Contentment from Two Points of View

Spurgeon, Charles Haddon

Genesis 33:9-11

And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that you have to yourself.…

I. HERE IS AN UNGODLY MAN WHO HAS ENOUGH (ver. 9). Esau. Unconverted men are sometimes contented with their lot in this life.

1. It is not always or often so: they are mostly a dissatisfied company.

2. It is sometimes so: as in the case of Esau. This may arise from —

(1)  A want of energy.

(2)  A naturally easy disposition, readily pleased.

(3)  Utter recklessness, which only considers present pleasure.

3. It has some good points about it.

(1)  As preventing greed, and the oppression which comes of it.

(2)  As often promoting a good-natured liberality, and the disposition to "live and let live."

4. Yet it has its evil side.

(1)  It leads men to boast of their wealth or acquirements, who would not do so if they were craving for more.

(2)  It tends to breed a contempt for spiritual riches.

(3)  It may thus be a sign of having one's portion in this life.

II. HERE IS A GODLY MAN WHO HAS ENOUGH (ver. 11). Jacob.

1. It is a pity that this is not true of every Christian man.

2. It is delightful to have enough. Contentment surpasses riches.

3. It is pleasant to have somewhat to spare for the poor (Ephesians 4:28).

4. It is blessed to have all this through our God. Jacob said, "God hath dealt graciously with me, and I have enough."

5. It is best of all to have all things. In the margin we read that Jacob said, "I have all things." "All things are yours" (1 Corinthians 3:22).

(1)  All that the believer needs is promised in the covenant.

(2)  All things in providence work together for his good.

(3)  In having God for his portion he has more than all.Thus he has enough of strength and grace. Enough in Christ, in the Word, and in the Spirit. Enough in God's love, power and faithfulness, and an immeasurable supply in God Himself, whose name is "God All-sufficient." The child of God should be ashamed of discontent, since even a common sinner may be free from it. He should be heartily satisfied; for he has all things, and what more can he desire? " O rest in the Lord" (Psalm 37:7).

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