Bible Text: Philippians 4:10-20 | Preacher: Lieutenant Rob Westwood-Payne | Series: An Upside-Down Christmas | In this sermon on finding contentment at Christmas, we are challenged to find our strength in Christ, whatever circumstances we face.

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Have our hearts hardened to the Christmas story?

Have our hearts hardened to the Christmas story over the years? Is Christmas just what we expect? With Jesus we should expect the unexpected. The story still has the capacity to turn your world upside-down.

An Assault on our Contentment

Christmas is an assault on your contentment. Contentment is simply being okay with who you are and what you have. Many fall into the trap of believing the perfect Christmas will bring them real contentment. We look for things other than God to make us content.

The Bible tells us contentment can be attained. It is both promised and commanded.

Philippians 4:10-20, NIVUK

Thanks for their gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Devotion to God and our Attitude to Possessions

You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3 NIV).

You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour (Exodus 20:17 NIV).

The opposite of contentment is coveting. The Ten Commandments link our love and devotion to God with our attitude to possessions. Coveting is wanting something more than you want God. God wants you to find your contentment in him. We can enjoy stuff, but not worship it:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:12 NIV).

Whatever-the-circumstances Contentment

I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13 NIV).

Do you have whatever-the-circumstances contentment? This Christmas, look for contentment in Jesus. If in need, remind yourself only God can provide. If you have plenty, remind yourself only God can truly satisfy you.

As this sermon on finding Christmas contentment concludes we recall that the strength to stand against consumerism comes from God. If you make Christ your strength this Christmas, you will be content. If you are happy in your relationship with Christ, you will be content in his peace.

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