Content in Christ

I. Text: Psalm 23

II. Learning to live with God alone

A. Our happiness must not depend on what we have—whether our health, wealth, or fame—but on our relationship with God.

B. Proverbs 19:23 – “The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction;”

C. Job

D. The devil thought that Job was only serving God because he had his health and many possessions, Job 1:9-11 Though the devil took his children and all of his possessions, Job was still content with God, Job 1:21 Even when his health was attacked, Job did not curse God, Job 2:10 Job was not happy, and he even had vexing unanswered questions, but he was content that God was in control and that ultimately, all that mattered was being with God.

E. David

F. David learned to be content and happy with God though enemies surrounded him and he was driven from his own people.

G. Psalm 63

H. He longed for God and thirsted for Him. In God he was satisfied as one would be satisfied with a good meal. When we are longing for some meaning in our life, something that makes sense of everything, some peace and contentment, we are longing for God. God has placed a desire in man that can only be fulfilled in Him.

I. Psalm 128:1-3 – Portrait of a contented man

J. There is peace between the man and God. There is peace within the man’s family. When we are in turmoil in either relationship, we will not be content.

K. When we learn to be content with God alone, we will be ready for marriage

L. We have to learn the selfless love of God before we can truly love another person. We have to learn to sacrifice our time, self, money, and desires for God and then we will be ready to sacrifice for our families. We must learn to trust completely on God so that we may be able to trust our mate.

III. Content with recognition only from God

A. Some struggle their whole lives to be regularly praised in the newspaper and TV reports; recognized in the community, to be known by all people.

B. They will anguish when someone else gets the limelight and will often try childish things to get the spotlight back.

C. They will make shallow friendships that bring popularity.

D. Young people do this in school and college; make friends who can do something for them. Business people do this and will callously use others for their gain.

E. We must learn to be content to be known only by Jesus

F. Not that we will not have other friends, but that we have not sacrificed Jesus in order to gain friends.

G. Though the world may not know our name, Jesus must know us.

H. Matthew 7:21-23 – “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” Revelation 21:22-27 – Name in Jesus’ book of Life

I. Jesus needs the spotlight in our lives, we need to live so that his light shines, not ours.

J. Psalm 17:15 – “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” We are often tempted to be righteous for what people will see us do and say about us, but our focus should be on pleasing God.“Lord, Not There”

IV. “Master, where shall I work today?”

V. And my love flowed warm and free.

VI. The He pointed out a tiny plot,

VII. And He said, “Work there for me.”

VIII. But I answered quickly, “Oh, no, not there!

IX. Not anyone could see,

X. No matter how well my task is done,

XI. Not that small place for me!”

XII. His voice, when He spoke, it was not stern,

XIII. But He answered me tenderly,

XIV. “Disciple, search that heart of thine,

XV. Are you working for them, or for me?

XVI. Nazareth was just a little place,

XVII. And so was Galilee.”

XVIII. -Anonymous

A. Psalm 65:4 – Content to be with God

XIX. Content with financial situation

A. Ecclesiastes 1:8, 5:10 – Man cannot be satisfied with earthly things

B. Paul learned to be content, Philippians 4:11-13

C. 1 Timothy 6:8-10 – Content with our possessions, not loving money

D. Proverbs 27:7 – Satisfied will not want anything else, the unsatisfied are always hungry (Ps 23)

E. Ecclesiastes 6:3-9 – A man who cannot be satisfied will have no peace

F. Contentment consists not in great wealth but in few wants. Epictetus

XX. Content with God’s control

A. Peace amid trials

B. Psalm 23 is a psalm of contentment

C. Proverbs 16:20 – “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he”

XXI. Conclusion

A. Be content with what you have now

B. Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have. –Unknown Count your blessings

C. Be content with your relationship with God but do not be stagnant

D. Sir James Mc Intosh “It is right to be contented with what we have, but never with what we are.” We must desire to grow closer to God and more useful in His service.“More Holiness Give Me”

E. Psalm 144:15 – “Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!”