Whatever Happens, I’m Good | Bryan Loritts

The fountain of youth, the lost city of The fountain of youth, the lost city of gold, the genie's [music] lamp. gold, the genie's [music] lamp. gold, the genie's [music] lamp. Throughout history, people have searched Throughout history, people have searched Throughout history, people have searched for something to transform their for something to transform their for something to transform their everyday [music] lives into something everyday [music] lives into something everyday [music] lives into something spectacular. spectacular. spectacular. Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the world looking for a literal fountain of world looking for a literal fountain of world looking for a literal fountain of youth. But we're still all searching. We youth. But we're still all searching. We youth. But we're still all searching. We sense deep down that there's got to be sense deep down that there's got to be sense deep down that there's got to be more to life than what we're living. We more to life than what we're living. We more to life than what we're living. We feel in our bones that even though it's feel in our bones that even though it's feel in our bones that even though it's elusive, the good life is out there. elusive, the good life is out there. elusive, the good life is out there. Centuries ago, an old man with scars on Centuries ago, an old man with scars on Centuries ago, an old man with scars on his back sitting alone in a prison cell his back sitting alone in a prison cell his back sitting alone in a prison cell claimed to have finally found it. The claimed to have finally found it. The claimed to have finally found it. The secret to the [music] good life. And secret to the [music] good life. And secret to the [music] good life. And lucky for us, he wrote it down in a lucky for us, he wrote it down in a lucky for us, he wrote it down in a letter to his friends and to us. That letter to his friends and to us. That letter to his friends and to us. That letter is the book of Philippians. letter is the book of Philippians. letter is the book of Philippians. [music] Well, good morning, Summit family. If Well, good morning, Summit family. If you're new with us, we've been making you're new with us, we've been making you're new with us, we've been making our way through the book of Philippians, our way through the book of Philippians, our way through the book of Philippians, which I just have to say is one of my which I just have to say is one of my which I just have to say is one of my favorite books in all of scripture. And favorite books in all of scripture. And favorite books in all of scripture. And today, we're going to look at, uh, my today, we're going to look at, uh, my today, we're going to look at, uh, my favorite passage and one of my favorite favorite passage and one of my favorite favorite passage and one of my favorite books in all of scripture. So, if you books in all of scripture. So, if you books in all of scripture. So, if you have your Bibles, uh, meet me in have your Bibles, uh, meet me in have your Bibles, uh, meet me in Philippians chapter 4. We're going to Philippians chapter 4. We're going to Philippians chapter 4. We're going to look at verses 10 through13. The guy who look at verses 10 through13. The guy who look at verses 10 through13. The guy who wrote this, his name is Paul. And Paul wrote this, his name is Paul. And Paul wrote this, his name is Paul. And Paul says these words, "I rejoice in the Lord says these words, "I rejoice in the Lord says these words, "I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have greatly that now at length you have greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were revived your concern for me. You were revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no indeed concerned for me, but you had no indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I'm speaking of opportunity. Not that I'm speaking of opportunity. Not that I'm speaking of being in need, for I have learned in

being in need, for I have learned in being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I whatever situation I am to be content. I whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know know how to be brought low, and I know know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every uh how to abound. In any and every uh how to abound. In any and every uh circumstance, I've learned the secret of circumstance, I've learned the secret of circumstance, I've learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and facing plenty and hunger, abundance and facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ need. I can do all things through Christ need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Let's pray. And off who strengthens me. Let's pray. And off who strengthens me. Let's pray. And off we go. God, thank you. Thank you for we go. God, thank you. Thank you for we go. God, thank you. Thank you for what you're doing in and through our what you're doing in and through our what you're doing in and through our church. Lord God, uh the report of uh church. Lord God, uh the report of uh church. Lord God, uh the report of uh how many of of all these students last how many of of all these students last how many of of all these students last week coming uh to you, to faith in you, week coming uh to you, to faith in you, week coming uh to you, to faith in you, professing uh their heartfelt desire to professing uh their heartfelt desire to professing uh their heartfelt desire to be a disciple of you. Uh to other be a disciple of you. Uh to other be a disciple of you. Uh to other students, Lord God, who said we we want students, Lord God, who said we we want students, Lord God, who said we we want to engage in missions in some capacity, to engage in missions in some capacity, to engage in missions in some capacity, we're putting our yes on the table. God, we're putting our yes on the table. God, we're putting our yes on the table. God, you are on the move now. Now, Father, you are on the move now. Now, Father, you are on the move now. Now, Father, would you speak to us about this much would you speak to us about this much would you speak to us about this much needed needed needed universal struggle universal struggle universal struggle that all of us have that all of us have that all of us have about contentment?

about contentment? about contentment? Do it in a way, Lord God, that is free Do it in a way, Lord God, that is free Do it in a way, Lord God, that is free of any um of any um of any um any human striving, any legalism. Point any human striving, any legalism. Point any human striving, any legalism. Point us to the only one who can satisfy us. us to the only one who can satisfy us. us to the only one who can satisfy us. That's Jesus. That's Jesus. That's Jesus. Now, Father, would you give me grace Now, Father, would you give me grace Now, Father, would you give me grace both be in what I say and in how I say both be in what I say and in how I say both be in what I say and in how I say what I say. It's in Jesus name I pray. what I say. It's in Jesus name I pray. what I say. It's in Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> And amen. Recently, I I read a book by >> And amen. Recently, I I read a book by >> And amen. Recently, I I read a book by Pastor Kyle Idleman called Don't Give Pastor Kyle Idleman called Don't Give Pastor Kyle Idleman called Don't Give Up. In this book, he tells a true story Up. In this book, he tells a true story Up. In this book, he tells a true story of of a young lady, I believe she's from of of a young lady, I believe she's from of of a young lady, I believe she's from his church, who uh went on a short-term his church, who uh went on a short-term his church, who uh went on a short-term missions trip. Um, and so she hopped on missions trip. Um, and so she hopped on missions trip. Um, and so she hopped on a plane, went overseas, a plane, went overseas, a plane, went overseas, um, and she was assigned to work um, and she was assigned to work um, and she was assigned to work specifically in a lepers colony. I don't specifically in a lepers colony. I don't specifically in a lepers colony. I don't know how much you know about leprosy. know how much you know about leprosy. know how much you know about leprosy. Uh, it is a devastating disease and a a Uh, it is a devastating disease and a a Uh, it is a devastating disease and a a lot of that is because of the social lot of that is because of the social lot of that is because of the social stigma and implications that come with stigma and implications that come with stigma and implications that come with that. People are stricken with leprosy that. People are stricken with leprosy that. People are stricken with leprosy are often times socially ostracized. So, are often times socially ostracized. So, are often times socially ostracized. So, here's this young lady. She's immersed here's this young lady. She's immersed here's this young lady. She's immersed in this lepers colony. Um, and uh, her in this lepers colony. Um, and uh, her in this lepers colony. Um, and uh, her assignment specifically is to lead this assignment specifically is to lead this assignment specifically is to lead this community of lepers in worship. So, she community of lepers in worship. So, she community of lepers in worship. So, she does that. It's her last day there.

does that. It's her last day there. does that. It's her last day there. God's moved in amazing ways. God's moved in amazing ways. God's moved in amazing ways. She's a bit sad. She's on stage She's a bit sad. She's on stage She's a bit sad. She's on stage about to lead in worship where all of a about to lead in worship where all of a about to lead in worship where all of a sudden, spontaneously, she just decides sudden, spontaneously, she just decides sudden, spontaneously, she just decides to take a request. She says to this to take a request. She says to this to take a request. She says to this crowd of lepers, "Hey, any song you want crowd of lepers, "Hey, any song you want crowd of lepers, "Hey, any song you want to sing?" to sing?" to sing?" Immediately in the back, one of the Immediately in the back, one of the Immediately in the back, one of the lepers thrusts her hand in the air. lepers thrusts her hand in the air. lepers thrusts her hand in the air. She has no ears. She has no ears. She has no ears. She has no lips. She has no lips. She has no lips. The hand she thrusts in the air, no The hand she thrusts in the air, no The hand she thrusts in the air, no fingers. fingers. fingers. She says, 'Yeah, there's a song I'd love She says, 'Yeah, there's a song I'd love She says, 'Yeah, there's a song I'd love to sing. to sing. to sing. Can we sing Can we sing Can we sing Count Your Blessings? Wow. Wow. I I got to tell you, I I read that and I I I got to tell you, I I read that and I I I got to tell you, I I read that and I stopped. stopped. stopped. You you want to you want to talk about You you want to you want to talk about You you want to you want to talk about man just feeling profoundly like man just feeling profoundly like man just feeling profoundly like challenged, convict, convicted, even challenged, convict, convicted, even challenged, convict, convicted, even shamed.

shamed. shamed. I mean the the stuff I complain about I mean the the stuff I complain about I mean the the stuff I complain about and you have a leper no finger saying, and you have a leper no finger saying, and you have a leper no finger saying, "Can we sing count "Can we sing count "Can we sing count your blessings?" your blessings?" your blessings?" There was something in me. I read that There was something in me. I read that There was something in me. I read that story and there's something in me that story and there's something in me that story and there's something in me that says I want that. Let me give you a um a general Let me give you a um a general definition of contentment. Uh we we'll definition of contentment. Uh we we'll definition of contentment. Uh we we'll we'll come back and I'll give you a more we'll come back and I'll give you a more we'll come back and I'll give you a more theologically robust definition, but theologically robust definition, but theologically robust definition, but broadly speaking, here's a thumbnail broadly speaking, here's a thumbnail broadly speaking, here's a thumbnail definition. Broadly speaking, definition. Broadly speaking, definition. Broadly speaking, contentment is permanent satisfaction contentment is permanent satisfaction contentment is permanent satisfaction in all of life's circumstances. in all of life's circumstances. in all of life's circumstances. Contentment, it is permanent Contentment, it is permanent Contentment, it is permanent satisfaction in all of life's satisfaction in all of life's satisfaction in all of life's circumstances. And here's what I want circumstances. And here's what I want circumstances. And here's what I want you to know. All of us, not all of you, you to know. All of us, not all of you, you to know. All of us, not all of you, but but I'm with you. I'm a fellow but but I'm with you. I'm a fellow but but I'm with you. I'm a fellow traveler with you in this. This is a traveler with you in this. This is a traveler with you in this. This is a guilt-free space. All of us struggle guilt-free space. All of us struggle guilt-free space. All of us struggle profoundly and daily with contentment.

profoundly and daily with contentment. profoundly and daily with contentment. It's a universal struggle. It's a universal struggle. It's a universal struggle. The struggle is real. One of the reasons The struggle is real. One of the reasons The struggle is real. One of the reasons why we all struggle with contentment is why we all struggle with contentment is why we all struggle with contentment is because all of us have bought into the because all of us have bought into the because all of us have bought into the lie. It's what I call the if only lie. lie. It's what I call the if only lie. lie. It's what I call the if only lie. If only I had that, If only I had that, If only I had that, I'd be good. If only I had that job. I'd be good. If only I had that job. I'd be good. If only I had that job. If only I had that house. If only I If only I had that house. If only I If only I had that house. If only I lived in that neighborhood. If if only I lived in that neighborhood. If if only I lived in that neighborhood. If if only I was able to get that promotion. If if was able to get that promotion. If if was able to get that promotion. If if only I was able to get married. If only only I was able to get married. If only only I was able to get married. If only I was able to get single. If only. If only. If only I could have sex on my terms. If only I could have sex on my terms. If only I could have sex on my terms. If only If only If only and if only proves itself over and over and if only proves itself over and over and if only proves itself over and over and over again to be a lie because what and over again to be a lie because what and over again to be a lie because what you realize is you're never good.

you realize is you're never good. you realize is you're never good. Life life PLAYS A CRUEL JOKE on us. We Life life PLAYS A CRUEL JOKE on us. We Life life PLAYS A CRUEL JOKE on us. We say, "If only." And many OF US KNOW THE say, "If only." And many OF US KNOW THE say, "If only." And many OF US KNOW THE FRUSTRATION OF GOING, "IF ONLY I COULD." FRUSTRATION OF GOING, "IF ONLY I COULD." FRUSTRATION OF GOING, "IF ONLY I COULD." AND then you get it and you realize I'm AND then you get it and you realize I'm AND then you get it and you realize I'm not good. not good. not good. The car didn't do IT FOR ME. The car didn't do IT FOR ME. The car didn't do IT FOR ME. THE THE OUTFIT didn't do it for me. It THE THE OUTFIT didn't do it for me. It THE THE OUTFIT didn't do it for me. It It's just I'm checking boxes. In fact, It's just I'm checking boxes. In fact, It's just I'm checking boxes. In fact, some of you are here and I'm so glad some of you are here and I'm so glad some of you are here and I'm so glad you're here. Some of you are here and you're here. Some of you are here and you're here. Some of you are here and you wouldn't call yourself a follower of you wouldn't call yourself a follower of you wouldn't call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ. And you're here and and Jesus Christ. And you're here and and Jesus Christ. And you're here and and really you're here because if only has really you're here because if only has really you're here because if only has proven itself to be a liar. proven itself to be a liar. proven itself to be a liar. You're going, "Man, this is crazy. You're going, "Man, this is crazy. You're going, "Man, this is crazy. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] I'M CHECKING ALL THESE BOXES. I've got I'M CHECKING ALL THESE BOXES. I've got I'M CHECKING ALL THESE BOXES. I've got all these degrees. I' I'm working at all these degrees. I' I'm working at all these degrees. I' I'm working at this wonderful place. The money's this wonderful place. The money's this wonderful place. The money's flowing in and yet there's this flowing in and yet there's this flowing in and yet there's this emptiness. If only biggest lie. If only biggest lie. In December of 2025, this past December, In December of 2025, this past December, In December of 2025, this past December, a study was released a study was released a study was released on consumer debt. It's quite disturbing.

on consumer debt. It's quite disturbing. on consumer debt. It's quite disturbing. This study December 2025 reveals that This study December 2025 reveals that This study December 2025 reveals that the average American, not the average the average American, not the average the average American, not the average American household, the average American American household, the average American American household, the average American is at least $6,000 is at least $6,000 is at least $6,000 in credit card debt. in credit card debt. in credit card debt. Now, we understand there's multiple Now, we understand there's multiple Now, we understand there's multiple reasons for credit card debt. At at the reasons for credit card debt. At at the reasons for credit card debt. At at the front of the line is the if only lie. front of the line is the if only lie. front of the line is the if only lie. I'm just going to purchase and that'll I'm just going to purchase and that'll I'm just going to purchase and that'll satisfy and that'll fulfill. and and it satisfy and that'll fulfill. and and it satisfy and that'll fulfill. and and it just doesn't. just doesn't. just doesn't. One lady in this study, 31year-old, One lady in this study, 31year-old, One lady in this study, 31year-old, over $25,000 in credit card debt. Look over $25,000 in credit card debt. Look over $25,000 in credit card debt. Look at what she said. at what she said. at what she said. She said, "I thought spending might She said, "I thought spending might She said, "I thought spending might prove my worth, might buy me the life I prove my worth, might buy me the life I prove my worth, might buy me the life I wanted. So much of what I spent was to wanted. So much of what I spent was to wanted. So much of what I spent was to prove that I was someone other than me. prove that I was someone other than me. prove that I was someone other than me. But I'm I'm me now, and that's just But I'm I'm me now, and that's just But I'm I'm me now, and that's just fine." I painted a picture of the girl I fine." I painted a picture of the girl I fine." I painted a picture of the girl I wanted to be, but the paint started to wanted to be, but the paint started to wanted to be, but the paint started to run and all that was left was a mess.

Even hookup culture. We live in a Even hookup culture. We live in a society that says you can have sex on society that says you can have sex on society that says you can have sex on your own terms. Sociologists say, "Well, your own terms. Sociologists say, "Well, your own terms. Sociologists say, "Well, we're in an age of hookup culture." And we're in an age of hookup culture." And we're in an age of hookup culture." And and man, this this whole idea that I can and man, this this whole idea that I can and man, this this whole idea that I can just hook up with somebody, have sex on just hook up with somebody, have sex on just hook up with somebody, have sex on my terms, and and that'll bring me a my terms, and and that'll bring me a my terms, and and that'll bring me a sense of fulfillment. Well, they just sense of fulfillment. Well, they just sense of fulfillment. Well, they just released a study on hookup culture. They released a study on hookup culture. They released a study on hookup culture. They interviewed college students who within interviewed college students who within interviewed college students who within the last 30 days had engaged in casual the last 30 days had engaged in casual the last 30 days had engaged in casual sex hookup culture. And what the study sex hookup culture. And what the study sex hookup culture. And what the study revealed extensive study is actually revealed extensive study is actually revealed extensive study is actually those college students who engaged in those college students who engaged in those college students who engaged in casual sex, sex on their terms. They had casual sex, sex on their terms. They had casual sex, sex on their terms. They had they had higher levels of depression, they had higher levels of depression, they had higher levels of depression, higher levels of anxiety, lower levels higher levels of anxiety, lower levels higher levels of anxiety, lower levels of happiness, contentment, fulfillment, of happiness, contentment, fulfillment, of happiness, contentment, fulfillment, uh sense of self-worth and self-esteem. uh sense of self-worth and self-esteem. uh sense of self-worth and self-esteem. That if only life is over and over again That if only life is over and over again That if only life is over and over again just proving itself. If only is a huge just proving itself. If only is a huge just proving itself. If only is a huge lie. And listen, I'm not pointing my lie. And listen, I'm not pointing my lie. And listen, I'm not pointing my finger at you. finger at you. finger at you. I've bought into this lie. I've bought into this lie. I've bought into this lie. My wife and I when we first got married, My wife and I when we first got married, My wife and I when we first got married, we um lived in a very tiny house. Tiny we um lived in a very tiny house. Tiny we um lived in a very tiny house. Tiny house before tiny houses were a thing. house before tiny houses were a thing. house before tiny houses were a thing. We lived in a very tiny house in Sierra We lived in a very tiny house in Sierra We lived in a very tiny house in Sierra Madre, California is right near Madre, California is right near Madre, California is right near Pasadena. And man, I I kid you not. Um, Pasadena. And man, I I kid you not. Um, Pasadena. And man, I I kid you not. Um, our bedroom was so small, we had to be our bedroom was so small, we had to be our bedroom was so small, we had to be careful cuz if you just haphazardly careful cuz if you just haphazardly careful cuz if you just haphazardly rolled out of bed, you'd run right smack rolled out of bed, you'd run right smack rolled out of bed, you'd run right smack dab into a wall. It was really small.

dab into a wall. It was really small. dab into a wall. It was really small. And I just remember thinking, man, if And I just remember thinking, man, if And I just remember thinking, man, if only I could just get a bigger place. And then I get a bigger place. If only I And then I get a bigger place. If only I could own my own place. could own my own place. could own my own place. And then I get get my own place. If only And then I get get my own place. If only And then I get get my own place. If only we we need a little bit more space. And we we need a little bit more space. And we we need a little bit more space. And I get if only. I get if only. I get if only. I I got to be honest with you. I played I I got to be honest with you. I played I I got to be honest with you. I played the if only game as a church planter. I the if only game as a church planter. I the if only game as a church planter. I remember planting a church in Memphis remember planting a church in Memphis remember planting a church in Memphis just going, "Man, if only if only we just going, "Man, if only if only we just going, "Man, if only if only we could just get to a point where I no could just get to a point where I no could just get to a point where I no longer have to raise support outside of longer have to raise support outside of longer have to raise support outside of our own church that we're able to live our own church that we're able to live our own church that we're able to live off of the generosity of people who come off of the generosity of people who come off of the generosity of people who come to our church." And then I go, "Well, to our church." And then I go, "Well, to our church." And then I go, "Well, well, if only we can get to multiple well, if only we can get to multiple well, if only we can get to multiple services. If only we can get to the services. If only we can get to the services. If only we can get to the right location. if only we can crack the right location. if only we can crack the right location. if only we can crack the 1,000 person uh barrier. And and I go 1,000 person uh barrier. And and I go 1,000 person uh barrier. And and I go check check. check check. check check. No, no, no, no. It's never enough. So, I want you to settle that.

So, I want you to settle that. It's never going to be enough. You and I will never ever forever ever. You and I will never ever forever ever. It's outcast reference. It's outcast reference. It's outcast reference. find contentment find contentment find contentment in this life. [snorts] in this life. [snorts] in this life. [snorts] So now we come to the book of So now we come to the book of So now we come to the book of Philippians and the Philippians love Philippians and the Philippians love Philippians and the Philippians love Paul. That's why they're freaking out a Paul. That's why they're freaking out a Paul. That's why they're freaking out a little bit when they hear that Paul is little bit when they hear that Paul is little bit when they hear that Paul is in jail probably in Rome. So what they in jail probably in Rome. So what they in jail probably in Rome. So what they do is they they actually raise a do is they they actually raise a do is they they actually raise a collection. They're concerned about him. collection. They're concerned about him. collection. They're concerned about him. They raise some funds. They get a guy by They raise some funds. They get a guy by They raise some funds. They get a guy by the name of Epapraditis. They give the the name of Epapraditis. They give the the name of Epapraditis. They give the financial contribution uh to Apaproditis financial contribution uh to Apaproditis financial contribution uh to Apaproditis to give to Paul. Apaproditis makes his to give to Paul. Apaproditis makes his to give to Paul. Apaproditis makes his way to where Paul is in prison, gives it way to where Paul is in prison, gives it way to where Paul is in prison, gives it to Paul. Paul now uh writes them an to Paul. Paul now uh writes them an to Paul. Paul now uh writes them an update on how he's doing a and uh we now update on how he's doing a and uh we now update on how he's doing a and uh we now get to our passage and specifically he's get to our passage and specifically he's get to our passage and specifically he's going to uh talk to them about the gift going to uh talk to them about the gift going to uh talk to them about the gift and he's going to say to them. He says, and he's going to say to them. He says, and he's going to say to them. He says, "Look, I rejoice in the Lord greatly now "Look, I rejoice in the Lord greatly now "Look, I rejoice in the Lord greatly now at length you revived your concern for at length you revived your concern for at length you revived your concern for me. Thank you. You were indeed concerned me. Thank you. You were indeed concerned me. Thank you. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity." He for me, but you had no opportunity." He for me, but you had no opportunity." He says, "I want you to know not that I'm says, "I want you to know not that I'm says, "I want you to know not that I'm speaking of being in need. For I've speaking of being in need. For I've speaking of being in need. For I've learned and in whatever situation I am learned and in whatever situation I am learned and in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought to be content. I know how to be brought to be content. I know how to be brought low, know how to bound in any and every low, know how to bound in any and every low, know how to bound in any and every circumstance. I've learned the secret of circumstance. I've learned the secret of circumstance. I've learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need." Watch it now. He's not writing need." Watch it now. He's not writing need." Watch it now. He's not writing this from the Rich Carlton.

He's not writing this from the Four He's not writing this from the Four Seasons Hotel. Seasons Hotel. Seasons Hotel. He's he's not he's not drinking some He's he's not he's not drinking some He's he's not he's not drinking some drink out of a pineapple deal with an drink out of a pineapple deal with an drink out of a pineapple deal with an umbrella coming out of it sitting on a umbrella coming out of it sitting on a umbrella coming out of it sitting on a beach overlooking some, you know, beach overlooking some, you know, beach overlooking some, you know, crystal green water. He's writing this crystal green water. He's writing this crystal green water. He's writing this from jail. from jail. from jail. And he's saying, "Thank you for your And he's saying, "Thank you for your And he's saying, "Thank you for your gift, but I'm good." gift, but I'm good." gift, but I'm good." He says, "I want you to know He says, "I want you to know He says, "I want you to know I've learned the secret of being I've learned the secret of being I've learned the secret of being content." Content. content. He's writing content." Content. content. He's writing content." Content. content. He's writing in Greek. The Greek word content in Greek. The Greek word content in Greek. The Greek word content literally means sufficiency. literally means sufficiency. literally means sufficiency. Now you and I understand this words only Now you and I understand this words only Now you and I understand this words only have meaning in relation to other words. have meaning in relation to other words. have meaning in relation to other words. Speaking about sufficiency, Paul ends by Speaking about sufficiency, Paul ends by Speaking about sufficiency, Paul ends by saying, "I can do all things through saying, "I can do all things through saying, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Which means Christ who strengthens me." Which means Christ who strengthens me." Which means he hooks his own sufficiency to the he hooks his own sufficiency to the he hooks his own sufficiency to the ultimate sufficient one, Jesus. So it's ultimate sufficient one, Jesus. So it's ultimate sufficient one, Jesus. So it's not individual sufficiency. It is Christ not individual sufficiency. It is Christ not individual sufficiency. It is Christ empowered sufficiency.

empowered sufficiency. empowered sufficiency. He says, "I'm good. My contentment is in He says, "I'm good. My contentment is in He says, "I'm good. My contentment is in Christ." So I promise you I'd give you a Christ." So I promise you I'd give you a Christ." So I promise you I'd give you a more robust theological definition of more robust theological definition of more robust theological definition of contentment. Here it is. Jeremiah contentment. Here it is. Jeremiah contentment. Here it is. Jeremiah Burroughs was Christian pastor some many Burroughs was Christian pastor some many Burroughs was Christian pastor some many years ago. He gave us this definition. years ago. He gave us this definition. years ago. He gave us this definition. Look at it with me. Look at it with me. Look at it with me. Christian contentment is that sweet Christian contentment is that sweet Christian contentment is that sweet inward, [snorts] quiet, inward, [snorts] quiet, inward, [snorts] quiet, gracious, I love this phrase, frame of gracious, I love this phrase, frame of gracious, I love this phrase, frame of spirit. Spirit spirit which freely spirit. Spirit spirit which freely spirit. Spirit spirit which freely submits to and delights in God's wise submits to and delights in God's wise submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every and fatherly disposal in every and fatherly disposal in every condition. I I I want you to see this. condition. I I I want you to see this. condition. I I I want you to see this. Let let me give you a more condensed Let let me give you a more condensed Let let me give you a more condensed definition. I'm going to shrink it a definition. I'm going to shrink it a definition. I'm going to shrink it a little bit. I'm going get the King James little bit. I'm going get the King James little bit. I'm going get the King James ease out of it. Here's here's here's ease out of it. Here's here's here's ease out of it. Here's here's here's here's here's what he's saying. here's here's what he's saying. here's here's what he's saying. Christian contentment is a spirit of Christian contentment is a spirit of Christian contentment is a spirit of joyful submission to God in all joyful submission to God in all joyful submission to God in all circumstances. Don't miss it. It is a circumstances. Don't miss it. It is a circumstances. Don't miss it. It is a spirit, not an action.

Simplicity is the action. Contentment Simplicity is the action. Contentment is the disposition. Simplicity is what I do or don't do. Simplicity is what I do or don't do. Okay? Contentment is who I am. It's it's Okay? Contentment is who I am. It's it's Okay? Contentment is who I am. It's it's my spirit. It's my character. It's my my spirit. It's my character. It's my my spirit. It's my character. It's my being. It's it's it's how I roll. My my being. It's it's it's how I roll. My my being. It's it's it's how I roll. My my whole being, my whole disposition. I'm whole being, my whole disposition. I'm whole being, my whole disposition. I'm rested. rested. rested. I'm good. I'm good. I'm good. So the takeaway from this message is not So the takeaway from this message is not So the takeaway from this message is not get off Amazon. get off Amazon. get off Amazon. It's not stop buying stuff. It's not stop buying stuff. It's not stop buying stuff. That's an expression of but what Paul is That's an expression of but what Paul is That's an expression of but what Paul is dealing with is our spirits, who we are, dealing with is our spirits, who we are, dealing with is our spirits, who we are, our hearts. our hearts. our hearts. It's it's a frame. It's a disposition. It's it's a frame. It's a disposition. It's it's a frame. It's a disposition. And and I love it. And and I love it. And and I love it. It's joyful submission to God in all It's joyful submission to God in all It's joyful submission to God in all circumstances. Paul says, "I know to be circumstances. Paul says, "I know to be circumstances. Paul says, "I know to be brought low. I know how to abound in any brought low. I know how to abound in any brought low. I know how to abound in any and every circumstance. I've learned the and every circumstance. I've learned the and every circumstance. I've learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, secret of facing plenty and hunger, secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need." So, it's it's abundance, and need." So, it's it's abundance, and need." So, it's it's joyful submission, but but but let me joyful submission, but but but let me joyful submission, but but but let me qualify that. It's not passivity.

Mind you, the guy writing this, Paul, Mind you, the guy writing this, Paul, not passive. Capital L leader. In not passive. Capital L leader. In not passive. Capital L leader. In marketing terms, we would call him a marketing terms, we would call him a marketing terms, we would call him a serial entrepreneur. Started church serial entrepreneur. Started church serial entrepreneur. Started church after church after church after church. after church after church after church. after church after church after church. New York Times bestselling author, 13 New York Times bestselling author, 13 New York Times bestselling author, 13 books. Here's a guy in jail, still books. Here's a guy in jail, still books. Here's a guy in jail, still handling business, still leading handling business, still leading handling business, still leading churches, still running things. He's churches, still running things. He's churches, still running things. He's like the spiritual version of a mafia like the spiritual version of a mafia like the spiritual version of a mafia boss who runs things from prison. That's boss who runs things from prison. That's boss who runs things from prison. That's Paul. He's not passive. Paul. He's not passive. Paul. He's not passive. So whatever the situation, So whatever the situation, So whatever the situation, joyful submission. joyful submission. joyful submission. Why? Because he knows he's got a good Why? Because he knows he's got a good Why? Because he knows he's got a good good father who Paul wrote to the Romans good father who Paul wrote to the Romans good father who Paul wrote to the Romans that in all things they work together that in all things they work together that in all things they work together for good. To those that love God are for good. To those that love God are for good. To those that love God are called. So so when I'm brought low, when called. So so when I'm brought low, when called. So so when I'm brought low, when I'm abounding, plenty, hunger, I'm abounding, plenty, hunger, I'm abounding, plenty, hunger, everything's working together for good. everything's working together for good. everything's working together for good. Because contentment is fixated on a good Because contentment is fixated on a good Because contentment is fixated on a good good father good father good father who's with me in the valley with me on who's with me in the valley with me on who's with me in the valley with me on the mountaintop. Good good father.

the mountaintop. Good good father. the mountaintop. Good good father. Young preachers from time to time will Young preachers from time to time will Young preachers from time to time will kind of ask me a general question and kind of ask me a general question and kind of ask me a general question and that is well Brian how did you know you that is well Brian how did you know you that is well Brian how did you know you were you were going to be a preacher? were you were going to be a preacher? were you were going to be a preacher? And I'm like man my my answer is just so And I'm like man my my answer is just so And I'm like man my my answer is just so disappointing. It's like the most disappointing. It's like the most disappointing. It's like the most disappointing answer I'll give you. And disappointing answer I'll give you. And disappointing answer I'll give you. And that is man I just kind of always knew. that is man I just kind of always knew. that is man I just kind of always knew. I just kind of always knew. Like my I just kind of always knew. Like my I just kind of always knew. Like my mother likes to tell people that when I mother likes to tell people that when I mother likes to tell people that when I was like 3 years old, uh what I wanted was like 3 years old, uh what I wanted was like 3 years old, uh what I wanted for Christmas was a microphone. I'm sure for Christmas was a microphone. I'm sure for Christmas was a microphone. I'm sure there's narcissism attached there. What there's narcissism attached there. What there's narcissism attached there. What three-year-old would ask for that? But three-year-old would ask for that? But three-year-old would ask for that? But anyways, so my mother would say that I'm anyways, so my mother would say that I'm anyways, so my mother would say that I'm the oldest of four. She would say of all the oldest of four. She would say of all the oldest of four. She would say of all the kids, I was the only one she ever the kids, I was the only one she ever the kids, I was the only one she ever trusted to go with my dad. My dad's a trusted to go with my dad. My dad's a trusted to go with my dad. My dad's a preacher. Um and so my dad would go and preacher. Um and so my dad would go and preacher. Um and so my dad would go and he'd preach at other churches. I was the he'd preach at other churches. I was the he'd preach at other churches. I was the only one, Mom said, that I would ever only one, Mom said, that I would ever only one, Mom said, that I would ever trust from the time you're a little boy. trust from the time you're a little boy. trust from the time you're a little boy. that dad could could take with him and that dad could could take with him and that dad could could take with him and that you would sit still in service cuz that you would sit still in service cuz that you would sit still in service cuz most of these places they didn't have most of these places they didn't have most of these places they didn't have children's church. When I was coming up, children's church. When I was coming up, children's church. When I was coming up, there's no children's church. There was there's no children's church. There was there's no children's church. There was no gluten-free options for communion. no gluten-free options for communion. no gluten-free options for communion. Kids these days are so soft. No snack Kids these days are so soft. No snack Kids these days are so soft. No snack times, whatever. Anyway, so I digress.

times, whatever. Anyway, so I digress. times, whatever. Anyway, so I digress. So, so dad would sit me there. I'm three So, so dad would sit me there. I'm three So, so dad would sit me there. I'm three years old, talking three years old. And years old, talking three years old. And years old, talking three years old. And and and and I'd sit there on the front and and and I'd sit there on the front and and and I'd sit there on the front row and I would just be locked in on dad row and I would just be locked in on dad row and I would just be locked in on dad for all 45 minutes. Just locked in. I'm for all 45 minutes. Just locked in. I'm for all 45 minutes. Just locked in. I'm sure I had a lot of stuff going on in sure I had a lot of stuff going on in sure I had a lot of stuff going on in me. hungry, thirsty, maybe had to go to me. hungry, thirsty, maybe had to go to me. hungry, thirsty, maybe had to go to the bathroom. Maybe there's a lot of the bathroom. Maybe there's a lot of the bathroom. Maybe there's a lot of stuff going on around me, distractions, stuff going on around me, distractions, stuff going on around me, distractions, whatever. But the whole time, man, I'm whatever. But the whole time, man, I'm whatever. But the whole time, man, I'm just locked in on my dad. In fact, when just locked in on my dad. In fact, when just locked in on my dad. In fact, when my dad would get finished preaching, my dad would get finished preaching, my dad would get finished preaching, people would rush up to my dad, not so people would rush up to my dad, not so people would rush up to my dad, not so much to comment on the sermon, but to much to comment on the sermon, but to much to comment on the sermon, but to like, man, bro, you're the father of the like, man, bro, you're the father of the like, man, bro, you're the father of the year. How in the world does a year. How in the world does a year. How in the world does a three-year-old stay locked in? three-year-old stay locked in? three-year-old stay locked in? There was just this thing in me that all There was just this thing in me that all There was just this thing in me that all I needed was my dad. It didn't matter I needed was my dad. It didn't matter I needed was my dad. It didn't matter what was happening in me, happening what was happening in me, happening what was happening in me, happening around me, man. As long as I got my dad, around me, man. As long as I got my dad, around me, man. As long as I got my dad, I'm good. And in some ways, that's I'm good. And in some ways, that's I'm good. And in some ways, that's Christian contentment. Christian contentment. Christian contentment. I'm not tied to my circumstances. I'm I'm not tied to my circumstances. I'm I'm not tied to my circumstances. I'm not fixated on what's happening or not not fixated on what's happening or not not fixated on what's happening or not happening. I'm not led by my appetites. happening. I'm not led by my appetites. happening. I'm not led by my appetites. I'm led by an insatiable I'm led by an insatiable I'm led by an insatiable desire for for a providential God. We desire for for a providential God. We desire for for a providential God. We talk about the providence of God, hand talk about the providence of God, hand talk about the providence of God, hand of God, glove of time, a God that is at of God, glove of time, a God that is at of God, glove of time, a God that is at work at all times in my life. I'm locked work at all times in my life. I'm locked work at all times in my life. I'm locked in on him.

in on him. in on him. Is that you? Paul's message in our text Paul's message in our text is that our only hope is that our only hope is that our only hope for contentment is Christ. for contentment is Christ. for contentment is Christ. It's our only hope. It's our only hope. It's our only hope. He's now going to give us three He's now going to give us three He's now going to give us three applications. Number applications. Number applications. Number one, one, one, Paul wants us to understand, and I hope Paul wants us to understand, and I hope Paul wants us to understand, and I hope this encourages us, this encourages us, this encourages us, that Christian contentment is not that Christian contentment is not that Christian contentment is not natural. natural. natural. It must be learned. It must be learned. It must be learned. Paul says verse 11, "Not that I am Paul says verse 11, "Not that I am Paul says verse 11, "Not that I am speaking of being in need." Here it is. speaking of being in need." Here it is. speaking of being in need." Here it is. For I have learned. For I have learned. For I have learned. I have learned. I have learned. I have learned. I have learned I have learned I have learned in whatever situation I am to be in whatever situation I am to be in whatever situation I am to be content. Now, here's something really content. Now, here's something really content. Now, here's something really deep. You ready?

deep. You ready? deep. You ready? If you learn something, that means If you learn something, that means If you learn something, that means there's a point you didn't know it. there's a point you didn't know it. there's a point you didn't know it. It's powerful, man. It's powerful. It's powerful, man. It's powerful. It's powerful, man. It's powerful. Powerful truth. Powerful truth. Powerful truth. Paul says, "I had to learn contentment." Paul says, "I had to learn contentment." Paul says, "I had to learn contentment." Which means contentment wasn't natural Which means contentment wasn't natural Which means contentment wasn't natural for him. for him. for him. Here's what I want you to understand. Here's what I want you to understand. Here's what I want you to understand. Contentment is not natural for any of Contentment is not natural for any of Contentment is not natural for any of us. It must It must be learned. be learned. be learned. The natural The natural The natural state of our hearts state of our hearts state of our hearts discontented. discontented. discontented. Augustine, North African theologian. If Augustine, North African theologian. If Augustine, North African theologian. If you've been around church for a while, you've been around church for a while, you've been around church for a while, you've probably heard this. One of the you've probably heard this. One of the you've probably heard this. One of the one of the best quotes in church one of the best quotes in church one of the best quotes in church history. Augustine said, "Our hearts are history. Augustine said, "Our hearts are history. Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in restless until they find their rest in restless until they find their rest in you." I can make a strong case that you." I can make a strong case that you." I can make a strong case that every sin we ever commit comes out of a every sin we ever commit comes out of a every sin we ever commit comes out of a discontented heart which refuses to find discontented heart which refuses to find discontented heart which refuses to find satisfaction in God. It's Adam and Eve.

satisfaction in God. It's Adam and Eve. satisfaction in God. It's Adam and Eve. Reason why they eat of the fruit is Reason why they eat of the fruit is Reason why they eat of the fruit is because in their mind, God, what you've because in their mind, God, what you've because in their mind, God, what you've provided not good enough. provided not good enough. provided not good enough. We we've got to add to it. We got to We we've got to add to it. We got to We we've got to add to it. We got to replace you. You're not enough. That's replace you. You're not enough. That's replace you. You're not enough. That's every sin. Every sin arises out of a every sin. Every sin arises out of a every sin. Every sin arises out of a discontented heart. And I'm NOT discontented heart. And I'm NOT discontented heart. And I'm NOT FINGERPOINTING BECAUSE THAT'S ALL of us. FINGERPOINTING BECAUSE THAT'S ALL of us. FINGERPOINTING BECAUSE THAT'S ALL of us. And I want you to understand that's a And I want you to understand that's a And I want you to understand that's a lifelong struggle. lifelong struggle. lifelong struggle. Every single day is a decision between Every single day is a decision between Every single day is a decision between contentment or discontentment. contentment or discontentment. contentment or discontentment. Every single day is a struggle BETWEEN Every single day is a struggle BETWEEN Every single day is a struggle BETWEEN WHERE AM I GOING TO look for WHERE AM I GOING TO look for WHERE AM I GOING TO look for contentment. Is it this life or is it contentment. Is it this life or is it contentment. Is it this life or is it Christ? Christ? Christ? It's every single day. And we're going It's every single day. And we're going It's every single day. And we're going to struggle with this for all of our to struggle with this for all of our to struggle with this for all of our lives. Artha Franklin knows that. Queen lives. Artha Franklin knows that. Queen lives. Artha Franklin knows that. Queen of Soul, lifelong struggle. I don't know of Soul, lifelong struggle. I don't know of Soul, lifelong struggle. I don't know if you saw her funeral. If you didn't, if you saw her funeral. If you didn't, if you saw her funeral. If you didn't, don't feel bad. It was nine hours don't feel bad. It was nine hours don't feel bad. It was nine hours before she died. Artha Franklin before she died. Artha Franklin before she died. Artha Franklin instructed instructed instructed that her body was to be changed into that her body was to be changed into that her body was to be changed into four different outfits.

four different outfits. four different outfits. The first outfit, this is while she's The first outfit, this is while she's The first outfit, this is while she's dead now, was to be a ruby red lace dead now, was to be a ruby red lace dead now, was to be a ruby red lace dress with a full tulle skirt, 5in dress with a full tulle skirt, 5in dress with a full tulle skirt, 5in patent leather ruby red Christian patent leather ruby red Christian patent leather ruby red Christian Louisboutuitton pumps. Why do you need Louisboutuitton pumps. Why do you need Louisboutuitton pumps. Why do you need pumps in a casket? I don't know. pumps in a casket? I don't know. pumps in a casket? I don't know. The second outfit was to be a shimmering The second outfit was to be a shimmering The second outfit was to be a shimmering sequined powder blue gown and matching sequined powder blue gown and matching sequined powder blue gown and matching shoes. The third outfit was to be a rose shoes. The third outfit was to be a rose shoes. The third outfit was to be a rose gold custom knit suit featuring pink gold custom knit suit featuring pink gold custom knit suit featuring pink beaded lace and rose gold sequined Louis beaded lace and rose gold sequined Louis beaded lace and rose gold sequined Louis Vuitton heels. There go those heels Vuitton heels. There go those heels Vuitton heels. There go those heels again. And the casket, oh, her casket again. And the casket, oh, her casket again. And the casket, oh, her casket was a 24 karat goldplated Prometheian was a 24 karat goldplated Prometheian was a 24 karat goldplated Prometheian casket where she wore fourth outfit, a casket where she wore fourth outfit, a casket where she wore fourth outfit, a gold sequin dress accompanied by gold sequin dress accompanied by gold sequin dress accompanied by sparkling gold Christian Louison Louis sparkling gold Christian Louison Louis sparkling gold Christian Louison Louis Vuitton pumps. There goes those pumps Vuitton pumps. There goes those pumps Vuitton pumps. There goes those pumps again. I'm guessing your funeral won't again. I'm guessing your funeral won't again. I'm guessing your funeral won't be like that. be like that. be like that. [laughter] I'm guessing.

I'm guessing. But you know what I've learned? But you know what I've learned? But you know what I've learned? Her things close. We've all got it. We've all got it. And if we're going to learn contentment, And if we're going to learn contentment, And if we're going to learn contentment, let me give you four things. let me give you four things. let me give you four things. If you're going to learn contentment, If you're going to learn contentment, If you're going to learn contentment, you're going have to commit to these you're going have to commit to these you're going have to commit to these four things. Number one, you need to be four things. Number one, you need to be four things. Number one, you need to be curious curious curious about your discontent. You need to ask consistent, You need to ask consistent, hard questions hard questions hard questions about your discontented heart. about your discontented heart. about your discontented heart. Let me use another word. Let me use another word. Let me use another word. You and I are going to have to learn to You and I are going to have to learn to You and I are going to have to learn to interrogate. I like that. Yep, that's interrogate. I like that. Yep, that's interrogate. I like that. Yep, that's the word. To interrogate the word. To interrogate the word. To interrogate our discontentment.

our discontentment. our discontentment. Why can't I throw stuff away? Why am I always checking my 401k or the Why am I always checking my 401k or the stock market? stock market? stock market? Why am I always trying to save beyond Why am I always trying to save beyond Why am I always trying to save beyond what's reasonable? what's reasonable? what's reasonable? Why is Amazon living at my house? Why can't I tell myself no when it comes Why can't I tell myself no when it comes to purses? Why do I always have to have that new Why do I always have to have that new car? Why is it that there's nothing my kids Why is it that there's nothing my kids will ever do that's good enough? Wh why is it that at the end of every Wh why is it that at the end of every hard parenting day, I've got to have a hard parenting day, I've got to have a hard parenting day, I've got to have a glass of wine? Be ruthless Be ruthless with your discontent. You got pockets of with your discontent. You got pockets of with your discontent. You got pockets of it. I got pockets of it. All God's it. I got pockets of it. All God's it. I got pockets of it. All God's children have pockets of it.

children have pockets of it. children have pockets of it. Open your eyes. Open your eyes. Open your eyes. Don't take it for granted. See it. Don't take it for granted. See it. Don't take it for granted. See it. Cross-examine it. Interrogate it. be Cross-examine it. Interrogate it. be Cross-examine it. Interrogate it. be brutal with it. brutal with it. brutal with it. Why is it that I'm obsessing OVER MY Why is it that I'm obsessing OVER MY Why is it that I'm obsessing OVER MY LOOKS? OR WHY IS IT THAT I'M OBSESSING LOOKS? OR WHY IS IT THAT I'M OBSESSING LOOKS? OR WHY IS IT THAT I'M OBSESSING OVER MY BODY? Why is it that I'm OVER MY BODY? Why is it that I'm OVER MY BODY? Why is it that I'm freaking out when I look in the mirror freaking out when I look in the mirror freaking out when I look in the mirror and I'm aging? and I'm aging? and I'm aging? Why is that? Interrogate it. Interrogate it. Question it. Question it. Question it. be brutal with it. Secondly, be brutal with it. Secondly, be brutal with it. Secondly, there's curiosity, but there's also there's curiosity, but there's also there's curiosity, but there's also humility. humility. humility. All learning has this humility thing is, All learning has this humility thing is, All learning has this humility thing is, man, I I just I don't know this and I man, I I just I don't know this and I man, I I just I don't know this and I want to know it and I need to be taught want to know it and I need to be taught want to know it and I need to be taught it. it. it. This is where I go, okay, this is an This is where I go, okay, this is an This is where I go, okay, this is an issue for me.

issue for me. issue for me. Just let me be humble about it. I just Just let me be humble about it. I just Just let me be humble about it. I just want to put it out there, man. I I got a want to put it out there, man. I I got a want to put it out there, man. I I got a real I got I got a real spending real I got I got a real spending real I got I got a real spending problem. I got a real greed problem. I problem. I got a real greed problem. I problem. I got a real greed problem. I got a real food problem. I I got a real got a real food problem. I I got a real got a real food problem. I I got a real hoarding problem. I I want you to hoarding problem. I I want you to hoarding problem. I I want you to understand I've sat in small groups just understand I've sat in small groups just understand I've sat in small groups just about all my life and I've heard I've about all my life and I've heard I've about all my life and I've heard I've heard all kinds of confessions, man, heard all kinds of confessions, man, heard all kinds of confessions, man, that are like really awkward. I've never that are like really awkward. I've never that are like really awkward. I've never heard someone confess greed. I've just never heard it. I've never I've just never heard it. I've never heard someone say, "Hey, bro. I'm just heard someone say, "Hey, bro. I'm just heard someone say, "Hey, bro. I'm just not content. I can't stop buying. I can't stop. I I can't stop buying. I can't stop. I can't stop. I CAN'T STOP." SO, MAYBE THE can't stop. I CAN'T STOP." SO, MAYBE THE can't stop. I CAN'T STOP." SO, MAYBE THE takeaway is CUZ WE'VE ALREADY WE'VE takeaway is CUZ WE'VE ALREADY WE'VE takeaway is CUZ WE'VE ALREADY WE'VE ALREADY PULLED THE BAND-AID OFF. THE ALREADY PULLED THE BAND-AID OFF. THE ALREADY PULLED THE BAND-AID OFF. THE BLOOD pressure should be coming down. BLOOD pressure should be coming down. BLOOD pressure should be coming down. So, so we should already all of us got So, so we should already all of us got So, so we should already all of us got contentment issues. What if we sat in contentment issues. What if we sat in contentment issues. What if we sat in small group this week or whenever our small group this week or whenever our small group this week or whenever our next small group was and just go, "Hey, next small group was and just go, "Hey, next small group was and just go, "Hey, look, WE ALL GOT CONTENTMENT ISSUES. look, WE ALL GOT CONTENTMENT ISSUES. look, WE ALL GOT CONTENTMENT ISSUES. WHAT'S YOUR THING?

If we can't be that real in a small If we can't be that real in a small group, why are we wasting our time with group, why are we wasting our time with group, why are we wasting our time with small groups? small groups? small groups? I'm not trying to do life with someone I'm not trying to do life with someone I'm not trying to do life with someone and just pretending and just pretending and just pretending we got a thing. we got a thing. we got a thing. Third, Third, Third, all learning all learning all learning has a teacher. has a teacher. has a teacher. And our teacher is Jesus And our teacher is Jesus And our teacher is Jesus who in Matthew 11:29 says, "Take my yoke who in Matthew 11:29 says, "Take my yoke who in Matthew 11:29 says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. Learn from upon you and learn from me. Learn from upon you and learn from me. Learn from me. Learn from me." Same Greek word as me. Learn from me." Same Greek word as me. Learn from me." Same Greek word as Paul uses in our text. For I am gentle Paul uses in our text. For I am gentle Paul uses in our text. For I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find and lowly in heart and you will find and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. Christ says, "Learn rest for your souls. Christ says, "Learn rest for your souls. Christ says, "Learn from me. You can learn from me." And one from me. You can learn from me." And one from me. You can learn from me." And one of the areas we can learn from Christ is of the areas we can learn from Christ is of the areas we can learn from Christ is contentment. Why? Because Christ had a contentment. Why? Because Christ had a contentment. Why? Because Christ had a PhD in contentment. PhD in contentment. PhD in contentment. What did his house look like? Didn't What did his house look like? Didn't What did his house look like? Didn't have one. Says Luke chapter 9, foxes have one. Says Luke chapter 9, foxes have one. Says Luke chapter 9, foxes have holes. Birds of the he heavens have have holes. Birds of the he heavens have have holes. Birds of the he heavens have uh nests. But son of man has no place to uh nests. But son of man has no place to uh nests. But son of man has no place to lay his head. That doesn't mean we lay his head. That doesn't mean we lay his head. That doesn't mean we shouldn't own a house. Jesus was just so shouldn't own a house. Jesus was just so shouldn't own a house. Jesus was just so content. He just didn't even need one. content. He just didn't even need one. content. He just didn't even need one. He He didn't really interact with money. He He didn't really interact with money. He He didn't really interact with money. In fact, the only time he really talks In fact, the only time he really talks In fact, the only time he really talks about money is to warn us of the about money is to warn us of the about money is to warn us of the potential dangers. He wasn't born in potential dangers. He wasn't born in potential dangers. He wasn't born in some luxurious birthing suite. He was some luxurious birthing suite. He was some luxurious birthing suite. He was born in a manger, raised on the wrong born in a manger, raised on the wrong born in a manger, raised on the wrong side of the tracks, a town called side of the tracks, a town called side of the tracks, a town called Nazareth, of which it was asked, "Can Nazareth, of which it was asked, "Can Nazareth, of which it was asked, "Can anything good come from Nazareth." He anything good come from Nazareth." He anything good come from Nazareth." He didn't go to prestigious schools, yet didn't go to prestigious schools, yet didn't go to prestigious schools, yet people marveled at his at his learning.

people marveled at his at his learning. people marveled at his at his learning. He wasn't on the gram taking pictures He wasn't on the gram taking pictures He wasn't on the gram taking pictures with celebrities. He chose to hang out with celebrities. He chose to hang out with celebrities. He chose to hang out with sinners and tax collectors. He had with sinners and tax collectors. He had with sinners and tax collectors. He had mediocre at best looks. Isaiah is sad. mediocre at best looks. Isaiah is sad. mediocre at best looks. Isaiah is sad. He had no beauty or majesty to attract He had no beauty or majesty to attract He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to himself. He died at 33 single, us to himself. He died at 33 single, us to himself. He died at 33 single, homeless, destitute, and yet completely homeless, destitute, and yet completely homeless, destitute, and yet completely contented and satisfied. >> I find that the average American is >> I find that the average American is drawn to the exact opposite. drawn to the exact opposite. drawn to the exact opposite. >> Let me find the famous, >> Let me find the famous, >> Let me find the famous, the most popular. Let me spend my time with them. Let me spend my time with them. Jesus says, "No, you need to sit with Jesus says, "No, you need to sit with Jesus says, "No, you need to sit with me. Finally, Finally, curiosity, humility. You need a teacher. curiosity, humility. You need a teacher. curiosity, humility. You need a teacher. Finally, Finally, Finally, you need to sit in class with other you need to sit in class with other you need to sit in class with other students who are trying to go in the students who are trying to go in the students who are trying to go in the same direction as you.

same direction as you. same direction as you. You've heard this before. You and I will You've heard this before. You and I will You've heard this before. You and I will become the average of the five people we become the average of the five people we become the average of the five people we spend the most time with. spend the most time with. spend the most time with. Are they trying to live a contented life Are they trying to live a contented life Are they trying to live a contented life or are y'all competing with each other? What would it look like to say, "Hey, What would it look like to say, "Hey, bro, I just want to confess to you, man. bro, I just want to confess to you, man. bro, I just want to confess to you, man. I I got an issue here, man. I I just I I got an issue here, man. I I just I I got an issue here, man. I I just want to name it and and and and I need want to name it and and and and I need want to name it and and and and I need encouragement. I need accountability. I encouragement. I need accountability. I encouragement. I need accountability. I need prayer. Let's make this a two-way need prayer. Let's make this a two-way need prayer. Let's make this a two-way street. Let's not keep this a secret. street. Let's not keep this a secret. street. Let's not keep this a secret. Let's just walk with each other." What Let's just walk with each other." What Let's just walk with each other." What would IT WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE FOR US would IT WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE FOR US would IT WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE FOR US TO LIVE A COMPLETELY UNAMERICAN life where we're not competing with the where we're not competing with the Joneses? We don't look like Jesus. We don't look like Jesus. Secondly, Secondly, Secondly, Paul wants us to understand only our Paul wants us to understand only our Paul wants us to understand only our only hope for contentment is Christ. only hope for contentment is Christ. only hope for contentment is Christ. Secondly, he wants us to know Christian Secondly, he wants us to know Christian Secondly, he wants us to know Christian contentment is not theoretical.

contentment is not theoretical. contentment is not theoretical. It must be lived. Listen, if you want to It must be lived. Listen, if you want to It must be lived. Listen, if you want to learn how to run a marathon, you don't learn how to run a marathon, you don't learn how to run a marathon, you don't just read a book. You got to get out just read a book. You got to get out just read a book. You got to get out there and do it. [snorts] there and do it. [snorts] there and do it. [snorts] So, you don't just if you want to live a So, you don't just if you want to live a So, you don't just if you want to live a contented life, you you you don't just contented life, you you you don't just contented life, you you you don't just read Philippians 4:10 through13. read Philippians 4:10 through13. read Philippians 4:10 through13. No, [snorts] no. You you got to get out No, [snorts] no. You you got to get out No, [snorts] no. You you got to get out there. You you you got to go through there. You you you got to go through there. You you you got to go through some different seasons and different some different seasons and different some different seasons and different circumstances. It's a it's a muscle that circumstances. It's a it's a muscle that circumstances. It's a it's a muscle that must be developed. And Paul actually must be developed. And Paul actually must be developed. And Paul actually says this to us. He says, he says, "I says this to us. He says, he says, "I says this to us. He says, he says, "I rejoice in the Lord greatly. Now at rejoice in the Lord greatly. Now at rejoice in the Lord greatly. Now at length, you revived your concern for me. length, you revived your concern for me. length, you revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me. You You were indeed concerned for me. You You were indeed concerned for me. You had no opportunity. Not that I'm had no opportunity. Not that I'm had no opportunity. Not that I'm speaking in being in need. I've learned speaking in being in need. I've learned speaking in being in need. I've learned whoever situation I am to be content." whoever situation I am to be content." whoever situation I am to be content." The idea of the word need, it's from The idea of the word need, it's from The idea of the word need, it's from that Greek word, original language of that Greek word, original language of that Greek word, original language of our text need that we get such words as our text need that we get such words as our text need that we get such words as hysterical. The idea there is it is a hysterical. The idea there is it is a hysterical. The idea there is it is a exceedingly dire circumstance. Paul exceedingly dire circumstance. Paul exceedingly dire circumstance. Paul says, "I' I've been in exceedingly dire says, "I' I've been in exceedingly dire says, "I' I've been in exceedingly dire circumstances." Not only that, he says, circumstances." Not only that, he says, circumstances." Not only that, he says, "I know what it's like to be brought "I know what it's like to be brought "I know what it's like to be brought low." One word in the Greek, it's in the low." One word in the Greek, it's in the low." One word in the Greek, it's in the passive voice, which means to be the passive voice, which means to be the passive voice, which means to be the receiver of the action. Paul says, "I receiver of the action. Paul says, "I receiver of the action. Paul says, "I know what it's like to be just kind of know what it's like to be just kind of know what it's like to be just kind of walking down the road of life." And as walking down the road of life." And as walking down the road of life." And as the commercial says, life comes at you the commercial says, life comes at you the commercial says, life comes at you fast. It brings you low. And Paul says, fast. It brings you low. And Paul says, fast. It brings you low. And Paul says, "Even in seasons of need, even when I've "Even in seasons of need, even when I've "Even in seasons of need, even when I've been brought low, I'm good."

been brought low, I'm good." been brought low, I'm good." Oh, Christ, I want to tell you, you want Oh, Christ, I want to tell you, you want Oh, Christ, I want to tell you, you want to shock the world. You want to be an to shock the world. You want to be an to shock the world. You want to be an amazing witness for Christ. Display amazing witness for Christ. Display amazing witness for Christ. Display Christ honoring contentment when life Christ honoring contentment when life Christ honoring contentment when life brings you low. brings you low. brings you low. >> Oh, I've been reading an amazing book. >> Oh, I've been reading an amazing book. >> Oh, I've been reading an amazing book. It's a wonderful little beach read It's a wonderful little beach read It's a wonderful little beach read called The Deep Down Dark. It's about called The Deep Down Dark. It's about called The Deep Down Dark. It's about the 33 miners in 2010 who were stuck in the 33 miners in 2010 who were stuck in the 33 miners in 2010 who were stuck in a mine in Chile some 2300 ft below land. a mine in Chile some 2300 ft below land. a mine in Chile some 2300 ft below land. Uh, the object that had them stuck was Uh, the object that had them stuck was Uh, the object that had them stuck was twice the size of the Empire State twice the size of the Empire State twice the size of the Empire State Building. The experts had given these Building. The experts had given these Building. The experts had given these miners a 2% miners a 2% miners a 2% chance at living. But oh, they didn't chance at living. But oh, they didn't chance at living. But oh, they didn't know who was down there. One of the guys know who was down there. One of the guys know who was down there. One of the guys who was down there was a Christian named who was down there was a Christian named who was down there was a Christian named Jose Enrique who was also a part-time Jose Enrique who was also a part-time Jose Enrique who was also a part-time pastor. And when it first happens, pastor. And when it first happens, pastor. And when it first happens, everyone's freaking out. And Jose says, everyone's freaking out. And Jose says, everyone's freaking out. And Jose says, "Stop. Let us pray to my Lord." and "Stop. Let us pray to my Lord." and "Stop. Let us pray to my Lord." and Savior Jesus Christ. They gather Savior Jesus Christ. They gather Savior Jesus Christ. They gather together and Jose leads them in prayer.

together and Jose leads them in prayer. together and Jose leads them in prayer. They get down on their knees and they They get down on their knees and they They get down on their knees and they pray. And spontaneously, many of these pray. And spontaneously, many of these pray. And spontaneously, many of these guys aren't even believers. They're guys aren't even believers. They're guys aren't even believers. They're confessing sin. One guy says, "I drink confessing sin. One guy says, "I drink confessing sin. One guy says, "I drink too much." Another guy says, "I've got too much." Another guy says, "I've got too much." Another guy says, "I've got an anger issue." Another guy says, "I'm an anger issue." Another guy says, "I'm an anger issue." Another guy says, "I'm a horrible father." They confess their a horrible father." They confess their a horrible father." They confess their sins to God. Then Jose, who's a sins to God. Then Jose, who's a sins to God. Then Jose, who's a preacher, starts to preach to them. He preacher, starts to preach to them. He preacher, starts to preach to them. He doesn't have his Bible with him, but doesn't have his Bible with him, but doesn't have his Bible with him, but he's going, "Well, what are some adverse he's going, "Well, what are some adverse he's going, "Well, what are some adverse circumstances in the Bible where circumstances in the Bible where circumstances in the Bible where people?" He preaches to them from Jonah people?" He preaches to them from Jonah people?" He preaches to them from Jonah who's stuck in the belly of a whale. And who's stuck in the belly of a whale. And who's stuck in the belly of a whale. And he preaches to them on that. They start he preaches to them on that. They start he preaches to them on that. They start singing and rejoicing. After that first singing and rejoicing. After that first singing and rejoicing. After that first meeting, these miners say, "Can we do meeting, these miners say, "Can we do meeting, these miners say, "Can we do this every day?" Every day for one hour. this every day?" Every day for one hour. this every day?" Every day for one hour. 2300 ft below land. They're gathering 2300 ft below land. They're gathering 2300 ft below land. They're gathering together to hear the word preach, to together to hear the word preach, to together to hear the word preach, to sing, to rejoice. You talk about showing sing, to rejoice. You talk about showing sing, to rejoice. You talk about showing contentment in adverse circumstances. But notice the book ends. But notice the book ends. Paul says, "I'm good when life brings me Paul says, "I'm good when life brings me Paul says, "I'm good when life brings me low, low, low, but I'm good when life is great."

but I'm good when life is great." but I'm good when life is great." says, "I've learned the secret of facing says, "I've learned the secret of facing says, "I've learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, plenty and hunger, plenty and hunger, abundance in need." It's been said that success can be a It's been said that success can be a greater danger greater danger greater danger than failure. than failure. than failure. Will Smith got to this. Yes, that Will Will Smith got to this. Yes, that Will Will Smith got to this. Yes, that Will Smith Smith Smith Academy Awards Will Smith Academy Awards Will Smith Academy Awards Will Smith recently Will Smith recently Will Smith recently Will Smith did an interview. You should see it. did an interview. You should see it. did an interview. You should see it. In this interview, Will Smith says, "You In this interview, Will Smith says, "You In this interview, Will Smith says, "You know, we often talk about the dangers of know, we often talk about the dangers of know, we often talk about the dangers of rock bottom." rock bottom." rock bottom." And Will says, "I'm not belittling that, And Will says, "I'm not belittling that, And Will says, "I'm not belittling that, but obviously I've had a lot of success, but obviously I've had a lot of success, but obviously I've had a lot of success, and I'm here to tell you there is and I'm here to tell you there is and I'm here to tell you there is there's a corresponding danger to rock there's a corresponding danger to rock there's a corresponding danger to rock bottom. It's what Will Smith calls bottom. It's what Will Smith calls bottom. It's what Will Smith calls clifftop. clifftop. clifftop. He says clifftop is when you've He says clifftop is when you've He says clifftop is when you've accomplished it all. You've gotten all accomplished it all. You've gotten all accomplished it all. You've gotten all the money and then you get all the way the money and then you get all the way the money and then you get all the way to the top and you peer over and you to the top and you peer over and you to the top and you peer over and you realize there's nothing there.

The fulfillment you thought was going to The fulfillment you thought was going to be there be there be there gone. gone. gone. Oh, Will, I wish you'd tilt your head up Oh, Will, I wish you'd tilt your head up Oh, Will, I wish you'd tilt your head up a little bit higher. a little bit higher. a little bit higher. You lift up your eyes and to the hills. You lift up your eyes and to the hills. You lift up your eyes and to the hills. From where does your help come from? From where does your help come from? From where does your help come from? Psalm 121. Knowing it comes from the Psalm 121. Knowing it comes from the Psalm 121. Knowing it comes from the Lord. Lord. Lord. Paul is saying, "I've been at rock Paul is saying, "I've been at rock Paul is saying, "I've been at rock bottom. I've been at clifftop." And I'm bottom. I've been at clifftop." And I'm bottom. I've been at clifftop." And I'm telling you, in both instances, I'm telling you, in both instances, I'm telling you, in both instances, I'm good. good. good. Rock bottom doesn't define me. Clifftop Rock bottom doesn't define me. Clifftop Rock bottom doesn't define me. Clifftop doesn't define me. When the bank account doesn't define me. When the bank account doesn't define me. When the bank account says insufficient funds, I'm good. And says insufficient funds, I'm good. And says insufficient funds, I'm good. And when it's overflowing, I am good. Is that you? Is that you? I want you to imagine a a boat that's in I want you to imagine a a boat that's in I want you to imagine a a boat that's in a [snorts] marina. It's bobbing up and a [snorts] marina. It's bobbing up and a [snorts] marina. It's bobbing up and down on the waves, bobbing up and down, down on the waves, bobbing up and down, down on the waves, bobbing up and down, and you go, "Man, why isn't this thing and you go, "Man, why isn't this thing and you go, "Man, why isn't this thing carried out to sea?" Well, you know why? carried out to sea?" Well, you know why? carried out to sea?" Well, you know why? Because it's tied to something stable, Because it's tied to something stable, Because it's tied to something stable, greater greater greater than its circumstances. It's tied to a than its circumstances. It's tied to a than its circumstances. It's tied to a dock.

dock. dock. Oh believer, if you find yourself Oh believer, if you find yourself Oh believer, if you find yourself emotionally carried out to sea, then emotionally carried out to sea, then emotionally carried out to sea, then that means you're not tied to Christ. Finally, Finally, Paul wants us to understand our only Paul wants us to understand our only Paul wants us to understand our only hope for contentment is Christ. hope for contentment is Christ. hope for contentment is Christ. That Christian contentment That Christian contentment That Christian contentment is not a matter of my will. It's is not a matter of my will. It's is not a matter of my will. It's empowered by Christ. Oh gosh. I have to imagine I have to imagine here's the Philippians. They're here's the Philippians. They're here's the Philippians. They're concerned about Paul. They raise his concerned about Paul. They raise his concerned about Paul. They raise his collection here. Apaproditis take it to collection here. Apaproditis take it to collection here. Apaproditis take it to Paul. We want to be an encouragement to Paul. We want to be an encouragement to Paul. We want to be an encouragement to him. He takes it to Paul. Paul's sitting him. He takes it to Paul. Paul's sitting him. He takes it to Paul. Paul's sitting in jail. He's encouraged by it. Paul in jail. He's encouraged by it. Paul in jail. He's encouraged by it. Paul then writes a thank you letter. Then one Sunday, the Philippians are in Then one Sunday, the Philippians are in someone's home, little house church. someone's home, little house church. someone's home, little house church. Someone reads the letter. Maybe it's Someone reads the letter. Maybe it's Someone reads the letter. Maybe it's Apapraditis. Apapraditis. Apapraditis. Can they get to Philippians chapter Can they get to Philippians chapter Can they get to Philippians chapter 4:10?

And they're rolling their eyes. They And they're rolling their eyes. They have to be have to be have to be because they've heard this before. because they've heard this before. because they've heard this before. I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern at length you have revived your concern at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for for me. You were indeed concerned for for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that me, but you had no opportunity. Not that me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I'm speaking being in need, for I've I'm speaking being in need, for I've I'm speaking being in need, for I've learned in whatever situation I am to be learned in whatever situation I am to be learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know to be brought low. I content. I know to be brought low. I content. I know to be brought low. I know how to abound in any circumstance. know how to abound in any circumstance. know how to abound in any circumstance. I have learned the secret of facing I have learned the secret of facing I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need. plenty and hunger, abundance, and need. plenty and hunger, abundance, and need. I can do all things through Christ who I can do all things through Christ who I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. strengthens me. strengthens me. up until verse 13, they've heard this up until verse 13, they've heard this up until verse 13, they've heard this before. Why? Because if you understand before. Why? Because if you understand before. Why? Because if you understand anything about Greek philosophy, you anything about Greek philosophy, you anything about Greek philosophy, you understand that the Greeks said the understand that the Greeks said the understand that the Greeks said the highest ethic in life highest ethic in life highest ethic in life was to reach a place of contentment. was to reach a place of contentment. was to reach a place of contentment. This wasn't a uniquely Christian This wasn't a uniquely Christian This wasn't a uniquely Christian teaching. The Greeks taught this. teaching. The Greeks taught this. teaching. The Greeks taught this. In fact, there is a subculture of Greeks In fact, there is a subculture of Greeks In fact, there is a subculture of Greeks known as the Stoics. They were all about known as the Stoics. They were all about known as the Stoics. They were all about contentment. BUT THE STOIC SAID THE WAY contentment. BUT THE STOIC SAID THE WAY contentment. BUT THE STOIC SAID THE WAY THAT YOU GET TO contentment is you possessed less.

is you possessed less. You got rid of your possessions. You You got rid of your possessions. You You got rid of your possessions. You diluted your desires diluted your desires diluted your desires and you trained yourself to not care. In and you trained yourself to not care. In and you trained yourself to not care. In fact, the Stoics literally taught people fact, the Stoics literally taught people fact, the Stoics literally taught people to say, "I don't care." When life to say, "I don't care." When life to say, "I don't care." When life devastates you, say, "I don't care when devastates you, say, "I don't care when devastates you, say, "I don't care when my dog dies. I don't care when my child my dog dies. I don't care when my child my dog dies. I don't care when my child dies. I don't care when my spouse dies. dies. I don't care when my spouse dies. dies. I don't care when my spouse dies. I don't care when I'm diagnosed with I don't care when I'm diagnosed with I don't care when I'm diagnosed with that debilitating disease. Teach that debilitating disease. Teach that debilitating disease. Teach yourself to say, "I don't care." The yourself to say, "I don't care." The yourself to say, "I don't care." The Stoic said, "You can be content. You Stoic said, "You can be content. You Stoic said, "You can be content. You just white knuckle your way into just white knuckle your way into just white knuckle your way into contentment." So, here's Paul So, here's Paul talking about contentment and they're talking about contentment and they're talking about contentment and they're yawning. yawning. yawning. We've heard this before, Paul. We've heard this before, Paul. We've heard this before, Paul. And then Paul hits them with the left And then Paul hits them with the left And then Paul hits them with the left hook. Talking about contentment, Paul says, "I Talking about contentment, Paul says, "I can do all things can do all things can do all things not by sheer force of will, not by sheer force of will, not by sheer force of will, not by training myself to say I don't not by training myself to say I don't not by training myself to say I don't care.

care. care. I can do all things through Christ who I can do all things through Christ who I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. strengthens me. strengthens me. This is the only way to contentment. This is the only way to contentment. This is the only way to contentment. Why? Because notice how we started. Why? Because notice how we started. Why? Because notice how we started. Contentment is a matter of the heart. Contentment is a matter of the heart. Contentment is a matter of the heart. You can't will your heart to do You can't will your heart to do You can't will your heart to do anything. anything. anything. There's only one person who can get to There's only one person who can get to There's only one person who can get to your heart. It's not even you. It's your heart. It's not even you. It's your heart. It's not even you. It's Christ. Christ. Christ. I can do all things. I can do all things. I can do all things. Through Christ. Oh, but I got to stop Through Christ. Oh, but I got to stop Through Christ. Oh, but I got to stop because I really believe, no because I really believe, no because I really believe, no overstatement here. I really believe overstatement here. I really believe overstatement here. I really believe Philippians 4:13 is the most Philippians 4:13 is the most Philippians 4:13 is the most misunderstood, misapplied verse in the misunderstood, misapplied verse in the misunderstood, misapplied verse in the Bible. Bible. Bible. We use Philippians 4:13 as a bumper We use Philippians 4:13 as a bumper We use Philippians 4:13 as a bumper sticker sticker sticker for individualism. Found yourself squeezed in between Found yourself squeezed in between life's proverbial rock and hard place. I life's proverbial rock and hard place. I life's proverbial rock and hard place. I can do all things through Christ who can do all things through Christ who can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. strengthens me. strengthens me. Yet you got a financial issue. I can do Yet you got a financial issue. I can do Yet you got a financial issue. I can do all things through Christ who all things through Christ who all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can overcome this.

strengthens me. I can overcome this. strengthens me. I can overcome this. That's not what this is teaching. That's not what this is teaching. That's not what this is teaching. Let me illustrate. To me, the last great heavyweight To me, the last great heavyweight champion was Mike Tyson. champion was Mike Tyson. champion was Mike Tyson. In the mid '9s, In the mid '9s, In the mid '9s, a Christian by the name of Evander a Christian by the name of Evander a Christian by the name of Evander Holyfield stepped into the ring against Holyfield stepped into the ring against Holyfield stepped into the ring against Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson. You ought to YouTube the two fights. You ought to YouTube the two fights. You ought to YouTube the two fights. In the first fight, Evander Holyfield In the first fight, Evander Holyfield In the first fight, Evander Holyfield walks out. He's got on a robe and walks out. He's got on a robe and walks out. He's got on a robe and embroidered on it. Philippians 4:13. embroidered on it. Philippians 4:13. embroidered on it. Philippians 4:13. Takes off his robe on the shorts. Takes off his robe on the shorts. Takes off his robe on the shorts. Philippians 4:13. Now, I'm guessing what Philippians 4:13. Now, I'm guessing what Philippians 4:13. Now, I'm guessing what Evander Holyfield meant was that God Evander Holyfield meant was that God Evander Holyfield meant was that God will give me the strength to beat this will give me the strength to beat this will give me the strength to beat this guy. guy. guy. Oh, Evander. Oh, Evander. Oh, Evander. Philippians 4:13 is probably saying the Philippians 4:13 is probably saying the Philippians 4:13 is probably saying the exact opposite. exact opposite. exact opposite. Philippians 4:13 has nothing to do with Philippians 4:13 has nothing to do with Philippians 4:13 has nothing to do with whether or not you win.

whether or not you win. whether or not you win. It's how you respond, whether or not you It's how you respond, whether or not you It's how you respond, whether or not you win or lose. win or lose. win or lose. If I knock him out, the proper If I knock him out, the proper If I knock him out, the proper application is I'm content. application is I'm content. application is I'm content. That victory and paycheck does not That victory and paycheck does not That victory and paycheck does not define me. define me. define me. And equally, if he knocks me out inside And equally, if he knocks me out inside And equally, if he knocks me out inside of three seconds and I'm lying flat on of three seconds and I'm lying flat on of three seconds and I'm lying flat on my back and I become a social media meme my back and I become a social media meme my back and I become a social media meme for the rest of my life, I'm still for the rest of my life, I'm still for the rest of my life, I'm still content because that doesn't define me. content because that doesn't define me. content because that doesn't define me. I can do all things. Through Christ Through Christ who strengthens me. If Christ is the only one who can If Christ is the only one who can empower us towards contentment, then my empower us towards contentment, then my empower us towards contentment, then my friend, friend, friend, we better fly to him daily we better fly to him daily we better fly to him daily as the only power source as the only power source as the only power source for contentment. for contentment. for contentment. This is what Jesus had in mind when he This is what Jesus had in mind when he This is what Jesus had in mind when he said in John 15, "I am the true vine and said in John 15, "I am the true vine and said in John 15, "I am the true vine and my father is the vine dresser. Every my father is the vine dresser. Every my father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, branch in me that does not bear fruit, branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away and every branch that he takes away and every branch that he takes away and every branch that bears fruit, he prunes that it may bear bears fruit, he prunes that it may bear bears fruit, he prunes that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean more fruit. Already you are clean more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I've spoken to because of the word that I've spoken to because of the word that I've spoken to you. Abide, abide. Abide in me and I in you. Abide, abide. Abide in me and I in you. Abide, abide. Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, itself unless it abides in the vine, itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in neither can you unless you abide in neither can you unless you abide in vine. I love it. Jesus says, I am the vine. I love it. Jesus says, I am the vine. I love it. Jesus says, I am the true vine. The idea here is I am the true vine. The idea here is I am the true vine. The idea here is I am the true and only source of permanent life

true and only source of permanent life true and only source of permanent life satisfaction and contentment. I'm the satisfaction and contentment. I'm the satisfaction and contentment. I'm the true vine, not Amazon. I'm the true vine, I'm the true vine, not what the scale says to you. I'm the not what the scale says to you. I'm the not what the scale says to you. I'm the true vine, true vine, true vine, not your bank account. not your bank account. not your bank account. Arthur Pink, Christian leader, said it Arthur Pink, Christian leader, said it Arthur Pink, Christian leader, said it this way. this way. this way. Real contentment is only possible by Real contentment is only possible by Real contentment is only possible by being much in the presence of the Lord being much in the presence of the Lord being much in the presence of the Lord Jesus. It is only by cultivating Jesus. It is only by cultivating Jesus. It is only by cultivating intimacy with that one who has never who intimacy with that one who has never who intimacy with that one who has never who was never discontent that we shall be was never discontent that we shall be was never discontent that we shall be delivered from the sin of complaining. delivered from the sin of complaining. delivered from the sin of complaining. It is only by daily fellowship with him It is only by daily fellowship with him It is only by daily fellowship with him who ever delighted in the father's will who ever delighted in the father's will who ever delighted in the father's will that we shall learn the secret of that we shall learn the secret of that we shall learn the secret of contentment. So I want you to hear me. contentment. So I want you to hear me. contentment. So I want you to hear me. If you're here, and I promise you you If you're here, and I promise you you If you're here, and I promise you you are, and you don't know Christ as Lord are, and you don't know Christ as Lord are, and you don't know Christ as Lord and Savior, and Savior, and Savior, the worst thing God could ever do to the worst thing God could ever do to the worst thing God could ever do to you, you, you, is to allow you to get full and is to allow you to get full and is to allow you to get full and permanently satisfied on the things of permanently satisfied on the things of permanently satisfied on the things of this world.

this world. this world. That's the worst. That's the worst. That's the worst. The best thing he could ever do The best thing he could ever do The best thing he could ever do is to allow you to experience perpetual is to allow you to experience perpetual is to allow you to experience perpetual dissatisfaction dissatisfaction dissatisfaction so that it will drive you to the only so that it will drive you to the only so that it will drive you to the only one one one who satisfies. who satisfies. who satisfies. I promise you, you're here. I promise you, you're here. I promise you, you're here. You're going, "Man, this is crazy. I'm You're going, "Man, this is crazy. I'm You're going, "Man, this is crazy. I'm making all the money. making all the money. making all the money. I'm doing all this stuff. I'm living the I'm doing all this stuff. I'm living the I'm doing all this stuff. I'm living the dream." But there's this emptiness. Yes, dream." But there's this emptiness. Yes, dream." But there's this emptiness. Yes, the emptiness is screaming Jesus. So today, we invite you to turn to him So today, we invite you to turn to him [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] to relinquish control of your life. to relinquish control of your life. to relinquish control of your life. Whether you're in rock bottom or cliff Whether you're in rock bottom or cliff Whether you're in rock bottom or cliff top, relinquish it. maybe the call is maybe the call is daily what I'm going to scroll is Jesus.

That that that every time That that that every time I feel discontentment raise its head, I feel discontentment raise its head, I feel discontentment raise its head, I'm I'm going to take that as an alert I'm I'm going to take that as an alert I'm I'm going to take that as an alert to fly to Christ. that that I'm going to with ruthless that that I'm going to with ruthless commitment commitment commitment throw myself on him. throw myself on him. throw myself on him. Notice Paul never says stop buying Notice Paul never says stop buying Notice Paul never says stop buying stuff. That's the stoic way. stuff. That's the stoic way. stuff. That's the stoic way. [music] Turn to Jesus [music] Turn to Jesus [music] Turn to Jesus daily daily daily over and over and over and over and over over and over and over and over and over over and over and over and over and over again. turn to him. again. turn to him. again. turn to him. [applause] And so, Father, we bless you. And so, Father, we bless you. If ever there was a easier said than If ever there was a easier said than If ever there was a easier said than done, this is it. I can do all things I can do all things through Christ.

through Christ. through Christ. Now, it's not a general bumper sticker Now, it's not a general bumper sticker Now, it's not a general bumper sticker for triumphing over whatever life throws for triumphing over whatever life throws for triumphing over whatever life throws at us, but it is a call at us, but it is a call at us, but it is a call to rest to rest to rest in Christ saturated contentment. in Christ saturated contentment. in Christ saturated contentment. May it be so, Lord. May it be so, Lord. May it be so, Lord. May [music] it be so. Amen.