1) The document discusses contentment as a trait that is learned, disciplined, and commanded by God. It notes that contentment is rare. 2) Envy, ungratefulness, and covetousness are identified as enemies of contentment. Envy involves ill will toward others' advantages. Ungratefulness is a sign of difficult times and darkens the heart. Covetousness involves desiring more than what one needs. 3) The document warns that these enemies of contentment must be rooted out through spiritual discipline in order to incorporate contentment into one's life.

2. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Now godliness with
contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought
nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. (8) And having food and
clothing, with these we shall be content. (9)
But those who desire to be rich fall into
temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and harmful lusts which drown men in
destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of
money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which
some have strayed from the faith in their
greediness, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows.

3. CONTENTMENT
A. Contentment is a learned trait - Philippians 4:11 Not that I
speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever
state I am, to be content:
B. It is a disciplined trait - 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Now godliness
with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought
nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out. (8) And having food and clothing, with these
we shall be content.
C. It is a commanded trait - Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct
be without covetousness; be content with such things as
you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you
nor forsake you."
D. Yet, it is such a rare trait!
E. It is something we learn from living life as His disciple.

4. I. ENVY.
A. Envy is "a state of ill will toward someone because of
some real or presumed advantage experienced by such a
person" (Greek-English Lexicon of the N.T., 1996, p. 759).
B. It is hard to be content with my circumstances when I am
focused on how much better I think someone else has it.
C. In fact, I will be full of resentment rather than
contentment. Ironically, feeding this mindset makes joy
and satisfaction impossible!
D. Proverbs 14:30 A sound heart is life to the body, But envy
is rottenness to the bones.
E. Envy is listed with the works of the flesh in Gal. 5:19-21
F. Envy should be a thing of the past for Christians - Titus 3:3
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient,
deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in
malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

5. II. UNGRATEFULNESS.
A. Paul marked being ungrateful as a sign of "difficult
times" - 2 Timothy 3:1-4 But know this, that in the
last days perilous times will come: (2) For men will
be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) unloving,
unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control,
brutal, despisers of good, (4) traitors, headstrong,
haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of
God,
B. Have you noticed how some people, however
hard life beats them up, remain upbeat?
C. Are they just naturally inclined to be positive.

6. II. UNGRATEFULNESS.
D. But what about people who seem miserable and
dissatisfied despite countless advantages and
blessings?
E. Gratitude, like contentment, is a learned discipline.
F. When we don't learn it, we darken our hearts with
the evil of ungratefulness.
G. Paul said some knew God, but "they did not honor
Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in
their speculations, and their foolish heart was
darkened" (Rom. 1:21).
H. The wrath of God is revealed against them (Rom.
1:18).

7. III. COVETOUSNESS.
A. The more you have, the more you want.
B. The New Testament has a lot to say about covetous.
1. Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Take heed and
beware of covetousness, for one's life does not
consist in the abundance of the things he
possesses."
2. Romans 1:29 being filled with all
unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy,
murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are
whisperers,
3. Ephesians 5:3 But fornication and all uncleanness
or covetousness, let it not even be named among
you, as is fitting for saints;

8. III. COVETOUSNESS.
B. The New Testament has a lot to say about covetous.
4. Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members
which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness,
passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is
idolatry.
5. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time did we use
flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for
covetousness--God is witness.
6. 2 Peter 2:3 By covetousness they will exploit you with
deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has
not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
7. 2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery and that
cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They
have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are
accursed children.

9. III. COVETOUSNESS.
C. Notice, it is lumped in with the most despicable
of behaviors. What is it? It is a desire to want
more than others whether we need it or not.
D. We think in terms of material possessions, and
while that is a significant aspect of greed it can
extend to the relationships, perceived happiness
or popularity we witness others having.
E. Our society tells us to pursue "top dog" position,
letting no one have more or be more than you.
F. That mentality kills contentment.

10. ENEMIES OF CONTENTMENT
A. Whatever science is involved in contentment,
there certainly is also an art.
B. It is a spiritual discipline.
C. You incorporate it only through diligence and
persistence.
D. Be aware of the enemies of contentment and
root them out!
E. You will be the beneficiary, and so will everyone
who knows you.

12. TONIGHT’S SERMON
WHAT CHRIST WAS MADE