INTRODUCTION:  An airline pilot was flying over the Tennessee Mountains and pointed out a lake to his copilot.  “See that little lake?” he said.  “When I was a kid I used to sit in a rowboat down there, fishing.  Every time a plane would fly overhead, I’d look up and wish I were flying it.  Now I look down and wish I was in a rowboat, fishing.” 

Contentment can be an elusive pursuit.  We go after what we think will make us happy only to find that it didn’t work; in fact, we were happier before we started the quest. 

In Philippians 4:10-13, a man who sits in prison because of corrupt officials awaiting possible execution over false charges tells the impoverished and overtaxed citizens of Philippi how to find contentment. 

That’s why I call this series on Philippians “God’s SPIRITUAL Stimulus Plan.”  This letter is full of provisions to keep our spirits strong even if the economy is in the tank and our personal circumstances seem lousy. 

The Philippian church had sent a financial gift to Paul the prisoner.  In expressing his heartfelt thanks he reveals the secret to contentment.  

This morning let’s contrast four qualities of those who are malcontent to those who are content.