An Exhortation To Contentment

Hebrews is referred to as an exhortation (13:22). It is important to understand the connection between exhortation and theology behind the exhortation. That theology should burn as a fire in our hearts and lead us to heed the exhortation. We want to zoom in on the exhortation in v5. It is a two fold exhortation that is essentially two sides of the same coin. First the negative side of the exhortation, let your manner of life be without covetousness. Then on the positive side is a call to contentment. Contentment does not come naturally. It is something that is a discipline that has to be learned. Our contentment is linked to our closeness to Christ.

1. an argument for being content

• the Lord's continual presence
• consider two categories of possessions that we have
  (a) "things" - people spend all their time accumulating things they will ultimately loose
  (b) "Christ" - even when we become dissatisfied with him, Christ will never forsake us and will always be present to help us
• fickle sheep that we are, we are prone to wonder from this contentment

2. the means for regaining contentment

• the heart must be established in grace (13:9)
• meaning we make good use of the means of grace
• we need go to the throne of grace (4:16; 10:19)
• Moses is an example of loosing contentment (Numbers 11:15 - "And if thou deal thus with me, kill me...")
• Paul was rescued from such wretchedness by preaching the gospel to himself (oh wretched man that I am...There is therefore now no condemnation)