content no matter whether I can I can be content no matter whether things are good or bad. things are good or bad. things are good or bad. And I I can't do that in my own And I I can't do that in my own And I I can't do that in my own strength. strength. strength. I can't do that in my own fortitude. I can't do that in my own fortitude. I can't do that in my own fortitude. See, that's what all the philosophies See, that's what all the philosophies See, that's what all the philosophies taught you. Just dig deep. taught you. Just dig deep. taught you. Just dig deep. You ever tried to dig deep and tell You ever tried to dig deep and tell You ever tried to dig deep and tell yourself, "I'm going to be content." yourself, "I'm going to be content." yourself, "I'm going to be content." And it doesn't work, does it? And it doesn't work, does it? And it doesn't work, does it? No. No. No. But if you turn it over to Christ. Now, But if you turn it over to Christ. Now, But if you turn it over to Christ. Now, this is interesting because he gives us this is interesting because he gives us this is interesting because he gives us strength. And that's what Paul's saying. strength. And that's what Paul's saying. strength. And that's what Paul's saying. I can have this strength. Now, here's I can have this strength. Now, here's I can have this strength. Now, here's why I said if that other verse, like as why I said if that other verse, like as why I said if that other verse, like as you thought of it before, was your you thought of it before, was your you thought of it before, was your favorite verse for claiming the trophy, favorite verse for claiming the trophy, favorite verse for claiming the trophy, here's the good news. If you're an here's the good news. If you're an here's the good news. If you're an athlete and you go, "I can do I can do athlete and you go, "I can do I can do athlete and you go, "I can do I can do all things through Christ who gives me all things through Christ who gives me all things through Christ who gives me strength." Here's the good news. If you strength." Here's the good news. If you strength." Here's the good news. If you win the trophy, what that verse is win the trophy, what that verse is win the trophy, what that verse is saying is it won't go to my head. I will saying is it won't go to my head. I will saying is it won't go to my head. I will stay grounded. I won't become a jerk stay grounded. I won't become a jerk stay grounded. I won't become a jerk because I am rooted in Christ. But because I am rooted in Christ. But because I am rooted in Christ. But here's the great news, too. If I lose, I here's the great news, too. If I lose, I here's the great news, too. If I lose, I don't get the trophy, I won't be don't get the trophy, I won't be don't get the trophy, I won't be devastated because it won't go to my devastated because it won't go to my devastated because it won't go to my head because I am grounded and rooted in head because I am grounded and rooted in head because I am grounded and rooted in Christ. And the same is true for Christ. And the same is true for Christ. And the same is true for anything we'd apply that verse to.

anything we'd apply that verse to. anything we'd apply that verse to. If you take that verse with you into a If you take that verse with you into a If you take that verse with you into a business enterprise and it goes business enterprise and it goes business enterprise and it goes exceedingly beyond your imagination, you exceedingly beyond your imagination, you exceedingly beyond your imagination, you can say, "I will stay grounded. I won't can say, "I will stay grounded. I won't can say, "I will stay grounded. I won't change who I am. I will be change who I am. I will be change who I am. I will be founded in grounded in Christ who gives founded in grounded in Christ who gives founded in grounded in Christ who gives me strength." But if everything fails me strength." But if everything fails me strength." But if everything fails and you lose everything, and I mean and you lose everything, and I mean and you lose everything, and I mean everything, well, it will be painful and everything, well, it will be painful and everything, well, it will be painful and it will be hard, Christ will be with you it will be hard, Christ will be with you it will be hard, Christ will be with you so you won't lose your head and you will so you won't lose your head and you will so you won't lose your head and you will stay grounded. Isn't it better that way? stay grounded. Isn't it better that way? stay grounded. Isn't it better that way? Isn't that verse better that way? Isn't that verse better that way? Isn't that verse better that way? And that's what Paul is saying to them, And that's what Paul is saying to them, And that's what Paul is saying to them, "I can do all this." But Paul also says, "I can do all this." But Paul also says, "I can do all this." But Paul also says, "I learned it." "I learned it." "I learned it." I wasn't born with this inner thought I wasn't born with this inner thought I wasn't born with this inner thought pattern, this inner conviction and pattern, this inner conviction and pattern, this inner conviction and conviction. I learned it. conviction. I learned it. conviction. I learned it. The great British pastor, Charles The great British pastor, Charles The great British pastor, Charles Spurgeon, middle of the 19th century, he Spurgeon, middle of the 19th century, he Spurgeon, middle of the 19th century, he writes this with his poetic prose. "If writes this with his poetic prose. "If writes this with his poetic prose. "If we would have wheat, we would have wheat, we would have wheat, we must plow and sow. If we want we must plow and sow. If we want we must plow and sow. If we want flowers, there must be a garden flowers, there must be a garden flowers, there must be a garden and the gardener's care. Now, and the gardener's care. Now, and the gardener's care. Now, contentment, this is I this think this contentment, this is I this think this contentment, this is I this think this is the loveliest of lines. Now, is the loveliest of lines. Now, is the loveliest of lines. Now, contentment is one of the contentment is one of the contentment is one of the flowers of heaven."

flowers of heaven." flowers of heaven." Isn't it, though? Isn't it, though? Isn't it, though? And if we would have it, it must be And if we would have it, it must be And if we would have it, it must be cultivated. It will not grow in us by cultivated. It will not grow in us by cultivated. It will not grow in us by nature. It is the new nature alone that nature. It is the new nature alone that nature. It is the new nature alone that can produce it. And even then, we must can produce it. And even then, we must can produce it. And even then, we must be specially careful and watchful that be specially careful and watchful that be specially careful and watchful that we maintain and cultivate the grace we maintain and cultivate the grace we maintain and cultivate the grace which God has sown in us in order to which God has sown in us in order to which God has sown in us in order to grow in contentment, we have to have the grow in contentment, we have to have the grow in contentment, we have to have the commitment to pursue it. commitment to pursue it. commitment to pursue it. But there's some good news in Paul as he But there's some good news in Paul as he But there's some good news in Paul as he stretches on in the letter, stretches on in the letter, stretches on in the letter, he points something out, subtle, but he points something out, subtle, but he points something out, subtle, but it's it's it's it's right there. it's right there. it's right there. Contentment is aided by those in our Contentment is aided by those in our Contentment is aided by those in our lives. lives. lives. It is. It is. It is. We're not doing this alone. We're not doing this alone. We're not doing this alone. Paul says, "I'm not doing this alone. Paul says, "I'm not doing this alone. Paul says, "I'm not doing this alone. Yet it was good of you to share in my Yet it was good of you to share in my Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles." That's what he says. "It was troubles." That's what he says. "It was troubles." That's what he says. "It was good of you to share in my troubles." good of you to share in my troubles." good of you to share in my troubles." It was good of you to share in my It was good of you to share in my It was good of you to share in my troubles. He's saying, "I'm thankful troubles. He's saying, "I'm thankful troubles. He's saying, "I'm thankful that you shared with me." What did they that you shared with me." What did they that you shared with me." What did they go with Did they move from Philippi to go with Did they move from Philippi to go with Did they move from Philippi to Rome to be incarcerated with him? They Rome to be incarcerated with him? They Rome to be incarcerated with him? They did not.

did not. did not. Uh did Did they quit their jobs? Did Uh did Did they quit their jobs? Did Uh did Did they quit their jobs? Did they move into a prison in Philippi to they move into a prison in Philippi to they move into a prison in Philippi to experience prison life? They did not. experience prison life? They did not. experience prison life? They did not. No, but they sent a financial gift, but No, but they sent a financial gift, but No, but they sent a financial gift, but in the financial gift, Paul received in the financial gift, Paul received in the financial gift, Paul received more than monetary gift. He received more than monetary gift. He received more than monetary gift. He received their hearts. their hearts. their hearts. And it's like that. And it's like that. And it's like that. In fact, the word that he uses, share In fact, the word that he uses, share In fact, the word that he uses, share here, is a a word meaning fellowship, here, is a a word meaning fellowship, here, is a a word meaning fellowship, community, community, community, family. family. family. He's like, "We're Even though I'm here He's like, "We're Even though I'm here He's like, "We're Even though I'm here and you're there, I feel like we're in and you're there, I feel like we're in and you're there, I feel like we're in the family." the family." the family." You know, our modern uh You know, our modern uh You know, our modern uh our modern way of thinking of things and our modern way of thinking of things and our modern way of thinking of things and saying things has an expression. saying things has an expression. saying things has an expression. I feel seen. I feel seen. I feel seen. There's some of you might hear words There's some of you might hear words There's some of you might hear words like that and cringe a little bit cuz like that and cringe a little bit cuz like that and cringe a little bit cuz they're very modern and contemporary, they're very modern and contemporary, they're very modern and contemporary, but but actually that's a nice but but actually that's a nice but but actually that's a nice expression because it's a way of saying expression because it's a way of saying expression because it's a way of saying is, "Otherwise, I am invisible. is, "Otherwise, I am invisible. is, "Otherwise, I am invisible. I'm a fly on the wall and nobody even I'm a fly on the wall and nobody even I'm a fly on the wall and nobody even notices." And Paul's like, "I am out of notices." And Paul's like, "I am out of notices." And Paul's like, "I am out of sight and it'd be easy for me to be out sight and it'd be easy for me to be out sight and it'd be easy for me to be out of your minds, and yet you fellowship of your minds, and yet you fellowship of your minds, and yet you fellowship with me. This meant more to me."

with me. This meant more to me." with me. This meant more to me." And there there's a just a great And there there's a just a great And there there's a just a great reminder in all of us that we can be the reminder in all of us that we can be the reminder in all of us that we can be the Philippians to somebody else. Philippians to somebody else. Philippians to somebody else. They might be going through a tough They might be going through a tough They might be going through a tough chapter. We are not. chapter. We are not. chapter. We are not. And we're able through the margin of our And we're able through the margin of our And we're able through the margin of our life, even the sacrifice of our life, life, even the sacrifice of our life, life, even the sacrifice of our life, even if there's no margin, to come even if there's no margin, to come even if there's no margin, to come alongside and share with them, to alongside and share with them, to alongside and share with them, to fellowship with them. fellowship with them. fellowship with them. And so Paul's contentment is elevated And so Paul's contentment is elevated And so Paul's contentment is elevated because he's not doing the suffering because he's not doing the suffering because he's not doing the suffering alone. He knows they're with him. alone. He knows they're with him. alone. He knows they're with him. They're thinking of him. They're praying They're thinking of him. They're praying They're thinking of him. They're praying for him. for him. for him. And this isn't a new habit of theirs. He And this isn't a new habit of theirs. He And this isn't a new habit of theirs. He says this, he says, "Moreover, says this, he says, "Moreover, says this, he says, "Moreover, moreover, as you Philippians know, in moreover, as you Philippians know, in moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the early days of your acquaintance with the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel." In other words, somewhere the gospel." In other words, somewhere the gospel." In other words, somewhere around 50-51 AD, he rolls into Philippi around 50-51 AD, he rolls into Philippi around 50-51 AD, he rolls into Philippi for the first time, starts a church with for the first time, starts a church with for the first time, starts a church with Lydia, a businesswoman, and the warden Lydia, a businesswoman, and the warden Lydia, a businesswoman, and the warden of the prison he was incarcerated in, of the prison he was incarcerated in, of the prison he was incarcerated in, and their circle and families. And so, and their circle and families. And so, and their circle and families. And so, from the earliest days of their from the earliest days of their from the earliest days of their acquaintance with the gospel, when I set acquaintance with the gospel, when I set acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out for Macedonia, more like kicked out out for Macedonia, more like kicked out out for Macedonia, more like kicked out because the magistrates of the town are because the magistrates of the town are because the magistrates of the town are like, "Please get out of town now." And like, "Please get out of town now." And like, "Please get out of town now." And so he does, and not one church shared so he does, and not one church shared so he does, and not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and with me in the matter of giving and with me in the matter of giving and receiving. Paul's like, "I moved on to receiving. Paul's like, "I moved on to receiving. Paul's like, "I moved on to Thessalonica, to Berea, eventually to Thessalonica, to Berea, eventually to Thessalonica, to Berea, eventually to Athens, and then to Corinth." That's not Athens, and then to Corinth." That's not Athens, and then to Corinth." That's not in this part, but we know it from the in this part, but we know it from the in this part, but we know it from the book of Acts. And he says, "None of the book of Acts. And he says, "None of the book of Acts. And he says, "None of the other cities, not Ephesus, in other other cities, not Ephesus, in other other cities, not Ephesus, in other words, not Pergamum, none of the other words, not Pergamum, none of the other words, not Pergamum, none of the other places he ever had associations with, places he ever had associations with, places he ever had associations with, they didn't help in the giving and they didn't help in the giving and they didn't help in the giving and receiving, except you only. And when I

receiving, except you only. And when I receiving, except you only. And when I was in Thessalonica, which was just down was in Thessalonica, which was just down was in Thessalonica, which was just down the road from Philippi, you sent me aid the road from Philippi, you sent me aid the road from Philippi, you sent me aid more than once, not just once, but more more than once, not just once, but more more than once, not just once, but more than once." And in this, he's strolling than once." And in this, he's strolling than once." And in this, he's strolling down memory lane. He's He's probably down memory lane. He's He's probably down memory lane. He's He's probably chained to a Praetorian Guard. We know chained to a Praetorian Guard. We know chained to a Praetorian Guard. We know this from the first chapter, and he's this from the first chapter, and he's this from the first chapter, and he's thinking about the early days of thinking about the early days of thinking about the early days of ministry with this crew of people. And ministry with this crew of people. And ministry with this crew of people. And he's reminiscing, and he's not doing he's reminiscing, and he's not doing he's reminiscing, and he's not doing like, "Oh, the good old days." Cuz in like, "Oh, the good old days." Cuz in like, "Oh, the good old days." Cuz in the good old days, he got beat and put the good old days, he got beat and put the good old days, he got beat and put in prison, which was kind of what in prison, which was kind of what in prison, which was kind of what happened to him a lot. So, he was happened to him a lot. So, he was happened to him a lot. So, he was reminiscing and thinking about the early reminiscing and thinking about the early reminiscing and thinking about the early days of the ministry. He's thinking, days of the ministry. He's thinking, days of the ministry. He's thinking, "These guys have been from the moment "These guys have been from the moment "These guys have been from the moment their hearts were turned towards Christ, their hearts were turned towards Christ, their hearts were turned towards Christ, their generosity abounded." their generosity abounded." their generosity abounded." And it put a smile on his face. And it put a smile on his face. And it put a smile on his face. And it makes me wonder And it makes me wonder And it makes me wonder for each of us, you're here or watching for each of us, you're here or watching for each of us, you're here or watching online. online. online. And it's probably cuz somebody either And it's probably cuz somebody either And it's probably cuz somebody either invited you to church. invited you to church. invited you to church. Uh maybe they dragged you to church and Uh maybe they dragged you to church and Uh maybe they dragged you to church and then the habit stuck. then the habit stuck. then the habit stuck. But now you can make a choice and you're But now you can make a choice and you're But now you can make a choice and you're here.

here. here. And and you you think, "Boy, there's And and you you think, "Boy, there's And and you you think, "Boy, there's some people in my life. some people in my life. some people in my life. Do I Do I Do I Do I like Paul ever think, 'Thank you, Do I like Paul ever think, 'Thank you, Do I like Paul ever think, 'Thank you, God, for those people?'" God, for those people?'" God, for those people?'" I mean, we can we can be like Paul and I mean, we can we can be like Paul and I mean, we can we can be like Paul and thank those who've invested in us, just thank those who've invested in us, just thank those who've invested in us, just like we can be like the Philippians and like we can be like the Philippians and like we can be like the Philippians and bless someone like Paul. bless someone like Paul. bless someone like Paul. And this is a cool part of the family. And this is a cool part of the family. And this is a cool part of the family. We can all have a part to play in all of We can all have a part to play in all of We can all have a part to play in all of this. this. this. Now now Paul is careful because Now now Paul is careful because Now now Paul is careful because what we do know is this church wasn't uh what we do know is this church wasn't uh what we do know is this church wasn't uh affluent. There may have been some affluent. There may have been some affluent. There may have been some affluent people in it, but that was not affluent people in it, but that was not affluent people in it, but that was not the standard. And so uh he goes on, he the standard. And so uh he goes on, he the standard. And so uh he goes on, he says, "Not that I desire your gifts." says, "Not that I desire your gifts." says, "Not that I desire your gifts." Cuz he doesn't want them to like, "Oh, Cuz he doesn't want them to like, "Oh, Cuz he doesn't want them to like, "Oh, he meant that meant so much to him. he meant that meant so much to him. he meant that meant so much to him. Let's give more." He's like, "Not that I Let's give more." He's like, "Not that I Let's give more." He's like, "Not that I desire your gifts. What is more uh I desire your gifts. What is more uh I desire your gifts. What is more uh I want is credited to your account." want is credited to your account." want is credited to your account." Now then he shifts and he teaches Now then he shifts and he teaches Now then he shifts and he teaches something theologically here. "I something theologically here. "I something theologically here. "I received full payments. I have more than received full payments. I have more than received full payments. I have more than enough. I'm amply supplied." So he's enough. I'm amply supplied." So he's enough. I'm amply supplied." So he's he's using some accounting language he's using some accounting language he's using some accounting language here. And and uh not that I I here. And and uh not that I I here. And and uh not that I I Epaphroditus was the fellow who brought Epaphroditus was the fellow who brought Epaphroditus was the fellow who brought He was like the mailman who brought the He was like the mailman who brought the He was like the mailman who brought the stuff that they sent. And then he says stuff that they sent. And then he says stuff that they sent. And then he says this. He He uses this language. He says, this. He He uses this language. He says, this. He He uses this language. He says, "It's like a fragrant offering, "It's like a fragrant offering, "It's like a fragrant offering, acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."

acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." And every person receiving this would And every person receiving this would And every person receiving this would know exactly what he's talking about. know exactly what he's talking about. know exactly what he's talking about. Cuz there were temples everywhere. Cuz there were temples everywhere. Cuz there were temples everywhere. Everywhere you went in the Roman world, Everywhere you went in the Roman world, Everywhere you went in the Roman world, there were temples. And if you walked there were temples. And if you walked there were temples. And if you walked by, by, by, you would have smelt two smells. you would have smelt two smells. you would have smelt two smells. Uh one was the incense. Uh one was the incense. Uh one was the incense. It's pleasing aroma. It's pleasing aroma. It's pleasing aroma. And there was very few pleasing aromas And there was very few pleasing aromas And there was very few pleasing aromas in in Roman cities that had a lot of in in Roman cities that had a lot of in in Roman cities that had a lot of sewer issues. That's all I'll say. But sewer issues. That's all I'll say. But sewer issues. That's all I'll say. But you go by the temple and it smelled you go by the temple and it smelled you go by the temple and it smelled fragrant. fragrant. fragrant. And then you went a little further by And then you went a little further by And then you went a little further by the temple and it smelled like a really the temple and it smelled like a really the temple and it smelled like a really great barbecue. great barbecue. great barbecue. Cuz they barbecued meat. Cuz they barbecued meat. Cuz they barbecued meat. And you went everybody who's And you went everybody who's And you went everybody who's recollected that aroma. Paul says, "This recollected that aroma. Paul says, "This recollected that aroma. Paul says, "This is when you gave to me, it wasn't that I is when you gave to me, it wasn't that I is when you gave to me, it wasn't that I just received something, but God got uh just received something, but God got uh just received something, but God got uh the gift of your heart." the gift of your heart." the gift of your heart." Yes, I received the money. And this is Yes, I received the money. And this is Yes, I received the money. And this is why even when we why even when we why even when we uh in our worship services sometimes uh in our worship services sometimes uh in our worship services sometimes say, "Let's continue to worship as we say, "Let's continue to worship as we say, "Let's continue to worship as we give of our tithes and offerings."

give of our tithes and offerings." give of our tithes and offerings." Because it's not something that we have Because it's not something that we have Because it's not something that we have to give to God, it's something we get to give to God, it's something we get to give to God, it's something we get from God. It's it's something we get to from God. It's it's something we get to from God. It's it's something we get to receive from God as we give to him. It's receive from God as we give to him. It's receive from God as we give to him. It's a our hearts are are being offered up. a our hearts are are being offered up. a our hearts are are being offered up. We're making an investment for eternity We're making an investment for eternity We're making an investment for eternity as we render back a portion of what as we render back a portion of what as we render back a portion of what God's entrusted us. This is just lovely God's entrusted us. This is just lovely God's entrusted us. This is just lovely language of Paul. He's reminding them of language of Paul. He's reminding them of language of Paul. He's reminding them of a theological reality that God is paying a theological reality that God is paying a theological reality that God is paying attention to them and what their hearts attention to them and what their hearts attention to them and what their hearts are doing. are doing. are doing. And And And and the the the secret though and the the the secret though and the the the secret though is that it's not done is that it's not done is that it's not done out of his own ambition, his own out of his own ambition, his own out of his own ambition, his own self-discipline. self-discipline. self-discipline. There's a lot of things that we can do There's a lot of things that we can do There's a lot of things that we can do because we will it to do. because we will it to do. because we will it to do. But this isn't one of them. But this isn't one of them. But this isn't one of them. This is where for Paul it always comes This is where for Paul it always comes This is where for Paul it always comes back to Jesus Christ. And this is how back to Jesus Christ. And this is how back to Jesus Christ. And this is how the the letter culminates. He says this, the the letter culminates. He says this, the the letter culminates. He says this, "And my God will meet all your needs "And my God will meet all your needs "And my God will meet all your needs according according according to the riches of his glory in Christ to the riches of his glory in Christ to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

Jesus." Jesus." Now, this is beautiful and poetic and Now, this is beautiful and poetic and Now, this is beautiful and poetic and when you read things like this in the when you read things like this in the when you read things like this in the Bible, like, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah." Bible, like, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah." Bible, like, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah." No, no, no, no, no. No, no, no, no, no. No, no, no, no, no. It my God you think about what it is It my God you think about what it is It my God you think about what it is we're after. we're after. we're after. The thing, the experience. The thing, the experience. The thing, the experience. You You ever You You ever You You ever have a thing or experience and it just have a thing or experience and it just have a thing or experience and it just works out exactly and you're like, "Ah, works out exactly and you're like, "Ah, works out exactly and you're like, "Ah, I'm now content." I'm now content." I'm now content." You're on day seven of a wonderful You're on day seven of a wonderful You're on day seven of a wonderful vacation and you're like, "What should vacation and you're like, "What should vacation and you're like, "What should we do next year?" we do next year?" we do next year?" You drive the new car off the lot and You drive the new car off the lot and You drive the new car off the lot and you're like, "This is great Hey, wait. you're like, "This is great Hey, wait. you're like, "This is great Hey, wait. Wait. Wait. That's a new model that just Wait. Wait. That's a new model that just Wait. Wait. That's a new model that just drove past me." drove past me." drove past me." It The The The The moment of contentment It The The The The moment of contentment It The The The The moment of contentment when And why is that? It's because the when And why is that? It's because the when And why is that? It's because the thing that our heart yearns for isn't thing that our heart yearns for isn't thing that our heart yearns for isn't found in the thing that we pacify found in the thing that we pacify found in the thing that we pacify ourselves with. ourselves with. ourselves with. The things that we accumulate are just The things that we accumulate are just The things that we accumulate are just pacification. pacification. pacification. What our hearts yearn for is this. What our hearts yearn for is this. What our hearts yearn for is this. This is the deep in the human heart.

This is the deep in the human heart. This is the deep in the human heart. is is is Uh Well, the Saint Augustine said, "My Uh Well, the Saint Augustine said, "My Uh Well, the Saint Augustine said, "My heart will be restless. All human hearts heart will be restless. All human hearts heart will be restless. All human hearts are restless till they find their rest are restless till they find their rest are restless till they find their rest in God." in God." in God." Wrote that 1,500 years ago. It's still Wrote that 1,500 years ago. It's still Wrote that 1,500 years ago. It's still true. true. true. And then he says, "To God and Father be And then he says, "To God and Father be And then he says, "To God and Father be glory glory glory temporarily." temporarily." temporarily." No. No. No. Forever and ever and ever. Forever and ever and ever. Forever and ever and ever. The things that we desire most The things that we desire most The things that we desire most aren't found in the things that we grasp aren't found in the things that we grasp aren't found in the things that we grasp hold of. hold of. hold of. It's right here. It's right here. It's right here. So, Paul could be anywhere because that So, Paul could be anywhere because that So, Paul could be anywhere because that was true of him. That was where his life was true of him. That was where his life was true of him. That was where his life was rooted. That was what defined him. was rooted. That was what defined him. was rooted. That was what defined him. And so, he offered it up to the And so, he offered it up to the And so, he offered it up to the Philippians. Philippians. Philippians. And he offers it up to us. And he offers it up to us. And he offers it up to us. I like to, as I wrestle through passages I like to, as I wrestle through passages I like to, as I wrestle through passages of scripture, reflect on them even after of scripture, reflect on them even after of scripture, reflect on them even after I'm done uh wrestling down the I'm done uh wrestling down the I'm done uh wrestling down the scripture. And so, I offer to you three scripture. And so, I offer to you three scripture. And so, I offer to you three reflection questions. They'll be on the reflection questions. They'll be on the reflection questions. They'll be on the big screen. You may grab your phone and big screen. You may grab your phone and big screen. You may grab your phone and take a picture of it. If you're a take a picture of it. If you're a take a picture of it. If you're a journaler, you might journal these. If journaler, you might journal these. If journaler, you might journal these. If you are in a discussion group, you might you are in a discussion group, you might you are in a discussion group, you might discuss these at maybe go out to lunch discuss these at maybe go out to lunch discuss these at maybe go out to lunch afterwards with friends and talk about afterwards with friends and talk about afterwards with friends and talk about these questions. In what specific areas these questions. In what specific areas these questions. In what specific areas of my life, it may be in money, it may of my life, it may be in money, it may of my life, it may be in money, it may be career, it may even be in be career, it may even be in be career, it may even be in relationships, do I find it most relationships, do I find it most relationships, do I find it most difficult to be content?

difficult to be content? difficult to be content? Two. Two. Two. What could I do this week to pull up the What could I do this week to pull up the What could I do this week to pull up the weeds of discontent weeds of discontent weeds of discontent and actively cultivate contentment? and actively cultivate contentment? and actively cultivate contentment? And then the third one, and this is a a And then the third one, and this is a a And then the third one, and this is a a good question. good question. good question. If contentment is partly rooted in If contentment is partly rooted in If contentment is partly rooted in having enough margin in my finances, in having enough margin in my finances, in having enough margin in my finances, in my time, in my energy to help others, my time, in my energy to help others, my time, in my energy to help others, what is one way what is one way what is one way I can scale back my own consumption to I can scale back my own consumption to I can scale back my own consumption to be helpful, to be generous to somebody be helpful, to be generous to somebody be helpful, to be generous to somebody who is in need? who is in need? who is in need? What if we looked at our week or our What if we looked at our week or our What if we looked at our week or our money, money, money, that energy level and thought, that energy level and thought, that energy level and thought, instead of pursuing one more thing for instead of pursuing one more thing for instead of pursuing one more thing for me, what if I found me, what if I found me, what if I found a way to offer myself up by way of a way to offer myself up by way of a way to offer myself up by way of service to another? service to another? service to another? What would that do in my life? What would that do in my life? What would that do in my life? And it's a fitting that we turn to a And it's a fitting that we turn to a And it's a fitting that we turn to a time of communion as we do once a month, time of communion as we do once a month, time of communion as we do once a month, but we do so in this particular instance but we do so in this particular instance but we do so in this particular instance as a a a fantastic reminder as a a a fantastic reminder as a a a fantastic reminder that we don't do this out of our own that we don't do this out of our own that we don't do this out of our own wherewithal.

wherewithal. wherewithal. We do this out of the one. We do this out of the one. We do this out of the one. And so if this is your first time with And so if this is your first time with And so if this is your first time with us, you don't have to be an attendee of us, you don't have to be an attendee of us, you don't have to be an attendee of Crossings, you may be a visitor, you're Crossings, you may be a visitor, you're Crossings, you may be a visitor, you're welcome to take communion. If you're a welcome to take communion. If you're a welcome to take communion. If you're a follower of Christ, you don't have to follower of Christ, you don't have to follower of Christ, you don't have to have your act together and be a perfect have your act together and be a perfect have your act together and be a perfect person. None of us are, person. None of us are, person. None of us are, but we do so as an expression of our but we do so as an expression of our but we do so as an expression of our dependence upon the one. dependence upon the one. dependence upon the one. The one who will redefine us and give us The one who will redefine us and give us The one who will redefine us and give us a sturdy life, a sturdy existence. a sturdy life, a sturdy existence. a sturdy life, a sturdy existence. Because it was Jesus and Because it was Jesus and Because it was Jesus and that recognized our need for him and that recognized our need for him and that recognized our need for him and willingly came. willingly came. willingly came. Not just to come as a baby, but to Not just to come as a baby, but to Not just to come as a baby, but to serve as a savior and to die for us. serve as a savior and to die for us. serve as a savior and to die for us. And so, because we are tactile people, And so, because we are tactile people, And so, because we are tactile people, we are left with a tangible expression we are left with a tangible expression we are left with a tangible expression of this. of this. of this. And so, if you would join me as you take And so, if you would join me as you take And so, if you would join me as you take the bread as a reminder that Christ gave the bread as a reminder that Christ gave the bread as a reminder that Christ gave his body willingly for us.

And we're told that as part of the meal And we're told that as part of the meal he shared with his disciples, there was he shared with his disciples, there was he shared with his disciples, there was a cup. a cup. a cup. And he gave new meaning to the cup. He And he gave new meaning to the cup. He And he gave new meaning to the cup. He said, "This cup said, "This cup said, "This cup represents the shed blood of Christ. represents the shed blood of Christ. represents the shed blood of Christ. Take it together." In another place, the scripture, the In another place, the scripture, the Apostle Paul says, "If anyone is in Apostle Paul says, "If anyone is in Apostle Paul says, "If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creature. The old Christ, they are a new creature. The old Christ, they are a new creature. The old is gone and the new has come." And every is gone and the new has come." And every is gone and the new has come." And every time we take communion, we celebrate the time we take communion, we celebrate the time we take communion, we celebrate the new creation found in Christ. If you're new creation found in Christ. If you're new creation found in Christ. If you're able, would you stand with me as we able, would you stand with me as we able, would you stand with me as we close our time together in prayer. Heavenly Father, what an amazing Heavenly Father, what an amazing privilege it is to come into an privilege it is to come into an privilege it is to come into an environment like this to offer our our environment like this to offer our our environment like this to offer our our hearts in song. Each one of us come into hearts in song. Each one of us come into hearts in song. Each one of us come into a room like this with different a room like this with different a room like this with different thoughts, burdens, cares, concerns. thoughts, burdens, cares, concerns. thoughts, burdens, cares, concerns. Would you meet us where we're at and Would you meet us where we're at and Would you meet us where we're at and push us along in the next step of push us along in the next step of push us along in the next step of faithfulness and fidelity to you. We faithfulness and fidelity to you. We faithfulness and fidelity to you. We pray this in Jesus' name and everyone pray this in Jesus' name and everyone pray this in Jesus' name and everyone said, "Amen and amen."