Pastor David Koop

“I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Paul

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Philippians 4: 9
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Five things to LEARN from Paul to live content:

1. Rejoice in the Lord –  _____________________ what God has done for you.
   
   Philippians 4: 4
   Celebrate God all day, every day.
   
   1 Thessalonians 5:1 6-18
   Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
   
   
1. Sixteen times Paul encourages the Philippians to rejoice.
2. Contentment is a state of your spiritual being.
3. Contentment must be learned.
4. Paul’s contentment wasn’t related to his circumstances or accomplishments but his relationship with Christ.
   
   
2. Practice gentleness and __________________.
   
   Philippians 4: 5
   Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
   
   
1. The word gentleness means; graciousness or being willing to forego retaliation, the opposite of abrasive or self-seeking.
   
   
3. Don’t worry - be ________________.
   
   Philippians 4: 6,7
   Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
   
   1 Peter 5: 7-9
   Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour. Be firm in the faith and resist him, knowing that other believers throughout the world are going through the same kind of suffering.
   
   
1. It is difficult to pray and worry at the same time.
2. The devil cannot devour or control a peaceful believer.
   
   
4. Watch your  _________________ life.
   
   Philippians 4: 8
   Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
   
   Romans 8: 5,6
   Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.
   
   
1. Renewing your mind is a daily process. This is not like giving an engine an overhaul, it is more like an air filter that must operate daily to prevent dirt from getting into your motor (heart). The spiritual air is full of contaminants. Philippians 4: 8 gives us a filtering grid:
   
   
1. Is this thought true or is it fantasy, gossip, a lie, fear based.
2. Is this thought noble, excellent, honourable or is it “whatever”, who cares, sloppy, degrading.
3. Is this thought just, fair or is it selfish, deceiving.
4. Is this thought pure, authentic or is it dirty.
5. Is this thought lovely or is it ugly, dark, murderous.
6. Is this thought of good report or is it negative, past failures, slanderous, undermining.
7. Is this thought virtuous or is it perverted.
8. Is this thought praise worthy, something you would thank God for or is it “Why me”?
   
   
5. ____________  from others.
   
   Philippians 4: 15
   Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.