Discontent on SermonAudio

The sermon centers on the call to contentment and faithful living rooted in God's unwavering presence, drawing from Hebrews 13:5–6 and other New Testament passages to emphasize that true peace comes not from worldly possessions or desires, but from trusting in God's promise to never leave or forsake His people. It warns against the insidious nature of covetousness, which distorts character, breeds discontent, and leads to spiritual pride, urging believers to examine their conduct—especially their unspoken actions and attitudes—as a true reflection of their inner state. Through biblical examples, including the prodigal son and Paul's own testimony, the message underscores that godliness with contentment is true gain, and that humility, self-denial, and reliance on Christ's strength are essential for enduring trials and resisting the world's allure. The preacher calls for a heart transformed by grace, where joy is found not in material abundance but in union with Christ, and where the believer's life becomes a living testimony of trust in God's sovereignty and provision.

This sermon was preached on February 15, 2026 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Zachary Groff preached this sermon entitled "The Rock" on Exodus 17:1–7. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

1 Samuel 1:10-18 (KJV) And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. 11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor come upon his head. 12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. 13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. 14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. 15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. 17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. 18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

Numbers 16:1-5 (KJV) Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: 2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: 3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? 4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: 5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

Exodus 15:1-2 (KJV) Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:22-27 (KJV) So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. 23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. 24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? 25 And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, 26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. 27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

Ruth was content to Worship, Work, Wait, and Witness God's Redemption.

The sermon centers on the danger of covetousness, warning that life's true value does not lie in material abundance but in being 'rich toward God.' Drawing from Jesus' parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13–21, it exposes the folly of self-centered accumulation, highlighting how the man's inner dialogue, self-reliance, and presumption of endless life led to spiritual ruin. The preacher underscores that covetousness—rooted in envy and idolatry—is a pervasive blight in American culture and the church, leading to discontent, quarrels, and spiritual barrenness, as seen in passages like 1 Timothy 6:10 and Hebrews 13:5. True richness, the sermon affirms, is found in spiritual blessings—salvation, godly wisdom, good works, and eternal life—secured through faith in Christ, not earthly possessions. Ultimately, it calls believers to repent of materialism, prioritize eternal treasures, and live with urgent readiness for Christ's return, recognizing that only those who turn from idols to serve the living God are delivered from the wrath to come.

Ruth 1:1-6 (KJV) Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. 2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. 3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. 5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. 6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.