INTRODUCTION:

       A.  God promised peace through Jesus - Isaiah 9:6.

            1.  The world offers only superficial peace.

            2.  Externals are soon removed.

       B.  Study Philippians 4 - contentment is a product of several factors.

       C.  Philippians 4:10-13 - Paul had such contentment.

       D.  In this lesson, let's notice some factors that produce contentment.

   I.  STAND FIRM IN THE LORD - PHILIPPIANS 4:1.

       A.  We must have our roots deep in God.

            1.  Ephesians 2:8-9 - not in ourselves.

            2.  Build - anchor in God.

            3.  Hebrews 12:1-2 - looking unto Jesus.

            4.  Example:  Peter walking on the water.

       B.  Trust in God's power.

            1.  Ephesians 6:10.

            2.  Example:  David;  Three Hebrew children - Daniel.

            3.  Paul - Philippians 3:4.

            4.  Philippians 4:13 - This is where we should put our anchor.

  II.  UNITY AMONG BRETHREN - PHILIPPIANS 4:2.

       A.  NOTE:  He exhorts each one individually.

       B.  We need to learn to work out our personal differences.

       C.  Philippians 2:3 - No pride, selfishness, conceit.

       D.  Romans 12:10 - honor above yourselves - (prefer).

 III.  WE MUST BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED - PHILIPPIANS 4:3.

       A.  Jesus was always serving.

       B.  We must cultivate an attitude where everyone enjoys their work in the
             church.

  IV.  WE MUST OVERCOME ANXIETY - PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7.

       A.  Rejoice - v. 4.

            1.  Paul is in jail while writing this letter.

       B.  Be gentle - v. 5.

       C.  Do not be anxious - v. 6a - (Do not worry).

       D.  Pray with thanksgiving - v. 6b - (For all things).

       E.  Let Jesus' peace rule your hearts - v. 7.

   V.  GET YOUR THINKING RIGHT - PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9.

       A.  Contentment is directly connected to the way we think.

       B.  If we think negatively we react negatively. If we think positively we will
             react positively.

  VI.  KNOW GOD'S POWER TO SUPPLY - PHILIPPIANS 4:19.

       A.  Paul knew his God.  He knew God's power to get things done.

       B.  Psalm 37.
 

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  Are you content?

       B.  Are you willing to let these factors take their place in your life to develop
             contentment in you?

       C.  The decision is up to you.

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                    A HANDOUT IF YOU CARE TO USE IT
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  INTRODUCTION:

       A.  God promised _________________ through Jesus - Isaiah 9:6.

            1.  The world offers only superficial peace.

            2.  Externals are soon removed.

       B.  Study Philippians 4 - contentment is a product of several factors.

       C.  Philippians 4:_______ - Paul had such contentment.

       D.  In this lesson, let's notice some factors that produce contentment.
 

   I.  STAND ______ ___ _____ ________ - PHILIPPIANS 4:1.

       A.  We must have our roots deep in God.

            1.  ________________ 2:8-9 - not in ourselves.

            2.  Build - anchor in God.

            3.  Hebrews 12:1-2 - looking unto Jesus.

            4.  Example:  Peter walking on the water.

       B.  Trust in God's _____________ .

            1.  Ephesians 6:10.

            2.  Example:  David;  Three Hebrew children - Daniel.

            3.  Paul - Philippians 3:4.

            4.  Philippians 4:13 - This is where we should put our anchor.

  II.  ________ ________ ____________ - PHILIPPIANS 4:2.

       A.  NOTE:  He exhorts each one individually.

       B.  We need to learn to work out our personal differences.

       C.  Philippians _______ - No pride, selfishness, conceit.

       D.  Romans 12:10 - honor above yourselves - (prefer).

 III.  WE MUST BE ___________ ___________ - PHILIPPIANS 4:3.

       A.  Jesus was always serving.

       B.  We must cultivate an attitude where everyone enjoys their work in the
             church.

  IV.  WE MUST OVERCOME ANXIETY - PHILIPPIANS 4:________.

       A.  Rejoice - v. 4.

            1.  Paul is in jail while writing this letter.

       B.  Be gentle - v. ___.

       C.  Do not be ___________ - v. 6a - (Do not worry).

       D.  Pray with thanksgiving - v. 6b - (For all things).

       E.  Let Jesus' ________ _______ your hearts - v. 7.

   V.  GET YOUR THINKING RIGHT - PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9.

       A.  Contentment is directly connected to the way we think.

       B.  If we think negatively we react negatively. If we think positively we will react
             positively.

  VI.  KNOW GOD'S POWER TO __________ - PHILIPPIANS 4:19.

       A.  Paul knew his God.  He knew God's power to get things done.

       B.  Psalm 37.
 

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  Are you content?

       B.  Are you willing to let these factors take their place in your life to develop
             contentment in you?

       C.  The decision is up to you.