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Hi All...

After almost 2 mths, its finally ready... Anita Benson's sermon on.. "The Search for Contentment". Really applicable for our cell at this point. Er... have a confession to make though... when I was typing my sermon notes.. there were a few points that I didn't really understand.. so... don't just read the otes posted.. refer to the verses. It will make more sense =) Enjoy!

Sarah

THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT
Phil 4:10-14
Anita Benson

1) Contentment is learnt
2) Contentment is constant
3) Contentment is elusive

Contentment comes not from getting what you want, but knowing what you already have.

What is NOT contentment?

- Discontentment:
- Can lead to negative attitudes that can lead to negative actions (e.g. Stealing out of greed)
- Discontentment is draining while contentment is restful.

- Complacency

- Laziness

2 sides to contentment (Phil 4:13)

1) God
Gal 4:4 - adoption into God’s family. God does this for us. Are we grateful?
Heb 13: 5 - what God has done

2) Us
- Admit that we are discontented
- Decide that we want to be content and change our attitude

How to learn to be content?

PRACTICE – doesn’t come overnight.

1) Watch your thoughts
- STOP your grumblings. Be filled with gratitude
- Hold on to the truth

2) Watch your comparisons
- Not even downwards (e.g. I’m better off than the next person)

3) Watch the company you keep.

4) Watch for God’s presence wherever u are.