ADULT CONTENT: Contentment is Better

Summary: Paul writes to Timothy explaining the importance of contentment in life.  Contentment is obtainable if we know where to look and we know what true contentment really is in life.  Don't waste your life looking for contentment in all the wrong places.

Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Ecclesiastes 5:10, James 4:14, and Philippians 4:11-13.


1.  READ 1 Timothy 6:7 and James 4:14.
a.  Many people postpone happiness and contentment to "a later date."  Some are discontent at work on M-F to hopefully find contentment in the freedom of their weekend.  Some are dissatisfied with their lives but say they are grinding it out so they can be content in their retirement and do whatever they want in the latter stages of life.  Some are miserable at home all year hoping to find contentment on a beach vacation or a weekend get-a-way.  What's the problem with delaying contentment according to these 2 verses?
b.  What makes sense about discontentment for 5 days a week to only enjoy 2?  That you work 50 weeks a year only to find happiness in 2 weeks off?  That some people work until they are 65 and then "enjoy" retirement for only a few years with limited mobility and health?  Is that your idea of working toward contentment?


2.  READ 1 Timothy 6:9-10.
a.  Most people are convinced that if they just had "more" then they would be content and happy.  What are the different areas in which people look to find contentment?  (Money, success, acceptance, lifestyle, relationships).
b.  Contentment is a major theme in 4 passages of Scripture in the New Testament, and all of them have to do with money.  Read Ecclesiastes 5:10.  What's the problem with trying to find contentment in money?
c.  What results are seen in the lives of people that sell out to pursue contentment through riches?  What words are used to describe their lives in 1 Tim 6:9-10?


3.  READ 1 Timothy 6:6.
Contentment is translated as being "settled" in life.  Not "settling" in life, but being settled.  Its finding security, safety, satisfaction, and happiness in life.
Godliness comes from the phrase "God aware."  It's knowing who He is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He has promised you.
So knowing these words, how can being aware of God bring you contentment in life?


4.  READ Philippians 4:11-13.
Paul says he has had it both ways.  He has lived a great life of plenty and riches.  He has also lived a hard life of pain and want.  After experiencing both, what "secret" does he share to being content regardless of your outside circumstances?  Who does he say to rely on?  What is the source of true contentment?


Try out these ideas to find contentment in life.
1.  Be grateful.  Remember what you have and what God has done for you already.
2.  Look in the right place.  Realize that contentment isn't achieved by acquiring more stuff.
3.  Stop comparing.  Comparing and coveting others is a sure path to discontentment in your life.
4.  Serve Others. It quickly takes your mind off of your wants, your desires, your goals, and your needs and onto others.
5.  Be content with what you HAVE, but not with who you ARE.  Keep striving, straining, working, goal setting, and Moving Forward in your life, but learn to be content with what God has given you.