Our Failures in Contentment

Hebrews 13:5-6

INTRODUCTION: I don’t know if there has ever been a time in the history of mankind where men were more miserable than they are today. Men go from disappointed to discouragement to depression. We employ entertainment, hobbies, and drugs to help us escape our misery. These things ought not to be.

I. THE REQUIREMENT OF CONTENTMENT

A. Contentment Defined

1. The words content and contentment infer that one is satisfied (Genesis 37:27; Exodus 2:21).
2. Contentment is the opposite of wanting (Philippians 4:11) and covetousness (Hebrews 13:5) and is strongly associated with godliness (1 Timothy 6:6).

B. Contentment Narrowed

1. The satisfaction of contentment is not a satisfaction with the way things used to be, nor is it a satisfaction with the way things will be in the future.
2. Rather, contentment involves satisfaction with the present. This is why the Bible says, “be content with such things as ye have.”

II. THE LIES OF DISCONTENTMENT

A. The Minimization of the Present

1. The suggestion of this minimization…What I have at present is insufficient in quantity or inadequate in quality.
2. Example of this minimization
a. Eve (Genesis 3:1-6)
b. Korah (Numbers 16:1-40)
c. Achan (Joshua 7:1-26)
d. David (2 Samuel 11:1-27)
e. Solomon (see Ecclesiastes)

B. The Mischaracterization of the Past

1. The suggestion of this mischaracterization…What I had in the past was so good and what I have now is so inferior.
2. Example of this mischaracterization – The children of Israel (Exodus 16:1-3)

C. The Maximization of the Possible

1. The suggestion of this maximization…What will be is better than what is.
2. Example of this maximization – Elimelech (Ruth 1:1-5)

III. THE MESSAGE OF DISCONTENTMENT

A. Disobedience

1. Covetous instead of content
2. Led by the flesh rather than the Spirit

B. Unbelief

1. Not trusting God to work things for good (Romans 8:28)
2. Not trusting God with the balance of life (Proverbs 30:7-9)

C. Unappreciative (Job 1:20-22)

CONCLUSION: The overall miserable condition of mankind today unveils the true heart condition of our society. It is one thing for this to be true of the unsaved world, but it is also true of the average Christian. Are you willing to examine your heart to see if you are content with such things as ye have?