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“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” (Philippians 4:11–12, CSB)
In an age of discontent, materialism, and consumerism, contentment may often seem illusive. The way in which the believer battles discontentment is through thanksgiving. When we remember all that we have, we find that we have more than we could ever imagine and our hearts fill with gratitude toward our Savior.
In Christ we possess
□ Salvation—through faith in Christ the believer is forgiven, justified, and reconciled to God (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10).
□ Eternal life—in Christ believers possess eternal life which cannot be taken away (John 10:28; 17:3).
□ Adoption—believers are adopted into God’s family and become his children with a close, personal relationship (Galatians 4:4-7).
□ Redemption—in Christ believers are redeemed from the power of sin and the curse of the law (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14).
□ Sanctification—believers are set apart and made holy by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).
□ Access to God—in Christ, believers have access to God through prayer and worship. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.
□ Peace and Joy—those in Christ have a peace that surpasses understanding and a joy that is not dependent on circumstances (Philippians 4:7; Romans 15:13).
□ A New Identity—the believer is no longer identified by his sinful, unregenerate self, but rather has a new identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
□ Hope—believers possess a hope that is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of his return (1 Peter 1:3; Titus 2:13).
□ Fellowship with Believers—Christians are part of the body of Christ and are called to fellowship with other believers (1 Corinthians 12:27).
The blessing we possess in Christ are truly grounds for contentment and thanksgiving. “Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, CSB)
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