A New Beginning presents a timely book from Pastor Greg Laurie called God's Answer to Fear, Anxiety, and Worry. God can help you in your times of anxiety and fear. There are specific passages that can bring comfort and perspective to you, and trust me, everything that I am talking about has been tested in my life in real time. So I hope you'll order your own copy of God's Answer to Fear, Anxiety, and Worry. Pastor Greg Laurie points out our strength is found in the Lord and the Lord alone, as we read in Philippians 4-13. If you knew you had the resources to handle anything, anything that came your way, would that change your outlook on life?
Sometimes our demeanor is soured when life has been harsh, and we feel there's nothing we can do about it. Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie brings some good news. You can have an attitude of contentment no matter what, because your Heavenly Father knows what you're facing, and He has a plan to bring you through.
Good insight coming your way today. All right, well, let's grab our Bibles and turn to the book of Philippians, the book of Philippians, and we're in our worldview series, and the title of the message today is The Biblical Worldview on Finding Contentment, Philippians 4, and we're reading verses 10 to 13. Paul writes, and he says, For I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care for me has flourished again, though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity, not that I speak in regard to need. For I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content.
Underline that verse. I have learned whatever state I am in to be content. I know how to be abased.
I know how to abound. And everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Verse 13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
So that brings me to point number one if you're taking notes. Contentment comes when we rejoice in the Lord. Paul found contentment because he rejoiced in the Lord. Verse 4 of Philippians 4 he says, Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.
And by the way that is a command as we pointed out in our last message. You are commanded to rejoice. It doesn't say rejoice in circumstances because sometimes it is hard. But rejoice in the Lord. Point number two.
Paul found contentment because he took life as it came. You cannot control what comes your way in life. I have tried.
It doesn't work. But I can control my reaction to it. I can control the way I think.
I can control my attitude. That is why you learn this. You learn how to be content.
Which brings me to point number three. Contentment does not come from what I have. It comes from who I know. Contentment does not come from what I have.
It comes from who I know. Hebrews 13 5 says, Let your way of life be without covetousness. But be content with such things as you have. For he has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. See because Christ will never leave me I can be content. It is not about what I have. It is about who has me. And so Paul had found this contentment in his relationship with God.
Point number four. Contentment comes from leaning on Christ not leaning on yourself. Contentment comes from leaning on Christ not leaning on yourself. Look at verse 13.
I can do all things to Christ who strengthens me. So Paul realized he needed God's help. Earlier in his book he writes to live as Christ and to die as gain. So Paul had experienced some hard times including being stoned.
Not that kind of stoned. Literal stoning with rocks. In fact he was probably killed. We know at some point Paul died. And many believe it was an incident in the book of Acts where he was stoned and thought of his dead and came back to life. And so Paul had the unique experience of dying and going to heaven and coming back again. Imagine poor Paul. So he is stoned and he is hurtled into the presence of God and there is the Lord Jesus Christ who says, Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord. And Paul is rejoicing in the Lord.
I don't know what happened up there. But maybe the Lord said something like, Hey Paul I have got some good news and bad news. What is the good news? You are coming back again Paul. Again.
What do you mean again? You are going back to earth now buddy. Oh no.
No. I do not want to go back to earth Paul. People are down there praying for you to be raised from the dead. Lord don't listen to their prayers. They are sinners. I don't want to go back to earth.
I want to stay here. I know Paul. But I have a work for you to do. And then he is back there and they are praying that he would be raised. And the Lord gave him many years but the Lord also said a thorn in his flesh. We don't know what it was. Some kind of a physical problem. Maybe a result of one of his beatings or stonings. Maybe it was eyesight.
That is what some commentators think. We don't know with certainty but it was a continuing physical issue it would appear. He described it as a thorn in the flesh. A messenger of Satan sent to buffet him. Lest he would be inflated with pride. So the Lord kind of kept him humble through life. But it kept him leaning on Christ and trusting in Christ.
So he found this contentment. Now we come to a very important verse. Verse 13. Let's say it together. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Let's say it one more time. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Don't you love that verse? The J.B. Phillips translation of that verse goes as follows. I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives within me. I am ready for anything. I can do all things through Christ. Now take out the word Christ and put it in another word and this collapses immediately. How about this.
I can do all things through drugs and alcohol that strengthen me. Is that true? When are people in Hollywood going to get this memo? I mean we breathlessly follow their every move. Their every tweet. Their every post.
Oh they are so wonderful we think. And then we hear of this one checking into a rehab clinic for the tenth time. And we read of this other one getting another divorce. And then we read of another who overdoses on drugs. And then we read of some who commit suicide. And we don't understand that.
Listen. Deep down inside everyone is empty. Everyone is lonely. And everyone needs Jesus. Christ is the answer for everyone.
Not just some. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Not drugs.
How about this. I can do all things through education that strengthens me. Well you can do some things with education.
Getting a degree is a great thing. But you can only do some things through it. I can do all things through money that strengthens me. You can do some things with money. Money is not evil. Some say, Well you know the Bible says money is the root of all evil. The Bible doesn't say that. The Bible says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Which while some have coveted after they have erred from the faith. Money is neutral. It can be used for God's glory. It can be used for evil. But you can't do all things through money.
It has its limitations. Well I can do all things through friends that strengthen me. Well sometimes friends let you down.
Sometimes friends abandon you. How about this one. I can do all things through politics that strengthen me. No.
No. We can do some things through politics. And by the way Christians should be involved in politics. We really should. Now this is not. I don't agree. Look. We need to be involved in every part of culture.
Every part. And every Christian should register and vote. And to not do that to me is a bit irresponsible.
Maybe even worse. But you know we want to encourage men and women of God who want to do what they can in our nation's capital. There are good and godly people in Washington D.C. And there are bad and ungodly people in Washington D.C. So we want to be an influence where we can be. But we understand also we can only do some things through politics. But we can do all things through Christ. Christ is the answer.
He's the answer for the future of America. In just a moment Pastor Greg explains how contentment is tied to generosity. We'll see we're more content with what we give than what we get.
More on that in a moment. Emails, phone calls and social media messages from listeners are so encouraging. And they let us know the effectiveness of these studies. Pastor Greg thank you for your dedication, your love and the great shepherd you are in sharing the gospel. I am one of the many who accepted Jesus through your A New Beginning radio program. I pray that the Lord will continue to give you strength and will bless you as you continue being a faithful servant. We're so grateful to hear of the changed lives through Harvest Ministries. And if you have a story to tell contact us and share it. Call 1-866-871-1144.
That's 866-871-1144. Well today Pastor Greg is presenting his message called The Biblical Worldview on Finding Contentment. Let's continue. And that brings me to point number five to find contentment. I must do my part because God has done His. And again I must do my part because God has done His. This verse pulls it all together.
It brings the perfect balance. I can do all things to Christ who strengthens me. It shows the place of God's power and it shows the place of our response. It does not teach that God does everything for the Christian. Nor does it teach the Christian does everything for God. It teaches that God has given the power and resources I need and I must appropriate them.
Listen. There are some things only God can do and some things only you can do. Only God can forgive you of your sin. But only you can repent of your sin. Only God can lead you but only you can yield to His leading so I have responsibility. I can do all things to Christ who strengthens me. The old side of that is a statement of Christ where He said, apart from me you can do nothing. Oh without Christ I can't live this Christian life. Without Christ I can't help anyone really.
Without Christ I can't do much but all things can be done through Christ who strengthens me. And that is good news. Last point now.
Point number six. Contentment does not come from getting but giving. Contentment does not come from getting but giving. Verse 19.
My God will supply all of your need according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus. This is an oft quoted yet perhaps misunderstood verse. We need to understand it doesn't just float out in space on its own because behind every promise of God there is a premise. Again behind every promise of God there is a premise.
What is a premise or the context? Well the context of Philippians 4 is Paul is commending the believers for their generosity. Look at verse 17. Not that I seek the gift but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all in abounding full having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you a sweet smelling aroma and acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God. Then he says, My God will supply all of your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus.
Let me paraphrase that. Guys I received your offering. Thanks so much. It meant a lot. I know it was sacrificial on your part but I pray God blesses you for your generosity. So these are people that are giving and now He is offering them the promise God will supply all of their needs. I mentioned getting more stuff does not bring happiness or contentment.
Now let me add another statement. Giving more stuff does. Giving more stuff does.
Conventional wisdom says the more you get the happier and more content you will be. The Bible says the more you give the more happy and content you will be. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. Or another way to translate that it is more happy making to give than it is to receive. Now this certainly applies to our finances.
Let me say something. This is not really a verse you can apply if you have been foolish with finances. I mean if you just got back from Vegas and spent all your savings and go, Well praise God. My God will supply all of my needs. Yeah really. Or because you won't go and get a job when there are jobs out there that you could get.
You just are lazy and you don't want to apply yours. Well my God will supply all of my needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus while I take another nap in my La-Z-Boy. Wait.
You know. Hold on. The Bible says if a man doesn't work he shouldn't eat. Get off your fat La-Z-Boy chair and work like the rest of us. And God will supply all of your needs. Be a good steward. Remember to give to the Lord. Because God promises if we will give to Him He will give to us.
But let's broaden this. This doesn't just apply to finances. Maybe you are single and you are saying, I am lonely and I am tired of them staying in the restaurant party of one. Well my God will supply all of your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. God can supply that person for you. Start praying for them. Maybe you are having marital problems.
I don't know how we are going to save this marriage. My God can supply all of your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Or maybe you are having problems with your kids. My God can supply all of your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Maybe you need a physical touch from God. Because you have not been given any hope by the doctors. My God can supply all of your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus.
No. God doesn't heal everyone. But He heals many. And we should pray for His healing touch. The Bible says, If there is any sick among you, call for the elders of the church who will pray and anoint them with oil and the effectual prayer of a righteous man avails much.
If you need help in that way let us know and we will pray for you. That is what we are here for. So the point is God will supply all of the things that you need.
So let's wrap this up. Happiness does not come from seeking self-fulfillment but rather the fulfillment of others. Happiness does not come from seeking it but from seeking God.
Happiness and contentment do not come from getting. They come from giving. No one has ever been honored for what they received but rather for what they gave. You don't go to a person's funeral and have someone say, You know how much money this person made in life? Do you know how many cool things they had?
Nobody cares about that. We want to know what they did. We want to hear about a charitable act. An act of kindness. Something they did for someone else. Those are the things we remember about one another. So we keep that in mind. That it is about discovering real contentment. Listen.
It comes down to this. What you are looking for in life is a relationship with God. It is not going to be found in a thing. It is not going to be found in an accomplishment. It is not going to be found in fame.
It is not going to be found in any outside exterior thing. It will be found in a relationship with God. Are you content? That is what I asked you in the beginning. Are you a happy person right now? Are you thinking, Well if I just had this and that.
No. What you need is God. Tell me what you think you need. I will tell you what you really want. It is Jesus. Tell me what you really want.
I will tell you what you really need. It is Jesus. It is Jesus that you are looking for. And He is here with us right now standing at the door of your life and He is knocking.
And He is saying if you will hear His voice and open the door He will come in. And I ask you in closing have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your life to be your Savior and your Lord. Because the day you do that your questions will be answered. The day you do that you will find the contentment you have been seeking in life. The day you do that is the day you change your eternal address literally from hell to heaven. And He is ready to forgive you but you must ask Him to come into your life. We are going to pray in a moment. And I am going to extend an invitation to any of you who maybe have never asked Jesus to come into your life.
Listen. Coming to harvest doesn't make you a Christian. Any more than going to a Krispy Kreme makes you a donut. I don't care if your parents are Christians.
I mean I am glad they are. But that won't make you a Christian. Or if your husband or your wife is a Christian that will make you a Christian. Or if your friend that came here with you is a Christian that doesn't mean you are a Christian. There has to be a moment when you say Jesus come into my life.
You say well ok how do I even do that? Through prayer. And I am going to lead you in that prayer if you want to pray it. So in a moment we are going to extend this opportunity if you need Jesus today. If you want to find contentment and the guaranteed hope of heaven. And find the meaning and purpose of life.
It is here for you now. Let's pray. Father I pray now for anyone here.
Anyone listening or watching that does not yet know You. Help them to see Lord how much You love them. And help them to come to You and believe in Jesus. They have died on the cross for their sin. And shed His blood for every evil sinful thing they have done. Help them to believe in You today we pray. Amen. And if you would like to make a change in your relationship with the Lord.
Pastor Greg Laurie will help you do that in just a moment. Before this edition of A New Beginning concludes. Please stay with us. And then thank you for partnering with us to help these daily studies continue.
Your investments have eternal benefits. Why not make this a part of your personal ministry. To partner in an effort that is making a real difference with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers.
And for prayerfully considering how God might lead you to help tangibly. Online you'll find us at harvest.org. And there you'll see the way we'd like to thank you for your donation right now.
That's harvest.org. Or write us at A New Beginning Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514. Or call us at 1-800-821-3300.
We're here around the clock to take your call again at 1-800-821-3300. Well Pastor Greg you spoke today about having a relationship with the Lord. Someone can enter into that kind of relationship with God right now. Can't they? Yeah they really can. That's the amazing thing. I think people are surprised that it doesn't take years to become a Christian. It doesn't take months. It doesn't take weeks. It doesn't take days.
It doesn't even take hours. You can believe on the spot. And I would like to lead you in a prayer where you can ask for his forgiveness. A prayer where you can receive Jesus Christ into your life as your Savior and Lord. So if you want Christ to come into your life. If you want him to forgive you of your sin. If you want a second chance in life. If you want to go to heaven when you die. Stop what you're doing and pray after me.
These words. Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. And I'm sorry for my sin. And I turn from it now.
And I choose to follow you from this moment forward. As Savior and Lord. As God and friend.
Thank you for loving me. And calling me. And forgiving me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Amen. And if you have just prayed those words with Pastor Greg. The Lord has heard you and forgiven you of your sin.
The Bible says Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and cleanses from all unrighteousness. And we'd like to send you some materials to help you begin to live this new life. Chief amongst this packet of materials is Pastor Greg's New Believers Bible. The scripture text is in the easy to understand new living translation. And it features scores of helps that will help you get started in your new faith. We'll send the New Believers Bible without charge. Just call us anytime at 1-800-821-3300.
That's 1-800-821-3300. Or just go to Harvest.org and click Know God. Hey everybody. I want to encourage you to join us for something we call Harvest at Home. It happens every Sunday at Harvest.org and on our brand new app Harvest Plus. Which is available on your mobile TV devices.
Download it now. And you can watch Harvest at Home with Christians from around the world as we worship together and study God's word. So again join us for Harvest at Home at Harvest.org or on Harvest Plus. Well next time Pastor Greg continues his enlightening series called World View. With a look at what the Bible says about the afterlife. It's literally a life and death discussion. Join us here on the New Beginning with pastor and Bible teacher Greg Lord.
