Message Notes

Contentment Without Resentment
Javon Ruff
November, 22, 2020

 

Key Scripture:
Philippians 1:5-7, 3:6-8, 4:4-19; Hebrews 12:3; II Corinthians 11:27-29, 12:9; Habakkuk 3:18; Hebrews 12:2-3; Romans 8:28; Romans 15:1-2; Proverbs 24:10; Zechariah 4:6

 

Summary:
There is good to be found in every situation, but you have to look for it and believe that good is possible. We can allow the difficult seasons to weigh us down needlessly because of our limited perspective. Even when we can’t see what God is doing, He is always working out all things for the good for His people. We don’t have to allow the situations we find ourselves in make us bitter. Give your fears and problems to the Lord and allow Him to use them to shape you into His purpose for your life. Contentment is a choice. 

 

Key Points:

1. Adversity is the seed-bed where God grows us up for our purpose. God grows us in seasons of pressure. Contentment will never be taught in comfort. 
2. Maturity is a matter of choice. Maturity is not about growing old, it’s about growing up. God is always building us up and preparing us for His assignments for our lives. 
3. We must guard what we hear, how we hear, and what we allow into our thinking. We are not supposed to entertain everything that we hear or see.
4. Joy is the fuel God intends for us to live on. Refuse to be discouraged and disheartened and take your stand in the firm foundation of joy. 
5. It may be bad but it could be worse. We have to thank God for His goodness. 
6. Look at the life of Jesus. He went through persecution and even death. God will deliver you just like He did Jesus. 
7. A contented life will lead to a joy-filled life. We cannot find contentment and joy through possessions. Joy is confident assurance that God is with you and will never leave or forsake you. 
8. Things could be worse. No matter your situation, there is still so much to be thankful for. Snoopy was left outside during Charlie Browns Thanksgiving celebration, but at least he wasn’t a Turkey.
9. He’s the God of the GAP. You need Jesus, the Holy Ghost, and the Word of God. (Zechariah 4:6)

 

What Contentment Isn’t:

1. Complacency 
2. Apathy
3. Resignation
4. Indifference
5. Ignorance of reality
6. The status quo or to settle for less than His best
7. Second best

 

What Contentment Is:

1. Peace in the battles of life 
2. Grace when dealing with grief
3. Pressing on and rising up
4. Joy in jeopardy 
5. Hope in the midst of horror 
6. Internal sufficiency without external enforcement 
7. Security without prosperity and position

 

How Can You Be Content:

1. Keep a sovereign perspective. God is still in charge. Times will change but God will never change. Root your contentment in Christ. Be a circumstantial thermostat and not a situational thermometer. 
   1. We are not conformed, we are TRANSFORMED. Never forget that God is constantly transforming us into His image.
   2. God does not cause everything. He does not cause evil, cancer, abuse. God gave mankind choice and there are consequences for every choice. If you are given a brick you can use it to build something or to strike another. The brick is not evil. It’s your choice to make.  
2. God does not CAUSE everything that happens to you, but He can USE everything that happens to you. He will turn it around for good. He will never leave you or forsake you.
3. Maintain the right priorities. Problems will distract you from priorities. Your main priority is your relationship to Christ. 
4. Embrace the power of partnership. Don’t try to do this life alone. We need each other and it was the Lord’s desire that we learn and grow in community. Strength is for service, not status. Stay in faith and lend a hand to those who are struggling. Who can you bless today? Who can you help today? You need partnership for blessings and burdens. This is the time to be faithful in your giving
5. You have to rely on the right power. Don’t rely on your own strength. You can do ALL things through Christ who Strengthens you. You can’t operate in your own strength and do all things. Your strength will never be enough. There will always be a gap between what you can do and what is only possible when God bridges the gap. Don’t try to live in your own strength. God knows how to turn my struggles into strength. He’s the source and the security you need

 

Final Thoughts:
A proper perspective is everything. God is ready to pour out His Spirit like never before---it’s coming. There is a move of God surfacing that will send the gospel into the world like never before. The times we are in are difficult because of all that is happening in the world. It can feel like everything happening TO you is out of our control. But there is good news: His grace is sufficient for every situation you will ever face. Contentment without resentment is possible. Embrace the strength of the Lord for your circumstance and allow Him to work everything out for your good (Romans 8:28). Relinquish your own strength and exchange it for an infilling of contentment. Realize your value and worth is not in possessions---what you have or don’t have. Your value is found in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to help you have contentment in the situations you are in. Whatever circumstance you find yourself today, Christ is sufficient for your every need. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. What He has done before He can do again. God is in control. Christ has all you need for every situation to live a life of contentment and He can take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good.