VISION PT 7: LIVING A CONTENTED LIFE - SIMPLICITY IN OUR LIVING
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.
12 Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
Matthew 6:31-33
31 So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?
32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
At Tables Church One Of Our Core Principles Is That As Followers Of Christ We Are Called To Live Lives Of Biblical Contentment And Simplicity.
Paul, who worked tirelessly to advance the Gospel, understood that true contentment came from relying on Christ in every circumstances.
Philippians 4:11-13
“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation… For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Worry And Fear Of Lack Are Some Of The Greatest Drivers Of The Restless Pursuit For More.
Contentment Is The Antidote To Worry, Freeing Us To Trust God’s Provision And Embrace A Life That Seeks His Kingdom First.
1 Timothy 6:6
“True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.”
Paul’s Words Suggest That Contentment Is Not Merely A Passive Acceptance Of Our Circumstances, But An Active And Intentional Trust In God’s Provision And Care.
LIVING SIMPLY FINANCIALLY:
Biblical Contentment Frees Us From The Pressure To Accumulate More.
When We Live With Contentment We Stop Measuring Our Worth By What We Own.
Jesus encourages us to focus on what truly matters in Matthew 6
Matthew 6:33
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
Scripture Makes It Clear That Wealth Is A Gift From God And Should Be Used For Good.
1 Timothy 6:17-18
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but put their hope in God… to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
The Bible reminds us that our ability to work and gain wealth comes from God:
Deuteronomy 8:18
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
LIVING SIMPLY SPIRITUALLY:
1 Thessalonians 4:11
“Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands.”
This Call, To A Quiet And Peaceful Life, Is Rooted In Contentment, Being At Peace With Who We Are And Where God Has Placed Us.
Contentment Allows Us To Let Go Of Comparison And Competition.
When We Are Truly Content We No Longer Feel The Need To Compare Ourselves To Others Or To Seek Validation From People.
Living Simply Spiritually:
At Its Core Contentment Is About Resting In God’s Love And Sufficiency.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Being Content In Our Relationship With God Means We Stop Striving To Prove Our Worth Through Spiritual Performance. Instead, We Rest In His Grace, Knowing Our Value Is Found In Christ Alone.
Spiritual Contentment Allows Us To Focus On What Truly Matters:
Loving God And Loving Others.
TABLE TIME:
In a world that constantly pushes us to “get more, do more, and be more,” why do you think God calls us to live quiet lives of simplicity and contentment?
What areas of your life do you find it easiest or hardest to feel content in?
In 1 Timothy 6:6, Paul writes, “True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.”
How does this verse explain the relationship between contentment and material possessions and what does it teach us about what true wealth really is in the eyes of God?
How can comparison to others affect our relationships and emotional well-being?
In what ways can Godly contentment help us let go of comparison?
1 Thessalonians 4:11 encourages us to “aspire to live quietly.”
What might a “quiet” life look like in your relationships, and how can it foster deeper peace and contentment?
Jesus offers us rest in Matthew 11:28-30.
How does this invitation speak to our tendency to strive spiritually and How can we rest in Christ’s work rather than striving for approval or accomplishment?
What practices or habits can help us simplify our walk with God and focus on what truly matters: loving Him and others?
What role does gratitude play in fostering contentment and how can we cultivate a habit of gratitude in our daily lives?
Reflecting on Philippians 4:11-13, how do you see God shaping your perspective on contentment in both times of abundance and need?
PRAY FOR EACH OTHER AT YOUR TABLE:
WHAT IS GOD SAYING?
GOING DEEPER: PRACTICAL WAYS WE CAN LIVE IN CONTENTMENT AND SIMPLICITY.
FINANCIALLY:
Practice Gratitude For God’s Provision:
Gratitude is the key to contentment. Regularly thank God for what you already have, acknowledging that He is your provider. This shifts your focus from what you lack to the abundance God has already provided. James 1:17 (NLT) reminds us, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father.” A grateful heart is a content heart.
Live Within Your Means:
Simplicity in finances begins with managing what you have well. Resist the temptation to stretch your finances to buy things you don’t need Or to live beyond your means. By living within your budget and resisting consumer culture, You free yourself from financial stress and cultivate contentment.
Embrace Generosity:
One of the clearest signs of financial contentment is generosity. When we give, we acknowledge that our resources ultimately belong to God and we trust Him to supply our needs.
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
Let generosity be an act of worship and trust in God.
Emotionally And Relationally:
Limit Comparisons:
Comparison is a thief of joy and contentment. Recognize that God has a unique plan for your life, and your journey is different from anyone else’s. Focus on being faithful where He has placed you.
Galatians 6:4 encourages us:
“Pay careful attention to your own work,
For then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, And you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.”
Set Healthy Boundaries:
Emotional and relational simplicity means learning when to say no and when to step back. Boundaries protect your emotional well-being and help you prioritize your relationship with God over pleasing others. Boundaries rooted in contentment allow you to be fully present in the relationships God has called you to without feeling overwhelmed.
Pursue Peace:
Contentment allows us to pursue peaceful relationships. When we are not driven by insecurity or the need to prove ourselves, we can live at peace with others.
Romans 12:18
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
This includes letting go of grudges, forgiving freely, and building relationships based on grace.
Spiritually:
Prioritize Rest In God’s Presence:
Instead of filling your life with busyness, carve out intentional time to rest in God’s presence through: prayer, meditation, and scripture reading.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Simplicity in our spiritual lives begins with slowing down and resting in His love.
Focus On The Essentials:
Jesus summarized the greatest commandments as “Loving God and loving others” (Matthew 22:37-39).
Simplicity in our walk with God means stripping away the distractions and focusing on these essentials. Rather than getting caught up in religious activities for their own sake let your spiritual life be centered on these two core principles: Loving God and loving others.
Serve Others With Joy:
Contentment enables us to serve others without seeking recognition or reward.
Jesus modeled this simplicity in service when He washed the disciples’ feet, showing us that true greatness comes through humble acts of love.
(John 13:1-17).
Serve others from a place of contentment, trusting that your value is in Christ and not in your accomplishments.