Contentment – Our Greatest Gain – Week 8 – Sermon – Mason King – 6/14/26

Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of our visions at The Village Church is we our visions at The Village Church is we our visions at The Village Church is we want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources liberally the big C Church of Jesus liberally the big C Church of Jesus liberally the big C Church of Jesus Christ. And if by His grace we might Christ. And if by His grace we might Christ. And if by His grace we might leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. And so thanks for watching this sermon And so thanks for watching this sermon And so thanks for watching this sermon or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in community in conjunction with your community in conjunction with your community in conjunction with your ongoing discipleship at a local church. ongoing discipleship at a local church. ongoing discipleship at a local church. And and if by the grace of God this And and if by the grace of God this And and if by the grace of God this becomes one of those things that becomes one of those things that becomes one of those things that continues to build up your faith, continues to build up your faith, continues to build up your faith, encourage your walk, fuel your love for encourage your walk, fuel your love for encourage your walk, fuel your love for Jesus, would you consider giving to the Jesus, would you consider giving to the Jesus, would you consider giving to the ministries of The Village Church? It's ministries of The Village Church? It's ministries of The Village Church? It's actually really simple. You can either actually really simple. You can either actually really simple. You can either do it in the app or you can go to the do it in the app or you can go to the do it in the app or you can go to the villagechurch.net/give villagechurch.net/give villagechurch.net/give and and do it there. I hope that the and and do it there. I hope that the and and do it there. I hope that the next chunk of time as you watch this next chunk of time as you watch this next chunk of time as you watch this sermon, you find your affections for sermon, you find your affections for sermon, you find your affections for Jesus soaring, you find courage flood Jesus soaring, you find courage flood Jesus soaring, you find courage flood back into your bones, and you fall more back into your bones, and you fall more back into your bones, and you fall more deeply in love with Jesus than you are deeply in love with Jesus than you are deeply in love with Jesus than you are this moment. God bless you.

this moment. God bless you. this moment. God bless you. >> Good morning, church family. I'm Leah >> Good morning, church family. I'm Leah >> Good morning, church family. I'm Leah Park. I am a summer intern and future Park. I am a summer intern and future Park. I am a summer intern and future student resident. Um, there was a time student resident. Um, there was a time student resident. Um, there was a time in my life when I was a slave to in my life when I was a slave to in my life when I was a slave to insecurity, [music] insecurity, [music] insecurity, [music] legalism, and hopelessness. But because legalism, and hopelessness. But because legalism, and hopelessness. But because of Jesus, I now get to experience His of Jesus, I now get to experience His of Jesus, I now get to experience His victory, bountiful mercy, and unfailing victory, bountiful mercy, and unfailing victory, bountiful mercy, and unfailing love that is better than life itself. love that is better than life itself. love that is better than life itself. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [applause] >> Our passage today is Philippians >> Our passage today is Philippians 4:10-20. [music] I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. once again you renewed your care for me. once again you renewed your care for me. You were in fact concerned about me, but You were in fact concerned about me, but You were in fact concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity to show it. I lacked the opportunity to show it. I lacked the opportunity to show it. I don't say this out of need, for have don't say this out of need, for have don't say this out of need, for have learned to be content in whatever learned to be content in whatever learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how circumstances I find myself. I know how circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. to make do with a lot. to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances, I have In any and all circumstances, I have In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content, learned the secret of being content, learned the secret of being content, whether well-fed or hungry, whether in whether well-fed or hungry, whether in whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do abundance or in need. I am able to do abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens all things through him who strengthens all things through him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by partnering me. Still, you did well by partnering me. Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship. And you with me in my hardship. And you with me in my hardship. And you Philippians know that in the early days Philippians know that in the early days Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of church shared with me in the matter of church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, [music] giving and receiving, [music] giving and receiving, [music] except you alone. For even in except you alone. For even in except you alone. For even in Thessalonica, you sent gifts for my Thessalonica, you sent gifts for my Thessalonica, you sent gifts for my needs several times. Not that I seek the

needs several times. Not that I seek the needs several times. Not that I seek the gift, but I [music] seek the profit that gift, but I [music] seek the profit that gift, but I [music] seek the profit that is increasing to your account. But I is increasing to your account. But I is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full, and I have received everything in full, and I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, have an abundance. I am fully supplied, have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus having received from Epaphroditus having received from Epaphroditus [music] [music] [music] what you provided, a fragrant offering, what you provided, a fragrant offering, what you provided, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God. an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God. an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs And my God will supply all your needs And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Now, to our God and Father Christ Jesus. Now, to our God and Father Christ Jesus. Now, to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. [music] Amen. be glory forever and ever. [music] Amen. be glory forever and ever. [music] Amen. This is the word of the Lord. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hey, good morning. My name is Mason King. I'm one of the My name is Mason King. I'm one of the elders here. I'm also the executive elders here. I'm also the executive elders here. I'm also the executive director of discipleship, and I am so director of discipleship, and I am so director of discipleship, and I am so glad to be with you. glad to be with you. glad to be with you. We were sitting on the porch this We were sitting on the porch this We were sitting on the porch this morning, the elders were praying, and it morning, the elders were praying, and it morning, the elders were praying, and it felt like a normal summer morning, and felt like a normal summer morning, and felt like a normal summer morning, and then all of a sudden the temperature then all of a sudden the temperature then all of a sudden the temperature dropped 10°. dropped 10°. dropped 10°. And I thought, "Oh man, okay." And And I thought, "Oh man, okay." And And I thought, "Oh man, okay." And you're all here. You made it.

you're all here. You made it. you're all here. You made it. The rain didn't scare you, so glad The rain didn't scare you, so glad The rain didn't scare you, so glad you're here. you're here. you're here. Philippians 4, that's where we're going Philippians 4, that's where we're going Philippians 4, that's where we're going to be. So, if you want to turn there, to be. So, if you want to turn there, to be. So, if you want to turn there, we're not going to move much out of that we're not going to move much out of that we're not going to move much out of that passage about the next 30 minutes. passage about the next 30 minutes. passage about the next 30 minutes. Paul is writing this letter. We're the Paul is writing this letter. We're the Paul is writing this letter. We're the end of the letter. In fact, next week we end of the letter. In fact, next week we end of the letter. In fact, next week we close it out. There's just a couple close it out. There's just a couple close it out. There's just a couple verses that we're going to cover, but verses that we're going to cover, but verses that we're going to cover, but this week we're walk we're writing this week we're walk we're writing this week we're walk we're writing through walking through what Paul wrote. through walking through what Paul wrote. through walking through what Paul wrote. And I want to remind you, Paul is not And I want to remind you, Paul is not And I want to remind you, Paul is not writing this letter from a condo. writing this letter from a condo. writing this letter from a condo. He's writing this letter from prison. He's writing this letter from prison. He's writing this letter from prison. He's in chains and he's thanking the He's in chains and he's thanking the He's in chains and he's thanking the Philippians for their generous provision Philippians for their generous provision Philippians for their generous provision for his needs. In fact, he's rejoicing for his needs. In fact, he's rejoicing for his needs. In fact, he's rejoicing over them while his circumstances are over them while his circumstances are over them while his circumstances are probably what you and I would think are probably what you and I would think are probably what you and I would think are less than ideal. less than ideal. less than ideal. And the passage might feel a little And the passage might feel a little And the passage might feel a little strange. Might feel like a push and pull strange. Might feel like a push and pull strange. Might feel like a push and pull because he's thanking him, but he's because he's thanking him, but he's because he's thanking him, but he's saying, "I thank you, but I'm not in saying, "I thank you, but I'm not in saying, "I thank you, but I'm not in need because I have learned the secret need because I have learned the secret need because I have learned the secret of being content, but it's so great that of being content, but it's so great that of being content, but it's so great that you partner with me. It's not actually you partner with me. It's not actually you partner with me. It's not actually that I need anything from you, but I was that I need anything from you, but I was that I need anything from you, but I was so grateful that you gave me things. Now so grateful that you gave me things. Now so grateful that you gave me things. Now you supply for me fully." You might you supply for me fully." You might you supply for me fully." You might think, "Like, are you grateful or not? think, "Like, are you grateful or not? think, "Like, are you grateful or not? Like, what what's going on? I don't Like, what what's going on? I don't Like, what what's going on? I don't understand why you couldn't just say, understand why you couldn't just say, understand why you couldn't just say, 'Man, you guys were so gracious to me.

'Man, you guys were so gracious to me. 'Man, you guys were so gracious to me. Thank you.'" Thank you.'" Thank you.'" But Paul's doing this weird dance and in But Paul's doing this weird dance and in But Paul's doing this weird dance and in the end of it he's saying, "I'm so the end of it he's saying, "I'm so the end of it he's saying, "I'm so thankful that you partnered with me in thankful that you partnered with me in thankful that you partnered with me in the gospel the gospel the gospel because what you gave was an offering because what you gave was an offering because what you gave was an offering unto God unto God unto God and it met my needs. and it met my needs. and it met my needs. And we get to partner in the work of the And we get to partner in the work of the And we get to partner in the work of the kingdom and I know that God will meet kingdom and I know that God will meet kingdom and I know that God will meet your needs because he's given us your needs because he's given us your needs because he's given us everything in Christ." everything in Christ." everything in Christ." And this back and forth feeling, if you And this back and forth feeling, if you And this back and forth feeling, if you read it in the text, you're like, "Paul, read it in the text, you're like, "Paul, read it in the text, you're like, "Paul, come on, man. Just just say thank you." come on, man. Just just say thank you." come on, man. Just just say thank you." It's actually a very culturally specific It's actually a very culturally specific It's actually a very culturally specific thing that Paul is doing. thing that Paul is doing. thing that Paul is doing. And so I wanted to walk you through this And so I wanted to walk you through this And so I wanted to walk you through this because then in the Greco-Roman culture, because then in the Greco-Roman culture, because then in the Greco-Roman culture, there were patrons who would provide there were patrons who would provide there were patrons who would provide money. They would give financial support money. They would give financial support money. They would give financial support to people. People would receive that to people. People would receive that to people. People would receive that money and then there was this weird money and then there was this weird money and then there was this weird like, "Oh, we now have a hierarchy like, "Oh, we now have a hierarchy like, "Oh, we now have a hierarchy because you've given me money and I now because you've given me money and I now because you've given me money and I now am indebted to you." am indebted to you." am indebted to you." And so now there's a sense of repayment And so now there's a sense of repayment And so now there's a sense of repayment or of of owing them. or of of owing them. or of of owing them. And Paul renegotiates this and he And Paul renegotiates this and he And Paul renegotiates this and he changes the math cuz he anchors their changes the math cuz he anchors their changes the math cuz he anchors their partnership in the gospel. He clarifies partnership in the gospel. He clarifies partnership in the gospel. He clarifies their relationship. their relationship. their relationship. And he reframes their gifts as offerings And he reframes their gifts as offerings And he reframes their gifts as offerings unto God.

unto God. unto God. And he says, "I'm going to disciple you And he says, "I'm going to disciple you And he says, "I'm going to disciple you out of the Greek way of thinking into out of the Greek way of thinking into out of the Greek way of thinking into the Christian way of thinking." the Christian way of thinking." the Christian way of thinking." He says, "I'm so thankful that we could He says, "I'm so thankful that we could He says, "I'm so thankful that we could partner together, but our friendship our partner together, but our friendship our partner together, but our friendship our friendship is not in one in which I owe friendship is not in one in which I owe friendship is not in one in which I owe you because I'm indebted to you. Is that you because I'm indebted to you. Is that you because I'm indebted to you. Is that we're peers. we're peers. we're peers. We are partners in the gospel because we We are partners in the gospel because we We are partners in the gospel because we serve the same God. And in our serve the same God. And in our serve the same God. And in our partnership, we are working for the partnership, we are working for the partnership, we are working for the kingdom." So, he's thanks them and he kingdom." So, he's thanks them and he kingdom." So, he's thanks them and he says, says, says, "I rejoiced in the Lord that you renewed "I rejoiced in the Lord that you renewed "I rejoiced in the Lord that you renewed your care for me." That language is like your care for me." That language is like your care for me." That language is like a flower blossoming. a flower blossoming. a flower blossoming. "I rejoiced in the Lord that your care "I rejoiced in the Lord that your care "I rejoiced in the Lord that your care was renewed for me." In fact, I know you was renewed for me." In fact, I know you was renewed for me." In fact, I know you wanted to care for me, but for whatever wanted to care for me, but for whatever wanted to care for me, but for whatever circumstance whether it was mine or circumstance whether it was mine or circumstance whether it was mine or yours, you couldn't up until this point. yours, you couldn't up until this point. yours, you couldn't up until this point. You know the relief when you want to You know the relief when you want to You know the relief when you want to care for somebody and they won't let you care for somebody and they won't let you care for somebody and they won't let you or you can't? or you can't? or you can't? And then then then finally, you get to? And then then then finally, you get to? And then then then finally, you get to? It's like a burden that you're caring on It's like a burden that you're caring on It's like a burden that you're caring on behalf of someone else. Then when you behalf of someone else. Then when you behalf of someone else. Then when you get to give, it's like, "My joy is get to give, it's like, "My joy is get to give, it's like, "My joy is complete cuz I get to care for this complete cuz I get to care for this complete cuz I get to care for this person." person." person." And Paul is saying, "I know that you And Paul is saying, "I know that you And Paul is saying, "I know that you wanted to care for me. wanted to care for me. wanted to care for me. And I'm rejoicing in the fact that like And I'm rejoicing in the fact that like And I'm rejoicing in the fact that like you actually got to do it. And your you actually got to do it. And your you actually got to do it. And your heart is happy that you got to care for heart is happy that you got to care for heart is happy that you got to care for me."

me." me." And he's saying that I don't say this And he's saying that I don't say this And he's saying that I don't say this because I've gone without. So, don't be because I've gone without. So, don't be because I've gone without. So, don't be worried. It's like I haven't been worried. It's like I haven't been worried. It's like I haven't been waiting for your package and it's been waiting for your package and it's been waiting for your package and it's been delayed. I've been tracking your gift delayed. I've been tracking your gift delayed. I've been tracking your gift hoping when it would show up. He's hoping when it would show up. He's hoping when it would show up. He's saying, "I've been okay." saying, "I've been okay." saying, "I've been okay." And then in chains where Paul can't And then in chains where Paul can't And then in chains where Paul can't provide for himself, he says this verse provide for himself, he says this verse provide for himself, he says this verse which is so frustrating. He says, "I've which is so frustrating. He says, "I've which is so frustrating. He says, "I've learned to be content in whatever learned to be content in whatever learned to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself." circumstance I find myself." circumstance I find myself." "I know how to make do with little and "I know how to make do with little and "I know how to make do with little and make do with a lot. In any and all make do with a lot. In any and all make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances, I've learned the secret circumstances, I've learned the secret circumstances, I've learned the secret of being content of being content of being content whether well-fed or hungry, whether in whether well-fed or hungry, whether in whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need." abundance or in need." abundance or in need." I got two points for you today. The I got two points for you today. The I got two points for you today. The first one's really simple. It's this, first one's really simple. It's this, first one's really simple. It's this, learn the secret of being content. learn the secret of being content. learn the secret of being content. Most of you probably already know how to Most of you probably already know how to Most of you probably already know how to do this. I've been wrestling through it do this. I've been wrestling through it do this. I've been wrestling through it as I've studied for this. Just learn the as I've studied for this. Just learn the as I've studied for this. Just learn the secret of being content. secret of being content. secret of being content. As Paul is saying, I've learned it. As Paul is saying, I've learned it. As Paul is saying, I've learned it. And I think if there's any anybody And I think if there's any anybody And I think if there's any anybody besides Jesus in the New Testament who besides Jesus in the New Testament who besides Jesus in the New Testament who could say, could say, could say, I've enrolled in the school of I've enrolled in the school of I've enrolled in the school of suffering, suffering, suffering, and I've learned the secret of being and I've learned the secret of being and I've learned the secret of being content.

content. content. I think it's Paul. I think it's Paul. I think it's Paul. He's the only other one really to this He's the only other one really to this He's the only other one really to this degree cuz he told he tells us we've degree cuz he told he tells us we've degree cuz he told he tells us we've talked about this in 2 Corinthians 11, talked about this in 2 Corinthians 11, talked about this in 2 Corinthians 11, he shares what he's suffered for the he shares what he's suffered for the he shares what he's suffered for the sake of Christ. sake of Christ. sake of Christ. He says, "Five times I've received the He says, "Five times I've received the He says, "Five times I've received the 40 lashes minus one from the Jews. Three 40 lashes minus one from the Jews. Three 40 lashes minus one from the Jews. Three times beaten with rods, one time stoned, times beaten with rods, one time stoned, times beaten with rods, one time stoned, left for dead, three times shipwrecked, left for dead, three times shipwrecked, left for dead, three times shipwrecked, one day and night in the open sea, one day and night in the open sea, one day and night in the open sea, frequent dangers from rivers, robbers, frequent dangers from rivers, robbers, frequent dangers from rivers, robbers, his own people, Gentiles, the city, the his own people, Gentiles, the city, the his own people, Gentiles, the city, the wilderness, the sea, false brothers, wilderness, the sea, false brothers, wilderness, the sea, false brothers, toil and hardship, sleepless nights, toil and hardship, sleepless nights, toil and hardship, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, often without food, hunger, thirst, often without food, hunger, thirst, often without food, often cold, often without clothing." And here in Philippians he says, And here in Philippians he says, "I've been well-fed, and I've been "I've been well-fed, and I've been "I've been well-fed, and I've been hungry. hungry. hungry. I've had abundance, I've had abundance, I've had abundance, and I've had poverty. and I've had poverty. and I've had poverty. I know both sides of the spectrum, the I know both sides of the spectrum, the I know both sides of the spectrum, the good and the bad, and I know how to be good and the bad, and I know how to be good and the bad, and I know how to be content wherever I find myself."

content wherever I find myself." content wherever I find myself." This language that Paul uses of I've This language that Paul uses of I've This language that Paul uses of I've learned the secret is kind of language learned the secret is kind of language learned the secret is kind of language about like you've been initiated through about like you've been initiated through about like you've been initiated through a rite of passage. a rite of passage. a rite of passage. Like you know the secret handshake to Like you know the secret handshake to Like you know the secret handshake to get into the club. That's what he's get into the club. That's what he's get into the club. That's what he's saying. saying. saying. So he's saying, "I've been initiated So he's saying, "I've been initiated So he's saying, "I've been initiated into the club of contentment. into the club of contentment. into the club of contentment. I've learned it. I've learned it. I've learned it. I've feasted and I've starved. I've I've feasted and I've starved. I've I've feasted and I've starved. I've rested, I've been beaten, and I've found rested, I've been beaten, and I've found rested, I've been beaten, and I've found real life. real life. real life. And it's not in my circumstances. And it's not in my circumstances. And it's not in my circumstances. It's in Christ. It's in Christ. It's in Christ. So long before Simon and Garfunkel, So long before Simon and Garfunkel, So long before Simon and Garfunkel, Greek culture had this idea in stoicism Greek culture had this idea in stoicism Greek culture had this idea in stoicism of what it was to be content. of what it was to be content. of what it was to be content. An idea of self-sufficiency that the An idea of self-sufficiency that the An idea of self-sufficiency that the goal was to become an emotional rock. goal was to become an emotional rock. goal was to become an emotional rock. An island. An island. An island. Where you can't be bothered by anything Where you can't be bothered by anything Where you can't be bothered by anything outside of you. outside of you. outside of you. So, no matter your circumstance, you So, no matter your circumstance, you So, no matter your circumstance, you remain unmoved. You have what you need remain unmoved. You have what you need remain unmoved. You have what you need within yourself to be content. Stoics within yourself to be content. Stoics within yourself to be content. Stoics would say, "I don't have to have a lot. would say, "I don't have to have a lot. would say, "I don't have to have a lot. I could have a lot, I could have a I could have a lot, I could have a I could have a lot, I could have a little. It doesn't matter because I've little. It doesn't matter because I've little. It doesn't matter because I've learned contentment.

learned contentment. learned contentment. I've learned that I can trust myself, I've learned that I can trust myself, I've learned that I can trust myself, and that I have strength inside of and that I have strength inside of and that I have strength inside of myself to be unchanged and unaffected by myself to be unchanged and unaffected by myself to be unchanged and unaffected by what's going on outside of me. That's what's going on outside of me. That's what's going on outside of me. That's how I will survive. That's how I'll make how I will survive. That's how I'll make how I will survive. That's how I'll make it through. And I'll tell you what, in it through. And I'll tell you what, in it through. And I'll tell you what, in the last decade, this view has become the last decade, this view has become the last decade, this view has become very popular among young men. very popular among young men. very popular among young men. Stoicism has been on the rise. Stoicism has been on the rise. Stoicism has been on the rise. To say, "All I have to do is be content To say, "All I have to do is be content To say, "All I have to do is be content inside of me, and be unaffected by inside of me, and be unaffected by inside of me, and be unaffected by people outside of me, and I can find people outside of me, and I can find people outside of me, and I can find peace." peace." peace." But, I got to tell you, Christian, But, I got to tell you, Christian, But, I got to tell you, Christian, that's not what Paul is saying. that's not what Paul is saying. that's not what Paul is saying. Like, Paul takes a concept and turns it Like, Paul takes a concept and turns it Like, Paul takes a concept and turns it inside out because he's saying, "I have inside out because he's saying, "I have inside out because he's saying, "I have learned the secret, and the secret is learned the secret, and the secret is learned the secret, and the secret is not in myself. not in myself. not in myself. Not in my will, my strength, or my Not in my will, my strength, or my Not in my will, my strength, or my circumstance. The secret is that I can circumstance. The secret is that I can circumstance. The secret is that I can do all things through Christ as he gives do all things through Christ as he gives do all things through Christ as he gives me strength." me strength." me strength." And that's verse 13, which might be one And that's verse 13, which might be one And that's verse 13, which might be one of the most often misquoted out of of the most often misquoted out of of the most often misquoted out of context verses you're going to see. context verses you're going to see. context verses you're going to see. And you all know it. And you all know it. And you all know it. I am able to do all things through him I am able to do all things through him I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

who strengthens me. who strengthens me. I can score this touchdown. I can score this touchdown. I can score this touchdown. I can pass this test. I can get this I can pass this test. I can get this I can pass this test. I can get this job. I can endure this trial. But, in job. I can endure this trial. But, in job. I can endure this trial. But, in reality, it's very specific in its reality, it's very specific in its reality, it's very specific in its context. Real contentment is not a virtue to be Real contentment is not a virtue to be learned. learned. learned. It's a posture to be embraced. It's a posture to be embraced. It's a posture to be embraced. It's not a virtue you learn, it's a It's not a virtue you learn, it's a It's not a virtue you learn, it's a posture you embrace. It's not a muscle posture you embrace. It's not a muscle posture you embrace. It's not a muscle you develop, it's a dependence built on you develop, it's a dependence built on you develop, it's a dependence built on trust. Paul says, "I've learned the secret. I Paul says, "I've learned the secret. I can be content because I understand that can be content because I understand that can be content because I understand that I belong to Christ. I am his and I belong to Christ. I am his and I belong to Christ. I am his and therefore I'm going to be all right. therefore I'm going to be all right. therefore I'm going to be all right. If I have him, what else do I really If I have him, what else do I really If I have him, what else do I really need?" need?" need?" And when it comes to this conversation, And when it comes to this conversation, And when it comes to this conversation, when it comes to enduring hardship, it when it comes to enduring hardship, it when it comes to enduring hardship, it can be common for Christians to think can be common for Christians to think can be common for Christians to think stoically, but you baptize it. stoically, but you baptize it. stoically, but you baptize it. You think, "Well, I'm a Christian, so You think, "Well, I'm a Christian, so You think, "Well, I'm a Christian, so why am I discontent? why am I discontent? why am I discontent? Jesus tells me I should be happy. I know Jesus tells me I should be happy. I know Jesus tells me I should be happy. I know I should be happy. I should just accept I should be happy. I should just accept I should be happy. I should just accept what I get. So, what's wrong with me? what I get. So, what's wrong with me? what I get. So, what's wrong with me? So, I'm just going to white-knuckle So, I'm just going to white-knuckle So, I'm just going to white-knuckle through my discontentment. Like I'm just through my discontentment. Like I'm just through my discontentment. Like I'm just going to hold on, going to hold on, going to hold on, tell myself I shouldn't want better, tell myself I shouldn't want better, tell myself I shouldn't want better, and hope I make it out alive."

and hope I make it out alive." and hope I make it out alive." That's not what Paul is saying. That's not what Paul is saying. That's not what Paul is saying. Like Paul is not asking for you to try Like Paul is not asking for you to try Like Paul is not asking for you to try harder and white-knuckle your way harder and white-knuckle your way harder and white-knuckle your way through discontent. through discontent. through discontent. He's not telling you to become a rock or He's not telling you to become a rock or He's not telling you to become a rock or an island because you know what happens an island because you know what happens an island because you know what happens when you do that? when you do that? when you do that? Like you do that long enough, you start Like you do that long enough, you start Like you do that long enough, you start to resent God. to resent God. to resent God. You start to question God's provision in You start to question God's provision in You start to question God's provision in your life. You doubt that he's good for your life. You doubt that he's good for your life. You doubt that he's good for you or good good to you you or good good to you you or good good to you and loves you and loves you and loves you because you're doing something he never because you're doing something he never because you're doing something he never asked you to do. asked you to do. asked you to do. You are white-knuckling your way through You are white-knuckling your way through You are white-knuckling your way through hardship apart from him. But Paul tells you to recognize your But Paul tells you to recognize your need and depend upon Christ. Paul's not need and depend upon Christ. Paul's not need and depend upon Christ. Paul's not asking you to try and be something other asking you to try and be something other asking you to try and be something other than what you are. than what you are. than what you are. And as a Christian, you are united to And as a Christian, you are united to And as a Christian, you are united to Christ. Christ. Christ. I was thinking about this. It's like I was thinking about this. It's like I was thinking about this. It's like you're in the room with God, hardship you're in the room with God, hardship you're in the room with God, hardship comes, you're struggling with comes, you're struggling with comes, you're struggling with discontentment, God is here, and you discontentment, God is here, and you discontentment, God is here, and you picture yourself over here, and he's picture yourself over here, and he's picture yourself over here, and he's like, "Okay, yeah, just figure it out. like, "Okay, yeah, just figure it out. like, "Okay, yeah, just figure it out. Like I gave you everything you need. Like I gave you everything you need. Like I gave you everything you need. Just figure it out. Like why are you Just figure it out. Like why are you Just figure it out. Like why are you struggling so hard?" And you're like, "I struggling so hard?" And you're like, "I struggling so hard?" And you're like, "I know.

know. know. I'm trying, but it's really hard." That I'm trying, but it's really hard." That I'm trying, but it's really hard." That That is not what we believe as That is not what we believe as That is not what we believe as Christians. Christians. Christians. What we believe as Christians is in your What we believe as Christians is in your What we believe as Christians is in your struggling, in your discontent, you struggling, in your discontent, you struggling, in your discontent, you abide and depend upon Jesus, and God has abide and depend upon Jesus, and God has abide and depend upon Jesus, and God has done a lot of work on his behalf to come done a lot of work on his behalf to come done a lot of work on his behalf to come to you to unite you to himself. to you to unite you to himself. to you to unite you to himself. To put his spirit in you. To put his spirit in you. To put his spirit in you. That he might sustain you if you would That he might sustain you if you would That he might sustain you if you would depend upon him. depend upon him. depend upon him. But we go about fighting it like we have But we go about fighting it like we have But we go about fighting it like we have to do it on our own cuz we think, "Well, to do it on our own cuz we think, "Well, to do it on our own cuz we think, "Well, you've given me this, so I've got to go you've given me this, so I've got to go you've given me this, so I've got to go do it." He's saying, "No, I've given you do it." He's saying, "No, I've given you do it." He's saying, "No, I've given you my spirit in you." my spirit in you." my spirit in you." Depend upon me. Depend upon me. Depend upon me. So, sometimes I summarize the passage So, sometimes I summarize the passage So, sometimes I summarize the passage for myself and I call it the Mason King for myself and I call it the Mason King for myself and I call it the Mason King version or the MKV. And if you would if version or the MKV. And if you would if version or the MKV. And if you would if you would indulge me, I this is what I you would indulge me, I this is what I you would indulge me, I this is what I think Paul Paul is saying. think Paul Paul is saying. think Paul Paul is saying. He says, "I've learned I can be okay. He says, "I've learned I can be okay. He says, "I've learned I can be okay. I can find stability and security I can find stability and security I can find stability and security despite whatever circumstance comes my despite whatever circumstance comes my despite whatever circumstance comes my way as I depend moment by moment upon way as I depend moment by moment upon way as I depend moment by moment upon Christ who is my treasure Christ who is my treasure Christ who is my treasure because he infuses me with his strength.

because he infuses me with his strength. because he infuses me with his strength. I've learned to be okay. I can find I've learned to be okay. I can find I've learned to be okay. I can find stability and security despite whatever stability and security despite whatever stability and security despite whatever circumstance comes my way as I depend circumstance comes my way as I depend circumstance comes my way as I depend moment by moment upon Christ who is my moment by moment upon Christ who is my moment by moment upon Christ who is my treasure treasure treasure because he infuses me with his because he infuses me with his because he infuses me with his strength." strength." strength." The secret Paul learns is to lean into The secret Paul learns is to lean into The secret Paul learns is to lean into Christ as Christ actively clothes and Christ as Christ actively clothes and Christ as Christ actively clothes and infuses him with strength. And clothes infuses him with strength. And clothes infuses him with strength. And clothes and infuses you with strength. and infuses you with strength. and infuses you with strength. So, that you can actively meet the So, that you can actively meet the So, that you can actively meet the moment. You're not living in the past, moment. You're not living in the past, moment. You're not living in the past, you're not looking in the future, you're you're not looking in the future, you're you're not looking in the future, you're in the moment depending upon Christ in the moment depending upon Christ in the moment depending upon Christ knowing that he will be faithful to you. knowing that he will be faithful to you. knowing that he will be faithful to you. God knows our frame, he knows our God knows our frame, he knows our God knows our frame, he knows our weakness, he knows that we need him. weakness, he knows that we need him. weakness, he knows that we need him. And he's given us abundance in Jesus. And he's given us abundance in Jesus. And he's given us abundance in Jesus. But we depend upon him. But we depend upon him. But we depend upon him. And uh And uh And uh discontentment is rough. discontentment is rough. discontentment is rough. I'll say from my own experience, I hate I'll say from my own experience, I hate I'll say from my own experience, I hate it. it. it. I hate it. I hate being unhappy with I hate it. I hate being unhappy with I hate it. I hate being unhappy with what I have. what I have. what I have. I was like, "Man, could you just have a I was like, "Man, could you just have a I was like, "Man, could you just have a grateful heart and enjoy life? It'd be a grateful heart and enjoy life? It'd be a grateful heart and enjoy life? It'd be a lot easier."

lot easier." lot easier." But I feel that discontentment is rough But I feel that discontentment is rough But I feel that discontentment is rough because no one is immune. because no one is immune. because no one is immune. Like nobody. It cuts both ways, can Like nobody. It cuts both ways, can Like nobody. It cuts both ways, can bleed into every circumstance, and I bleed into every circumstance, and I bleed into every circumstance, and I really think it starts on the really think it starts on the really think it starts on the playground. playground. playground. Like I got in fights in preschool. I was Like I got in fights in preschool. I was Like I got in fights in preschool. I was like, "I want your toy cuz my toy sucks like, "I want your toy cuz my toy sucks like, "I want your toy cuz my toy sucks compared to what you have." compared to what you have." compared to what you have." So I don't want this one anymore. I want So I don't want this one anymore. I want So I don't want this one anymore. I want yours. Give it to me. yours. Give it to me. yours. Give it to me. And then it just grows into us more and And then it just grows into us more and And then it just grows into us more and more as we get bigger. We just hide it more as we get bigger. We just hide it more as we get bigger. We just hide it better. But here's the thing. Like you can have But here's the thing. Like you can have a lot a lot a lot and you want more. and you want more. and you want more. You can have a little and you want what You can have a little and you want what You can have a little and you want what others have. others have. others have. And then you envy. And all of the sudden And then you envy. And all of the sudden And then you envy. And all of the sudden what you have like what do you have is what you have like what do you have is what you have like what do you have is fine until you got on Insta- got on fine until you got on Insta- got on fine until you got on Insta- got on Instagram and then saw what other people Instagram and then saw what other people Instagram and then saw what other people had and you're like, had and you're like, had and you're like, "My vacation was terrible. "My vacation was terrible. "My vacation was terrible. Their vacation looks awesome. You got to Their vacation looks awesome. You got to Their vacation looks awesome. You got to take a vacation. My kid My vacation was take a vacation. My kid My vacation was take a vacation. My kid My vacation was terrible. Their vacation looks great." terrible. Their vacation looks great." terrible. Their vacation looks great." And you're discontent. And you're discontent. And you're discontent. But in every dimension of our lives, But in every dimension of our lives, But in every dimension of our lives, you can be tempted towards discontent if you can be tempted towards discontent if you can be tempted towards discontent if you don't learn the secret.

you don't learn the secret. you don't learn the secret. Paul tells Timothy that godliness with Paul tells Timothy that godliness with Paul tells Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain. contentment is great gain. contentment is great gain. Not godliness and great gain is Not godliness and great gain is Not godliness and great gain is contentment. contentment. contentment. Godliness with contentment is great Godliness with contentment is great Godliness with contentment is great gain. Paul tells us the better thing for gain. Paul tells us the better thing for gain. Paul tells us the better thing for us is not to get more or different, it's us is not to get more or different, it's us is not to get more or different, it's to get Jesus. to get Jesus. to get Jesus. And so here's Paul in chapter 3. And And so here's Paul in chapter 3. And And so here's Paul in chapter 3. And this is the amplified version. For 20 this is the amplified version. For 20 this is the amplified version. For 20 years I have loved this translation of years I have loved this translation of years I have loved this translation of this passage. So stick with me, okay? this passage. So stick with me, okay? this passage. So stick with me, okay? It's a little longer. It's a little longer. It's a little longer. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Paul says this. "But whatever former >> Paul says this. "But whatever former >> Paul says this. "But whatever former things were gains to me, as I thought things were gains to me, as I thought things were gains to me, as I thought then, these things, once regarded as then, these things, once regarded as then, these things, once regarded as advancements in merit, I have come to advancements in merit, I have come to advancements in merit, I have come to consider as loss or absolutely worthless consider as loss or absolutely worthless consider as loss or absolutely worthless for the sake of Christ and the purpose for the sake of Christ and the purpose for the sake of Christ and the purpose which he has given my life. which he has given my life. which he has given my life. But more than that, I count everything But more than that, I count everything But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless as loss compared to the priceless as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of privilege and supreme advantage of privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. And of growing more deeply and And of growing more deeply and And of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with him, a joy thoroughly acquainted with him, a joy thoroughly acquainted with him, a joy unequaled. unequaled. unequaled. For his sake, I have lost everything.

For his sake, I have lost everything. For his sake, I have lost everything. And I consider it all garbage, so that I And I consider it all garbage, so that I And I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in may gain Christ, and may be found in may gain Christ, and may be found in him, believing and relying on him, not him, believing and relying on him, not him, believing and relying on him, not having any righteousness of my own having any righteousness of my own having any righteousness of my own derived from my obedience to the law and derived from my obedience to the law and derived from my obedience to the law and its rituals, but possessing that genuine its rituals, but possessing that genuine its rituals, but possessing that genuine righteousness which comes through faith righteousness which comes through faith righteousness which comes through faith in Christ. in Christ. in Christ. The righteousness which comes from God The righteousness which comes from God The righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. on the basis of faith. on the basis of faith. In this, all of this, in this, so that I In this, all of this, in this, so that I In this, all of this, in this, so that I may know him. may know him. may know him. Experientially. Experientially. Experientially. Becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Becoming more thoroughly acquainted with him, understanding the remarkable him, understanding the remarkable him, understanding the remarkable wonders of his person more completely, wonders of his person more completely, wonders of his person more completely, in that same way experience the power of in that same way experience the power of in that same way experience the power of his resurrection, which overflows and is his resurrection, which overflows and is his resurrection, which overflows and is active in believers, and that I may active in believers, and that I may active in believers, and that I may share the fellowship of his sufferings share the fellowship of his sufferings share the fellowship of his sufferings by being continually conformed inwardly by being continually conformed inwardly by being continually conformed inwardly into his likeness, even to his death, into his likeness, even to his death, into his likeness, even to his death, dying as he did. dying as he did. dying as he did. Paul says, "I've found the secret Paul says, "I've found the secret Paul says, "I've found the secret that I may know him.

that I may know him. that I may know him. Him alone, that he is my treasure." He Him alone, that he is my treasure." He Him alone, that he is my treasure." He says, "I count everything as lost says, "I count everything as lost says, "I count everything as lost compared to the priceless privilege, compared to the priceless privilege, compared to the priceless privilege, supreme advantage of knowing Christ supreme advantage of knowing Christ supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, and growing more deeply Jesus my Lord, and growing more deeply Jesus my Lord, and growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with him, a and thoroughly acquainted with him, a and thoroughly acquainted with him, a joy unequaled." Like that fires me up. Like that fires me up. That Christ would be our treasure, and That Christ would be our treasure, and That Christ would be our treasure, and you would think that I might know him. you would think that I might know him. you would think that I might know him. And then I think And then I think And then I think I've fallen short of this all the time. I've fallen short of this all the time. I've fallen short of this all the time. And when I saw the passage I'd be And when I saw the passage I'd be And when I saw the passage I'd be preaching for this weekend, I got a preaching for this weekend, I got a preaching for this weekend, I got a text, it was like, "Hey, do you want to text, it was like, "Hey, do you want to text, it was like, "Hey, do you want to preach this weekend?" And I looked at preach this weekend?" And I looked at preach this weekend?" And I looked at it, I said, "Yes." And then I looked at it, I said, "Yes." And then I looked at it, I said, "Yes." And then I looked at it, and I was like, "Oh. it, and I was like, "Oh. it, and I was like, "Oh. Okay. All right, Lord. Okay. All right, Lord. Okay. All right, Lord. Um Um Um because I knew the Lord had it for me. Like what I get to bring you today out Like what I get to bring you today out of this is because I was studying and of this is because I was studying and of this is because I was studying and praying considering the text and it felt praying considering the text and it felt praying considering the text and it felt like peeling an onion except the onion like peeling an onion except the onion like peeling an onion except the onion was my heart. was my heart. was my heart. And the study was just like hey like And the study was just like hey like And the study was just like hey like layer after layer of discontentment layer after layer of discontentment layer after layer of discontentment exposed in my own heart.

exposed in my own heart. exposed in my own heart. Where my discontentment had driven me to Where my discontentment had driven me to Where my discontentment had driven me to or allowed me to devalue Christ. or allowed me to devalue Christ. or allowed me to devalue Christ. To doubt the hand of God. To doubt the hand of God. To doubt the hand of God. And just my own repenting. And just my own repenting. And just my own repenting. Just forgive me Lord knowing there's Just forgive me Lord knowing there's Just forgive me Lord knowing there's grace but not being shamed just going grace but not being shamed just going grace but not being shamed just going all right Lord like just going to all right Lord like just going to all right Lord like just going to confess and repent. confess and repent. confess and repent. Because even in the exposure the Because even in the exposure the Because even in the exposure the exposure is a gift to call us forward. exposure is a gift to call us forward. exposure is a gift to call us forward. To say he is your treasure. He is what To say he is your treasure. He is what To say he is your treasure. He is what you really want. In your discontent you really want. In your discontent you really want. In your discontent realize what you have. realize what you have. realize what you have. Who you have. And in seasons of life I have let my And in seasons of life I have let my desires my concerns comparison and envy desires my concerns comparison and envy desires my concerns comparison and envy diminish and devalue my confession and diminish and devalue my confession and diminish and devalue my confession and my grasp of that priceless privilege and my grasp of that priceless privilege and my grasp of that priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ supreme advantage of knowing Christ supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Jesus my Lord. Jesus my Lord. I've let it all swirl around in my heart I've let it all swirl around in my heart I've let it all swirl around in my heart and steal my contentment in Christ. and steal my contentment in Christ. and steal my contentment in Christ. And so easy to do. And so easy to do. And so easy to do. It's so easy to do for us Christians.

It's so easy to do for us Christians. It's so easy to do for us Christians. Because contentment is not innate to us. Because contentment is not innate to us. Because contentment is not innate to us. Like you don't get in the water and get Like you don't get in the water and get Like you don't get in the water and get baptized and walk out like fully baptized and walk out like fully baptized and walk out like fully content. content. content. That would be awesome. That would be awesome. That would be awesome. That would be great. It's a posture of dependence and a trust It's a posture of dependence and a trust that we have to or we have to learn. And you have to grow into it which means And you have to grow into it which means you have to grow out of something. you have to grow out of something. you have to grow out of something. Like you have to grow out of discontent Like you have to grow out of discontent Like you have to grow out of discontent of distrust of grumbling against your of distrust of grumbling against your of distrust of grumbling against your provider who actually does know what's provider who actually does know what's provider who actually does know what's good for you. good for you. good for you. Because everything that comes into our Because everything that comes into our Because everything that comes into our lives comes through the hands of God. lives comes through the hands of God. lives comes through the hands of God. There is no circumstance, no thing that There is no circumstance, no thing that There is no circumstance, no thing that comes to us that doesn't pass through comes to us that doesn't pass through comes to us that doesn't pass through God's sovereign providential hands, God's sovereign providential hands, God's sovereign providential hands, whatever that circumstance might be. whatever that circumstance might be. whatever that circumstance might be. And that is hard to accept sometimes. And that is hard to accept sometimes. And that is hard to accept sometimes. But we compare and we strive and we But we compare and we strive and we But we compare and we strive and we build storehouses. build storehouses. build storehouses. It's in our fallen nature to be It's in our fallen nature to be It's in our fallen nature to be discontent with our circumstances, to discontent with our circumstances, to discontent with our circumstances, to find security and stability in what we find security and stability in what we find security and stability in what we have, what we can buy, what we can have, what we can buy, what we can have, what we can buy, what we can provide, or what we can save. Like provide, or what we can save. Like provide, or what we can save. Like Calvin called our hearts little idol Calvin called our hearts little idol Calvin called our hearts little idol factories, just making little idols that factories, just making little idols that factories, just making little idols that we could worship we could worship we could worship and following them.

and following them. and following them. Finding new things all the time. Finding new things all the time. Finding new things all the time. And the world, the flesh, and the devil And the world, the flesh, and the devil And the world, the flesh, and the devil are against your contentment in Christ. are against your contentment in Christ. are against your contentment in Christ. They are against your contentment in They are against your contentment in They are against your contentment in Christ. So, they fight for you to Christ. So, they fight for you to Christ. So, they fight for you to distrust God's hand. distrust God's hand. distrust God's hand. And discontentment for a Christian looks And discontentment for a Christian looks And discontentment for a Christian looks like grumbling. Looks like grumbling. Looks like grumbling. It's a murmuring heart. It's a murmuring heart. It's a murmuring heart. It doubts God's provision and It doubts God's provision and It doubts God's provision and providence. It compares, it envies, and providence. It compares, it envies, and providence. It compares, it envies, and agrees with the whispers that would say, agrees with the whispers that would say, agrees with the whispers that would say, "If you just had a little more, you'd be "If you just had a little more, you'd be "If you just had a little more, you'd be a little happier. a little happier. a little happier. You'd be a little more content. If You'd be a little more content. If You'd be a little more content. If things were different, I'd be okay." things were different, I'd be okay." things were different, I'd be okay." And this is when our hearts start to And this is when our hearts start to And this is when our hearts start to treasure Christ less because we're treasure Christ less because we're treasure Christ less because we're trusting in what we don't have. trusting in what we don't have. trusting in what we don't have. Because discontentment chokes out Because discontentment chokes out Because discontentment chokes out gratitude. gratitude. gratitude. The Puritan Thomas Watson said that The Puritan Thomas Watson said that The Puritan Thomas Watson said that Satan loves to fish in the troubled Satan loves to fish in the troubled Satan loves to fish in the troubled waters of a discontented heart. waters of a discontented heart. waters of a discontented heart. Satan loves to fish in the troubled Satan loves to fish in the troubled Satan loves to fish in the troubled waters of a discontented heart.

waters of a discontented heart. waters of a discontented heart. He goes on to say that a discontented, He goes on to say that a discontented, He goes on to say that a discontented, murmuring heart opens itself to many murmuring heart opens itself to many murmuring heart opens itself to many temptations. temptations. temptations. Do you know what I mean by a murmuring Do you know what I mean by a murmuring Do you know what I mean by a murmuring heart? heart? heart? You know the grumbling that you do to You know the grumbling that you do to You know the grumbling that you do to yourself cuz you're not bold enough to yourself cuz you're not bold enough to yourself cuz you're not bold enough to just outright yell at God. just outright yell at God. just outright yell at God. That you're just kind of like I wish That you're just kind of like I wish That you're just kind of like I wish like I wish it was like I wish it was like I wish it was I wish it was different. I'm upset about I wish it was different. I'm upset about I wish it was different. I'm upset about this, but I can't Like a good this, but I can't Like a good this, but I can't Like a good Christian's not going to really voice Christian's not going to really voice Christian's not going to really voice that out loud, so I'm just going to like that out loud, so I'm just going to like that out loud, so I'm just going to like grumble grumble grumble and complain and complain and complain and be dissatisfied. I'm going to sin against God by doing I'm going to sin against God by doing this this this and let my heart churn with discontent. And discontentment is baked into our And discontentment is baked into our culture. culture. culture. I think you're aware of this, but we all I think you're aware of this, but we all I think you're aware of this, but we all act like it's not. Much of our economy act like it's not. Much of our economy act like it's not. Much of our economy is built on engineered discontent. is built on engineered discontent. is built on engineered discontent. Like there are whole industries built Like there are whole industries built Like there are whole industries built upon cultivating dissatisfaction. upon cultivating dissatisfaction. upon cultivating dissatisfaction. For the last century, advertising has For the last century, advertising has For the last century, advertising has become increasingly adept at provoking become increasingly adept at provoking become increasingly adept at provoking discontent just to get your money.

discontent just to get your money. discontent just to get your money. Like in 1925, the aim was to keep the Like in 1925, the aim was to keep the Like in 1925, the aim was to keep the consumer dissatisfied. Stated aim. consumer dissatisfied. Stated aim. consumer dissatisfied. Stated aim. In 1954, advertisers were saying, "Hey, In 1954, advertisers were saying, "Hey, In 1954, advertisers were saying, "Hey, your goal is to make the buyer want your goal is to make the buyer want your goal is to make the buyer want something a little newer, a little something a little newer, a little something a little newer, a little nicer, a little sooner than they nicer, a little sooner than they nicer, a little sooner than they should." should." should." It's 1954. It's 1954. It's 1954. How many of you have bought a new iPhone How many of you have bought a new iPhone How many of you have bought a new iPhone recently? Think your old one still works? Think your old one still works? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But you want something a little newer, a But you want something a little newer, a But you want something a little newer, a little nicer, a little sooner than you little nicer, a little sooner than you little nicer, a little sooner than you should. should. should. And then you keep the box for years. I And then you keep the box for years. I And then you keep the box for years. I don't don't don't I don't understand. I don't understand. I don't understand. In the 1990s, In the 1990s, In the 1990s, advertisers moved to getting your advertisers moved to getting your advertisers moved to getting your attention by triggering the same thing attention by triggering the same thing attention by triggering the same thing that slot machines do. that slot machines do. that slot machines do. They maximize desire and under-deliver They maximize desire and under-deliver They maximize desire and under-deliver satisfaction. satisfaction. satisfaction. They maximize desire and under-deliver They maximize desire and under-deliver They maximize desire and under-deliver satisfaction, which You all know this. satisfaction, which You all know this. satisfaction, which You all know this. It's why the very things, those glowing It's why the very things, those glowing It's why the very things, those glowing rectangles that you keep in your pocket, rectangles that you keep in your pocket, rectangles that you keep in your pocket, it's why they're full of ads. it's why they're full of ads. it's why they're full of ads. Because what they're doing is selling Because what they're doing is selling Because what they're doing is selling our attention by maximizing desire and our attention by maximizing desire and our attention by maximizing desire and under-delivering satisfaction.

under-delivering satisfaction. under-delivering satisfaction. It's why they're so addictive. It's why they're so addictive. It's why they're so addictive. You've ever been at stop light and you You've ever been at stop light and you You've ever been at stop light and you find the phone in your hand? find the phone in your hand? find the phone in your hand? And you're like, "Why is it here? I I And you're like, "Why is it here? I I And you're like, "Why is it here? I I just looked at it 45 seconds ago while I just looked at it 45 seconds ago while I just looked at it 45 seconds ago while I was driving, which I shouldn't have." was driving, which I shouldn't have." was driving, which I shouldn't have." We are in these constant loops of We are in these constant loops of We are in these constant loops of checking, and what is happening is we checking, and what is happening is we checking, and what is happening is we are being conditioned to look for are being conditioned to look for are being conditioned to look for satisfaction in a place that is designed satisfaction in a place that is designed satisfaction in a place that is designed to not deliver it. to not deliver it. to not deliver it. It is designed to make you thirsty, and It is designed to make you thirsty, and It is designed to make you thirsty, and it will never give you water. it will never give you water. it will never give you water. And we're being conditioned to go back And we're being conditioned to go back And we're being conditioned to go back to it again and again. And I get so to it again and again. And I get so to it again and again. And I get so frustrated with this, like it really frustrated with this, like it really frustrated with this, like it really makes me mad. makes me mad. makes me mad. Because it takes who you are, made in Because it takes who you are, made in Because it takes who you are, made in God's image, the glorious design of you God's image, the glorious design of you God's image, the glorious design of you as a person, able to comprehend and do as a person, able to comprehend and do as a person, able to comprehend and do marvelous things. It takes all of who marvelous things. It takes all of who marvelous things. It takes all of who you are, made in the imago Dei, and it you are, made in the imago Dei, and it you are, made in the imago Dei, and it reduces your attention and manipulates reduces your attention and manipulates reduces your attention and manipulates it it it and makes you purchasing power. and makes you purchasing power. and makes you purchasing power. That's it. That's it. That's it. Like that should be really offensive to Like that should be really offensive to Like that should be really offensive to you. you. you. It reduces the imago Dei just so you can It reduces the imago Dei just so you can It reduces the imago Dei just so you can buy something for somebody else's bottom buy something for somebody else's bottom buy something for somebody else's bottom line.

line. line. And all the ads and lies succeed when And all the ads and lies succeed when And all the ads and lies succeed when desire for more takes root in your desire for more takes root in your desire for more takes root in your heart. heart. heart. And it's not the first ad because you're And it's not the first ad because you're And it's not the first ad because you're smart enough to not go for the first ad, smart enough to not go for the first ad, smart enough to not go for the first ad, and they know that. and they know that. and they know that. Which is why it's the 10th ad. Which is why it's the 10th ad. Which is why it's the 10th ad. It's just a constant drip on your heart. It's just a constant drip on your heart. It's just a constant drip on your heart. And then eventually you're like, "Well, And then eventually you're like, "Well, And then eventually you're like, "Well, I thought that thing was crazy the first I thought that thing was crazy the first I thought that thing was crazy the first time, but now I can't live without it. time, but now I can't live without it. time, but now I can't live without it. So, yes, let's go. So, yes, let's go. So, yes, let's go. It's coming Tuesday." It's coming Tuesday." It's coming Tuesday." Like that's Like that's Like that's that's how it gets us. that's how it gets us. that's how it gets us. And that's the lie, a little more And that's the lie, a little more And that's the lie, a little more you'll be a little more happier, a you'll be a little more happier, a you'll be a little more happier, a little more content. little more content. little more content. Or you have what it takes within Or you have what it takes within Or you have what it takes within yourself to fix this, you just need more yourself to fix this, you just need more yourself to fix this, you just need more information. information. information. You just need to write the right prompt. You just need to write the right prompt. You just need to write the right prompt. You just need to figure out how to ask You just need to figure out how to ask You just need to figure out how to ask and you'll get it, and then you can get and you'll get it, and then you can get and you'll get it, and then you can get this thing which will fix your problem. this thing which will fix your problem. this thing which will fix your problem. And we keep searching and looking. And we keep searching and looking. And we keep searching and looking. But the thing is, like in my experience, But the thing is, like in my experience, But the thing is, like in my experience, when you get the thing, when you get the thing, when you get the thing, you feel good for a hot minute, you feel good for a hot minute, you feel good for a hot minute, and then you're still you.

and then you're still you. and then you're still you. How about you? How about you? How about you? Yeah, like you get it and you feel good Yeah, like you get it and you feel good Yeah, like you get it and you feel good and you realize, and you realize, and you realize, "Yeah, that's actually I know this "Yeah, that's actually I know this "Yeah, that's actually I know this feeling cuz I've done this a thousand feeling cuz I've done this a thousand feeling cuz I've done this a thousand times so far and it's never really paid times so far and it's never really paid times so far and it's never really paid off." off." off." Just keep shelling out money though so Just keep shelling out money though so Just keep shelling out money though so I'd feel different. I'd feel different. I'd feel different. And my heart is still discontent. And it's because our heart is churning And it's because our heart is churning because desires keep multiplying. because desires keep multiplying. because desires keep multiplying. And a churning heart full of discontent And a churning heart full of discontent And a churning heart full of discontent doesn't have Christ as its treasure. doesn't have Christ as its treasure. doesn't have Christ as its treasure. A churning heart full of discontent does A churning heart full of discontent does A churning heart full of discontent does not have Christ as its treasure. It not have Christ as its treasure. It not have Christ as its treasure. It can't can't can't because it's too busy chasing the world. because it's too busy chasing the world. because it's too busy chasing the world. Your heart won't get quiet when you Your heart won't get quiet when you Your heart won't get quiet when you change your life enough, buy all the change your life enough, buy all the change your life enough, buy all the things, or chase all the desires. It things, or chase all the desires. It things, or chase all the desires. It won't. There will just be more and that's the There will just be more and that's the game. game. game. Like sometimes it's not as obvious as Like sometimes it's not as obvious as Like sometimes it's not as obvious as you blowing up your life by losing you blowing up your life by losing you blowing up your life by losing everything gambling, everything gambling, everything gambling, but it is the steady drip of Amazon but it is the steady drip of Amazon but it is the steady drip of Amazon boxes. boxes. boxes. It is credit card debt.

It is credit card debt. It is credit card debt. It is chasing the next promotion, buying It is chasing the next promotion, buying It is chasing the next promotion, buying the next toy, your endless hobbies, or the next toy, your endless hobbies, or the next toy, your endless hobbies, or your hidden vices. your hidden vices. your hidden vices. Just churning discontent within you. Just churning discontent within you. Just churning discontent within you. And you need to lessen the desires. And you need to lessen the desires. And you need to lessen the desires. You need to quiet the noise to find what You need to quiet the noise to find what You need to quiet the noise to find what truly matters because noisy hearts, truly matters because noisy hearts, truly matters because noisy hearts, these murmuring, grumbling hearts, these these murmuring, grumbling hearts, these these murmuring, grumbling hearts, these hearts full of competing desires need to hearts full of competing desires need to hearts full of competing desires need to be cleared and weeded. be cleared and weeded. be cleared and weeded. Like those churning waters need to be Like those churning waters need to be Like those churning waters need to be made still made still made still so you could see who is truly important. so you could see who is truly important. so you could see who is truly important. And Christ might be your treasure. And then you could say with Paul, "That And then you could say with Paul, "That I might know him." I might know him." I might know him." That I might know him. That I might know him. That I might know him. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your life free Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your life free Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your life free from the love of money. from the love of money. from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he Be satisfied with what you have, for he Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, 'I will never leave himself has said, 'I will never leave himself has said, 'I will never leave you or abandon you.'" This verse has haunted me for decades.

This verse has haunted me for decades. Like, "Keep your life free from the love Like, "Keep your life free from the love Like, "Keep your life free from the love of money, from the worship of it, from of money, from the worship of it, from of money, from the worship of it, from the trust of it, that it could be your the trust of it, that it could be your the trust of it, that it could be your contentment, and be satisfied with who contentment, and be satisfied with who contentment, and be satisfied with who you have, Christian. you have, Christian. you have, Christian. Who you already have, cuz he has said, Who you already have, cuz he has said, Who you already have, cuz he has said, 'I will never leave you or abandon 'I will never leave you or abandon 'I will never leave you or abandon you.'" you.'" you.'" And the writer of Hebrews is saying, And the writer of Hebrews is saying, And the writer of Hebrews is saying, "You have what you ultimately need. "You have what you ultimately need. "You have what you ultimately need. Don't buy the lie. Don't buy the lie. Don't buy the lie. You have Christ." You have Christ." You have Christ." And so the question is, are you And so the question is, are you And so the question is, are you treasuring him rightly? Paul tells us Paul tells us he's learned the secret. My he's learned the secret. My he's learned the secret. My encouragement to you is like, "Let me encouragement to you is like, "Let me encouragement to you is like, "Let me learn the secret. Like, let me learn the learn the secret. Like, let me learn the learn the secret. Like, let me learn the secret to treasure and depend upon secret to treasure and depend upon secret to treasure and depend upon Christ, who infuses me with his Christ, who infuses me with his Christ, who infuses me with his strength." strength." strength." That's how we find contentment. That's That's how we find contentment. That's That's how we find contentment. That's how we fight for it. how we fight for it. how we fight for it. You and I can take any circumstance that You and I can take any circumstance that You and I can take any circumstance that comes to us, because we know it comes comes to us, because we know it comes comes to us, because we know it comes through the Lord's hands. through the Lord's hands. through the Lord's hands. And he's a good God. And he's a good God. And he's a good God. And we can trust him. He's never going And we can trust him. He's never going And we can trust him. He's never going to leave us or forsake us, and he's to leave us or forsake us, and he's to leave us or forsake us, and he's going to give us strength in the moment going to give us strength in the moment going to give us strength in the moment as we abide in Christ and depend upon as we abide in Christ and depend upon as we abide in Christ and depend upon him.

him. him. So, that's the first part. Learn the So, that's the first part. Learn the So, that's the first part. Learn the secret of contentment. secret of contentment. secret of contentment. It is hard won. It is hard won. It is hard won. And I think it's a battle for the rest And I think it's a battle for the rest And I think it's a battle for the rest of our lives. of our lives. of our lives. We will fight to treasure Christ rightly We will fight to treasure Christ rightly We will fight to treasure Christ rightly every day of our lives. The second one every day of our lives. The second one every day of our lives. The second one is this, is this, is this, the [clears throat] fruit of contentment the [clears throat] fruit of contentment the [clears throat] fruit of contentment is generosity. is generosity. is generosity. Learn the secret of contentment. The Learn the secret of contentment. The Learn the secret of contentment. The fruit of contentment is generosity. fruit of contentment is generosity. fruit of contentment is generosity. Those verses 15 through 19. Those verses 15 through 19. Those verses 15 through 19. See, the Philippian church gave to Paul See, the Philippian church gave to Paul See, the Philippian church gave to Paul sacrificially, and Paul received it with sacrificially, and Paul received it with sacrificially, and Paul received it with thanks to God. He spoke to the thanks to God. He spoke to the thanks to God. He spoke to the Philippians, he said, paraphrased again, Philippians, he said, paraphrased again, Philippians, he said, paraphrased again, "You've been so generous. "You've been so generous. "You've been so generous. I'm thanking you not because I want you I'm thanking you not because I want you I'm thanking you not because I want you to give me more because I have to give me more because I have to give me more because I have everything I need in full. I actually everything I need in full. I actually everything I need in full. I actually have an abundance. I'm fully supplied have an abundance. I'm fully supplied have an abundance. I'm fully supplied because you've taken care of me, but because you've taken care of me, but because you've taken care of me, but what you've given is a fragrant what you've given is a fragrant what you've given is a fragrant offering, offering, offering, an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. I'm so excited because you've given it I'm so excited because you've given it I'm so excited because you've given it freely out of generosity. You've been freely out of generosity. You've been freely out of generosity. You've been open-handed and open-hearted open-handed and open-hearted open-handed and open-hearted with what God has given you. And it's with what God has given you. And it's with what God has given you. And it's pleasing to him because he loves a pleasing to him because he loves a pleasing to him because he loves a cheerful giver. And you're storing up cheerful giver. And you're storing up cheerful giver. And you're storing up treasure in heaven for yourself by treasure in heaven for yourself by treasure in heaven for yourself by participating in the work of the participating in the work of the participating in the work of the kingdom."

kingdom." kingdom." And Paul says, "My God is going to And Paul says, "My God is going to And Paul says, "My God is going to supply all your needs in Christ Jesus supply all your needs in Christ Jesus supply all your needs in Christ Jesus because in Christ he will never leave because in Christ he will never leave because in Christ he will never leave you nor forsake you. In Christ, the body you nor forsake you. In Christ, the body you nor forsake you. In Christ, the body will care for each other because we are will care for each other because we are will care for each other because we are stewards of God's resources to each stewards of God's resources to each stewards of God's resources to each other." other." other." Paul's saying God's going to meet your Paul's saying God's going to meet your Paul's saying God's going to meet your needs. He's given you Jesus. And even as needs. He's given you Jesus. And even as needs. He's given you Jesus. And even as you've been generous to me, God will you've been generous to me, God will you've been generous to me, God will meet your needs through the generosity meet your needs through the generosity meet your needs through the generosity of others. of others. of others. Now, think about a time that you were Now, think about a time that you were Now, think about a time that you were able to meet somebody's need. Not rhetorical question. How good did Not rhetorical question. How good did that feel? that feel? that feel? Yeah. Like being able to see a need and Yeah. Like being able to see a need and Yeah. Like being able to see a need and meet it. meet it. meet it. Like your joy like your joy grew because Like your joy like your joy grew because Like your joy like your joy grew because you saw you were able to provide for you saw you were able to provide for you saw you were able to provide for them. God had given you something you them. God had given you something you them. God had given you something you could steward could steward could steward when you met a need. Now, think about a when you met a need. Now, think about a when you met a need. Now, think about a time somebody met your need and like time somebody met your need and like time somebody met your need and like your pride didn't get the way and you your pride didn't get the way and you your pride didn't get the way and you actually received help. actually received help. actually received help. Did you feel seen and cared for by the Did you feel seen and cared for by the Did you feel seen and cared for by the Lord? Lord? Lord? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Like that's how this thing works, y'all.

Like that's how this thing works, y'all. Like that's how this thing works, y'all. Like you and I are given gifts to Like you and I are given gifts to Like you and I are given gifts to steward. steward. steward. The way God has set the body I set up The way God has set the body I set up The way God has set the body I set up the body of Christ is we are each given the body of Christ is we are each given the body of Christ is we are each given his resources to steward for the people his resources to steward for the people his resources to steward for the people of God and the kingdom of God. of God and the kingdom of God. of God and the kingdom of God. And if we're not fighting for And if we're not fighting for And if we're not fighting for contentment in Jesus, then we're going contentment in Jesus, then we're going contentment in Jesus, then we're going to get those resources and think they're to get those resources and think they're to get those resources and think they're awesome and hoard them for ourselves. awesome and hoard them for ourselves. awesome and hoard them for ourselves. And we'll try and protect them And we'll try and protect them And we'll try and protect them instead of realizing that it's all a instead of realizing that it's all a instead of realizing that it's all a gift. gift. gift. And it's a gift we get to steward for And it's a gift we get to steward for And it's a gift we get to steward for each other and the work. each other and the work. each other and the work. As you see, a discontented heart As you see, a discontented heart As you see, a discontented heart murmurs. It grumbles and it's murmurs. It grumbles and it's murmurs. It grumbles and it's close-fisted. close-fisted. close-fisted. It lacks real joy. It is the definition It lacks real joy. It is the definition It lacks real joy. It is the definition of a scarcity mindset. of a scarcity mindset. of a scarcity mindset. It thinks, I have gotten what I've It thinks, I have gotten what I've It thinks, I have gotten what I've gotten and I need to protect it in case gotten and I need to protect it in case gotten and I need to protect it in case I don't get more. It tempts us to shrink back, to hold our It tempts us to shrink back, to hold our treasure close, but Christ calls us treasure close, but Christ calls us treasure close, but Christ calls us upward and outward. upward and outward. upward and outward. That your joy is in him, not in your That your joy is in him, not in your That your joy is in him, not in your circumstance. circumstance. circumstance. And in this Christ-centered And in this Christ-centered And in this Christ-centered contentedness, we grow into a people contentedness, we grow into a people contentedness, we grow into a people marked by generosity.

marked by generosity. marked by generosity. Like a contented heart, one who Like a contented heart, one who Like a contented heart, one who treasures Jesus and holds the world treasures Jesus and holds the world treasures Jesus and holds the world loosely is cheerful and generous, loosely is cheerful and generous, loosely is cheerful and generous, knowing it's all a gift. knowing it's all a gift. knowing it's all a gift. So, we give open-handedly with whatever So, we give open-handedly with whatever So, we give open-handedly with whatever we have, meeting the needs of our we have, meeting the needs of our we have, meeting the needs of our brothers and sisters. Like, that's the brothers and sisters. Like, that's the brothers and sisters. Like, that's the work that we do. work that we do. work that we do. So, Carly, my wife, and I were talking So, Carly, my wife, and I were talking So, Carly, my wife, and I were talking about this and some of you grew up in a about this and some of you grew up in a about this and some of you grew up in a tradition that had a really intense tradition that had a really intense tradition that had a really intense liturgy. liturgy. liturgy. Like, you sang the same You sang the Like, you sang the same You sang the Like, you sang the same You sang the same songs, you heard the same prayers. same songs, you heard the same prayers. same songs, you heard the same prayers. You read the same scriptures. You read the same scriptures. You read the same scriptures. Anybody? Anybody? Anybody? Yeah. So, like, after a while, you're Yeah. So, like, after a while, you're Yeah. So, like, after a while, you're like, oh, I I kind of know the path. like, oh, I I kind of know the path. like, oh, I I kind of know the path. We're going to turn right here and go We're going to turn right here and go We're going to turn right here and go left and then it feels like we get stuck left and then it feels like we get stuck left and then it feels like we get stuck in a cul-de-sac for a while, but in a cul-de-sac for a while, but in a cul-de-sac for a while, but eventually we exit and like, you just eventually we exit and like, you just eventually we exit and like, you just kind of know what's going on. kind of know what's going on. kind of know what's going on. And you can lose the beauty and depth of And you can lose the beauty and depth of And you can lose the beauty and depth of the liturgy, not because you're taking the liturgy, not because you're taking the liturgy, not because you're taking it like you don't care, it's just it like you don't care, it's just it like you don't care, it's just because it's familiar. because it's familiar. because it's familiar. You with me? You with me? You with me? Yeah. Well, that can happen here, y'all. Yeah. Well, that can happen here, y'all. Yeah. Well, that can happen here, y'all. Like, by the time we get to the Like, by the time we get to the Like, by the time we get to the generosity prayer, you're like, okay, generosity prayer, you're like, okay, generosity prayer, you're like, okay, great. So, I know like we got to say great. So, I know like we got to say great. So, I know like we got to say this thing. There's going to have to this thing. There's going to have to this thing. There's going to have to stand for some announcements and then stand for some announcements and then stand for some announcements and then we're going to sing a doxology and I've we're going to sing a doxology and I've we're going to sing a doxology and I've got to go get in the traffic. I'm got to go get in the traffic. I'm got to go get in the traffic. I'm thankful the parking garage, but it's thankful the parking garage, but it's thankful the parking garage, but it's got to go down and it's going to take a got to go down and it's going to take a got to go down and it's going to take a minute.

minute. minute. Like, you can just you can feel that Like, you can just you can feel that Like, you can just you can feel that where you begin to work through the where you begin to work through the where you begin to work through the prayer and you lose the depth of what prayer and you lose the depth of what prayer and you lose the depth of what we're praying. we're praying. we're praying. Just cuz it's familiar. Just cuz it's familiar. Just cuz it's familiar. Our generosity prayer might be like that Our generosity prayer might be like that Our generosity prayer might be like that for you. for you. for you. It's just something that we say at the It's just something that we say at the It's just something that we say at the end of each day. end of each day. end of each day. Others of you might struggle with that Others of you might struggle with that Others of you might struggle with that prayer prayer prayer because it bears its weight on you because it bears its weight on you because it bears its weight on you as it comes on the screen. as it comes on the screen. as it comes on the screen. Like because to utter the line with such Like because to utter the line with such Like because to utter the line with such a little thing as money a little thing as money a little thing as money exposes the fear that you have around exposes the fear that you have around exposes the fear that you have around money. money. money. The insecurity that you feel about it. The insecurity that you feel about it. The insecurity that you feel about it. It might expose the fact that you It might expose the fact that you It might expose the fact that you actually you treasure money. actually you treasure money. actually you treasure money. And the fear of what you deal with it, And the fear of what you deal with it, And the fear of what you deal with it, it handles how you think about being it handles how you think about being it handles how you think about being generous. generous. generous. And you might just be saying it like And you might just be saying it like And you might just be saying it like sitting there going, "I'm just like sitting there going, "I'm just like sitting there going, "I'm just like trying to get by." trying to get by." trying to get by." And I look around in the parking garage And I look around in the parking garage And I look around in the parking garage and realize everybody else seems to be and realize everybody else seems to be and realize everybody else seems to be getting ahead. getting ahead. getting ahead. But Lord, I I want to say these things But Lord, I I want to say these things But Lord, I I want to say these things and think and think and think this takes real faith for me to say to this takes real faith for me to say to this takes real faith for me to say to you.

you. you. Help me be trustworthy. Help me be trustworthy. Help me be trustworthy. That might That might be the thing for That might That might be the thing for That might That might be the thing for you. Like remind me you. Like remind me you. Like remind me who you are, that you are my treasure. who you are, that you are my treasure. who you are, that you are my treasure. That's an act of faith. That's an act of faith. That's an act of faith. The prayer is instructive about the type The prayer is instructive about the type The prayer is instructive about the type of people that we're to become. of people that we're to become. of people that we're to become. The type of people who treasure Jesus The type of people who treasure Jesus The type of people who treasure Jesus above everything else. above everything else. above everything else. It helps us rehearse what is most true, It helps us rehearse what is most true, It helps us rehearse what is most true, that we're not our own, but that body that we're not our own, but that body that we're not our own, but that body and soul we belong to God. and soul we belong to God. and soul we belong to God. So the prayer reminds us of the secret So the prayer reminds us of the secret So the prayer reminds us of the secret and to contend for it that Christ is our and to contend for it that Christ is our and to contend for it that Christ is our treasure. treasure. treasure. That life is gift, not gain. That life is gift, not gain. That life is gift, not gain. Life is gift, not gain. All of your Life is gift, not gain. All of your Life is gift, not gain. All of your time, talent, and treasure are to be set time, talent, and treasure are to be set time, talent, and treasure are to be set loose for the kingdom and for our loose for the kingdom and for our loose for the kingdom and for our collective joy. collective joy. collective joy. That we are all that all we are and all That we are all that all we are and all That we are all that all we are and all we have are gifts to be stewarded among we have are gifts to be stewarded among we have are gifts to be stewarded among God's people, not hoarded for ourselves. God's people, not hoarded for ourselves. God's people, not hoarded for ourselves. And it's our confession that we need And it's our confession that we need And it's our confession that we need Christ to sustain us and give us the Christ to sustain us and give us the Christ to sustain us and give us the strength strength strength because the temptation towards because the temptation towards because the temptation towards discontent discontent discontent the temptation towards the distracting the temptation towards the distracting the temptation towards the distracting desires of the world, our flesh, or the desires of the world, our flesh, or the desires of the world, our flesh, or the enemy can make us rely on ourselves.

enemy can make us rely on ourselves. enemy can make us rely on ourselves. Make us question God's goodness and Make us question God's goodness and Make us question God's goodness and devalue who Christ is in our lives. devalue who Christ is in our lives. devalue who Christ is in our lives. But everything we truly need we have in But everything we truly need we have in But everything we truly need we have in Christ. Christ. Christ. Like Paul said at the Philippians, I'll Like Paul said at the Philippians, I'll Like Paul said at the Philippians, I'll say it to you as one of the elders of say it to you as one of the elders of say it to you as one of the elders of this church, to your credit, this church, to your credit, this church, to your credit, you give to the Lord so that the kingdom you give to the Lord so that the kingdom you give to the Lord so that the kingdom might go forward and his people are might go forward and his people are might go forward and his people are taken care of and you do so with taken care of and you do so with taken care of and you do so with incredible generosity. incredible generosity. incredible generosity. Like incredible generosity. I hear story Like incredible generosity. I hear story Like incredible generosity. I hear story after story every week of you seeing after story every week of you seeing after story every week of you seeing needs and meeting them needs and meeting them needs and meeting them and caring for God's people and caring for God's people and caring for God's people and ensuring the work of the gospel can and ensuring the work of the gospel can and ensuring the work of the gospel can move forward. You are incredibly move forward. You are incredibly move forward. You are incredibly generous with your time, your talent, generous with your time, your talent, generous with your time, your talent, and your treasure. and your treasure. and your treasure. Like some of you have the gift of Like some of you have the gift of Like some of you have the gift of giving. I pray for that gift often. giving. I pray for that gift often. giving. I pray for that gift often. You know, you with me? Because you're You know, you with me? Because you're You know, you with me? Because you're given resources to steward. given resources to steward. given resources to steward. I'm like, "Lord, just trust me once. I'm like, "Lord, just trust me once. I'm like, "Lord, just trust me once. Like maybe this I maybe I could handle Like maybe this I maybe I could handle Like maybe this I maybe I could handle it well." it well." it well." It's a joke, guys. Come on. It's a joke, guys. Come on. It's a joke, guys. Come on. Uh Uh Uh Some of you Some of you have this gift Some of you Some of you have this gift Some of you Some of you have this gift though. Like the Lord has said, "Hey, though. Like the Lord has said, "Hey, though. Like the Lord has said, "Hey, I'm going to entrust you with these I'm going to entrust you with these I'm going to entrust you with these resources. Like an abundance of them resources. Like an abundance of them resources. Like an abundance of them because I want you to funnel them into because I want you to funnel them into because I want you to funnel them into the kingdom."

the kingdom." the kingdom." And you do it with incredible And you do it with incredible And you do it with incredible generosity. generosity. generosity. You do it knowing that God has given you You do it knowing that God has given you You do it knowing that God has given you this gift and you steward it well. this gift and you steward it well. this gift and you steward it well. And some of you can't write the larger And some of you can't write the larger And some of you can't write the larger check. check. check. But you have the gift of time. But you have the gift of time. But you have the gift of time. You minister to and sit with people so You minister to and sit with people so You minister to and sit with people so they can they feel they can they feel they can they feel cared for and seen by the Lord. Others cared for and seen by the Lord. Others cared for and seen by the Lord. Others of you have immense talent serving, of you have immense talent serving, of you have immense talent serving, teaching, leading people towards Christ teaching, leading people towards Christ teaching, leading people towards Christ in studies, song, VBS decorations. That in studies, song, VBS decorations. That in studies, song, VBS decorations. That is a talent. is a talent. is a talent. And then many of you have taken your And then many of you have taken your And then many of you have taken your trade and you have dedicated yourself trade and you have dedicated yourself trade and you have dedicated yourself and donated your trade so that something and donated your trade so that something and donated your trade so that something like Old Orchard, like we bought the like Old Orchard, like we bought the like Old Orchard, like we bought the land and y'all have just taken care of land and y'all have just taken care of land and y'all have just taken care of the rest. the rest. the rest. That there could be a kingdom outpost That there could be a kingdom outpost That there could be a kingdom outpost next to kids who don't have dads. next to kids who don't have dads. next to kids who don't have dads. But you've donated windows and AC and But you've donated windows and AC and But you've donated windows and AC and construction. construction. construction. Just gladly caring for the work of the Just gladly caring for the work of the Just gladly caring for the work of the gospel to go forward. gospel to go forward. gospel to go forward. The bottom line is that we're called to The bottom line is that we're called to The bottom line is that we're called to surrender everything. surrender everything. surrender everything. Like I don't get a pass on giving Like I don't get a pass on giving Like I don't get a pass on giving financially just cuz my check has less financially just cuz my check has less financially just cuz my check has less zeros in it.

zeros in it. zeros in it. And I don't get a pass on giving my time And I don't get a pass on giving my time And I don't get a pass on giving my time or talent because my check has more. or talent because my check has more. or talent because my check has more. You understand? You understand? You understand? Okay. Okay. Okay. We're each given different gifts to We're each given different gifts to We're each given different gifts to steward and we're called to serve each steward and we're called to serve each steward and we're called to serve each other. other. other. And this is really it. And when you boil And this is really it. And when you boil And this is really it. And when you boil it down, in treasuring Christ, we offer it down, in treasuring Christ, we offer it down, in treasuring Christ, we offer what feels most vulnerable to lose what feels most vulnerable to lose what feels most vulnerable to lose for the Lord to use. for the Lord to use. for the Lord to use. Like in treasuring Christ, we offer what Like in treasuring Christ, we offer what Like in treasuring Christ, we offer what feels most vulnerable, most scary to feels most vulnerable, most scary to feels most vulnerable, most scary to lose lose lose for the Lord to use. for the Lord to use. for the Lord to use. We expose it and go, "Lord, I We expose it and go, "Lord, I We expose it and go, "Lord, I I'm really fearful about this, but I'm I'm really fearful about this, but I'm I'm really fearful about this, but I'm going to trust that you've provided for going to trust that you've provided for going to trust that you've provided for me and you will continue to." me and you will continue to." me and you will continue to." So I'm going to trust you and in faith, So I'm going to trust you and in faith, So I'm going to trust you and in faith, this is my hands are open for you to use this is my hands are open for you to use this is my hands are open for you to use this as you will. this as you will. this as you will. And you pay attention for the spirit to And you pay attention for the spirit to And you pay attention for the spirit to tell you. tell you. tell you. Whatever we're tempted to trust for Whatever we're tempted to trust for Whatever we're tempted to trust for security and stability outside of security and stability outside of security and stability outside of Christ, we're offering that back to him. Christ, we're offering that back to him. Christ, we're offering that back to him. We thank him for it and we ask him to We thank him for it and we ask him to We thank him for it and we ask him to help us use it for his kingdom. We open help us use it for his kingdom. We open help us use it for his kingdom. We open our hands and hearts and trust that he our hands and hearts and trust that he our hands and hearts and trust that he is good, can be trusted, and in him we is good, can be trusted, and in him we is good, can be trusted, and in him we have what we need.

have what we need. have what we need. We have to fight for Christ to be our We have to fight for Christ to be our We have to fight for Christ to be our treasure, and that is the secret of treasure, and that is the secret of treasure, and that is the secret of contentment. contentment. contentment. And when he is our treasure, our lives And when he is our treasure, our lives And when he is our treasure, our lives are marked by generosity. I'll close this the same way that Paul I'll close this the same way that Paul does this passage. He says, "Now to our does this passage. He says, "Now to our does this passage. He says, "Now to our God and Father be glory forever and God and Father be glory forever and God and Father be glory forever and ever. ever. ever. Amen." Amen." Amen." >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> If you're here with us today and you're >> If you're here with us today and you're >> If you're here with us today and you're not a Christian, not a Christian, not a Christian, and when I talk about your heart and when I talk about your heart and when I talk about your heart churning with discontent and you think I churning with discontent and you think I churning with discontent and you think I am discontent, I've been chasing, I am discontent, I've been chasing, I am discontent, I've been chasing, I can't find what's going to make me can't find what's going to make me can't find what's going to make me happy. I got to tell you friend, I'm so happy. I got to tell you friend, I'm so happy. I got to tell you friend, I'm so glad you're here. glad you're here. glad you're here. I'm going to pray in just a second. I'm going to pray in just a second. I'm going to pray in just a second. There'll be men and women up here. There'll be men and women up here. There'll be men and women up here. I think what you need is Jesus. I think what you need is Jesus. I think what you need is Jesus. For your sins to be forgiven, for the For your sins to be forgiven, for the For your sins to be forgiven, for the divide between you and God to be divide between you and God to be divide between you and God to be bridged, for you to be bridged, for you to be bridged, for you to be cleansed of guilt and shame and to be cleansed of guilt and shame and to be cleansed of guilt and shame and to be saved. saved. saved. And Christ is for you. And so you could And Christ is for you. And so you could And Christ is for you. And so you could come this morning and just say, I don't come this morning and just say, I don't come this morning and just say, I don't I'm not sure everything he's talking I'm not sure everything he's talking I'm not sure everything he's talking about, but I want to know who Christ is. about, but I want to know who Christ is. about, but I want to know who Christ is. And these men and women up here will And these men and women up here will And these men and women up here will share with you. They will pray for you. share with you. They will pray for you. share with you. They will pray for you. And you can begin that journey.

And you can begin that journey. And you can begin that journey. If you want to get baptized, come on. If you want to get baptized, come on. If you want to get baptized, come on. Come confess in front of the family who Come confess in front of the family who Come confess in front of the family who Christ is and that you have placed your Christ is and that you have placed your Christ is and that you have placed your trust in him. We'll put you in the water trust in him. We'll put you in the water trust in him. We'll put you in the water this morning. Christian, if you're here this morning Christian, if you're here this morning and you and you and you you felt maybe like me when you read the you felt maybe like me when you read the you felt maybe like me when you read the passage and then I began to talk that passage and then I began to talk that passage and then I began to talk that the spirit began to talk to you and the spirit began to talk to you and the spirit began to talk to you and saying, is Christ your treasure? saying, is Christ your treasure? saying, is Christ your treasure? You're in luck. I have questions for you You're in luck. I have questions for you You're in luck. I have questions for you to think about. to think about. to think about. So we're going to put those up now. So we're going to put those up now. So we're going to put those up now. I want you to think about these. Maybe I want you to think about these. Maybe I want you to think about these. Maybe take a picture of these. You can pull take a picture of these. You can pull take a picture of these. You can pull out your phone, take a photo. You can out your phone, take a photo. You can out your phone, take a photo. You can talk about these at lunch in your home talk about these at lunch in your home talk about these at lunch in your home group this week. But I don't want you to group this week. But I don't want you to group this week. But I don't want you to like delay processing. I want you to like delay processing. I want you to like delay processing. I want you to think about it right now. think about it right now. think about it right now. Where are you tempted towards discontent Where are you tempted towards discontent Where are you tempted towards discontent in your circumstances? Where are you grumbling? Where are you grumbling? Where are you grumbling against the Where are you grumbling against the Where are you grumbling against the Lord? Lord? Lord? And is Christ your treasure? And is Christ your treasure? And is Christ your treasure? And it's not like I And it's not like I And it's not like I should be like, is he your treasure? should be like, is he your treasure? should be like, is he your treasure? And if not, can you be honest about what And if not, can you be honest about what And if not, can you be honest about what is?

is? is? Not to shame you, but for you to feel Not to shame you, but for you to feel Not to shame you, but for you to feel and go, and go, and go, oh, I've strayed. oh, I've strayed. oh, I've strayed. I need to repent. I need to repent. I need to repent. And you realize like that awareness and And you realize like that awareness and And you realize like that awareness and the repentance is a gift for you to to the repentance is a gift for you to to the repentance is a gift for you to to enter further into joy. enter further into joy. enter further into joy. So it's not like, oh yeah, I'm going to So it's not like, oh yeah, I'm going to So it's not like, oh yeah, I'm going to get in trouble. It's get in trouble. It's get in trouble. It's I'm going to repent so that I can find I'm going to repent so that I can find I'm going to repent so that I can find life. life. life. So the question I have for you is there So the question I have for you is there So the question I have for you is there is where do you need to repent? is where do you need to repent? is where do you need to repent? And where can you thank God for his And where can you thank God for his And where can you thank God for his provision in your life? Like where can provision in your life? Like where can provision in your life? Like where can you cultivate gratitude? you cultivate gratitude? you cultivate gratitude? How he's provided for you, maybe you've How he's provided for you, maybe you've How he's provided for you, maybe you've taken it for granted. And that last one, what is a step of And that last one, what is a step of generosity that you can take this week? generosity that you can take this week? generosity that you can take this week? Just a second, I'm going to pray. Men Just a second, I'm going to pray. Men Just a second, I'm going to pray. Men and women are going to be up here. I and women are going to be up here. I and women are going to be up here. I would encourage you if you need to would encourage you if you need to would encourage you if you need to confess, it is good to confess out loud confess, it is good to confess out loud confess, it is good to confess out loud to a brother or sister that you might be to a brother or sister that you might be to a brother or sister that you might be cleansed, that blood of Christ covers cleansed, that blood of Christ covers cleansed, that blood of Christ covers you, that you might receive grace, you you, that you might receive grace, you you, that you might receive grace, you might have a living person who knows might have a living person who knows might have a living person who knows Christ look you in the eye and say, Christ look you in the eye and say, Christ look you in the eye and say, "Christ forgives you. "Christ forgives you. "Christ forgives you. You are covered. You are covered. You are covered. Walk forward."

Walk forward." Walk forward." That you might receive grace as we have That you might receive grace as we have That you might receive grace as we have all received grace from Christ. all received grace from Christ. all received grace from Christ. If he's not your treasure, make him your treasure that you could make him your treasure that you could say with Paul, "That I might know him." say with Paul, "That I might know him." say with Paul, "That I might know him." So, if the prayer for you is just I want So, if the prayer for you is just I want So, if the prayer for you is just I want to want what Paul wanted, to want what Paul wanted, to want what Paul wanted, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> pray that. >> pray that. >> pray that. All right, let me pray. All right, let me pray. All right, let me pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you. Heavenly Father, we thank you. Heavenly Father, we thank you. Gosh, we thank you for Jesus. We thank Gosh, we thank you for Jesus. We thank Gosh, we thank you for Jesus. We thank you that he is Lord above all. He is you that he is Lord above all. He is you that he is Lord above all. He is worthy of praise. He has saved us. He is worthy of praise. He has saved us. He is worthy of praise. He has saved us. He is returning. returning. returning. And he is beautiful and lovely. And he is beautiful and lovely. And he is beautiful and lovely. He is mighty and ferocious. He is mighty and ferocious. He is mighty and ferocious. He is the culmination of your creation, He is the culmination of your creation, He is the culmination of your creation, Lord. Like like like everything here Lord. Like like like everything here Lord. Like like like everything here points to him and he's the uncreated. points to him and he's the uncreated. points to him and he's the uncreated. All things are made through him and by All things are made through him and by All things are made through him and by him and for him. him and for him. him and for him. So, would you stir up our hearts that we So, would you stir up our hearts that we So, would you stir up our hearts that we might praise him rightly? might praise him rightly? might praise him rightly? You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are worthy of our hearts' affection. worthy of our hearts' affection. worthy of our hearts' affection. Would you free our hands from the world Would you free our hands from the world Would you free our hands from the world that tries to make us discontent in you?

Would you show us yourself? Would you show us yourself? May we delight in you with more and more May we delight in you with more and more May we delight in you with more and more increasing depths of our heart, prizing increasing depths of our heart, prizing increasing depths of our heart, prizing you above all else, that we might say, you above all else, that we might say, you above all else, that we might say, "I count it all as loss "I count it all as loss "I count it all as loss for the supreme advantage and priceless for the supreme advantage and priceless for the supreme advantage and priceless privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Lord." Lord." Would you make us that kind of people? Would you make us that kind of people? Would you make us that kind of people? We love you. We pray in Christ's name. We love you. We pray in Christ's name. We love you. We pray in Christ's name. Amen.