Lessons.—1. God does not forget His servants in distress. 2. A contented spirit is a fruit of Divine grace. 3. It is a joy to be remembered by those we love.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES.
Ver. 10. Practical Christian Benevolence—
- Is quick to see the needs of God’s servants and of the cause in which they faithfully labour.
- Eagerly watches every opportunity for supplying those needs.
- Is a matter of exalted joy to those who fully appreciate both the supply and the motive that prompted it.
Vers. 11, 12. Tendency of Christian Principles to produce True Contentment.
I. Christianity takes away the natural causes of discontent.—1. Pride. 2. Self-preference. 3. Covetousness.
II. Christianity furnishes powerful motives for the exercise of a contented mind.—1. The disciples of Christ are under the strongest obligations to walk in the footsteps of their Divine Master. 2. True Christians are firmly convinced that their lot is chosen for them by their blessed Lord and Master. 3. It is chosen for them in infinite love and mercy to their souls.—E. Cooper.
Ver. 11. Contentment.
I. That a man be content with his own estate without coveting that which is another’s.
II. That a man be content with his present estate.—1. Because that only is properly his own. 2. All looking beyond that disquiets the mind. 3. The present is ever best.