Last Sunday at The Family Church here in Gainesville, senior pastor Philip Griffin delivered his tenth and final sermon on the Bible's New Testament book of Philippians, a series themed on how to achieve joy. This installment, Joyful Contentment, focuses on the final verses of Paul's letter from a Roman prison to the church in Philippi: click on Philippians 4:10-23 to read it via Bible Gateway...
In opening his message, Pastor Philip stressed that satisfaction is found in a soul-level contentment in Jesus Christ...this doesn't come automatically, but rather is something that has to be learned and worked on. To achieve true contentment is indeed a process, and it involves recognizing what will lead...and not lead...to it. Philip brought out five pointers to this end: stop comparing, stop tying contentment to circumstances, depend on Christ's strength, become a giver, and learn to distinguish between needs and wants. Instead of being on the endless, pointless treadmill of comparing ourselves to others, why not pursue God's virtues of righteousness, faith, love, and endurance? Contentment doesn't come from circumstances...either having what others have, having more and more, or falling for the myth that God's will is for us to be happy (leading to doing whatever we please to do). Regarding giving, Philip pointed out that studies have shown the poor, percentage-wise, are greater givers than the rich...supporting the sad truth that the more we have, the more we trust in what we have. And as for needs vs. wants, I feel that too many of us can't distinguish between them...one big reason is the lack of appreciation for the concept of "enough". In sum, our joy and contentment do not come from our circumstances or "stuff", but from God...we need to change our focus and attitude...
You can view this message on YouTube through the Family Church's video website...just click on the following link: [TFC Videos]. Located at 2022 SW 122nd Street (Parker Road), The Family Church holds its Sunday morning services at 9 and 10:30...this coming Easter Sunday will also feature an earlier one at 7:15. There will be, along with the message, praise and worship music, prayer, and discipleship and fellowship opportunities. There is a hospitality room where refreshments are provided and folks can mingle before and between services. Looking forward to this Sunday...
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