Contentment

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

Tim Keller

Religion, Religion & Spirituality:christianity, Spirituality, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity

4.9 • 16.2K Ratings

🗓️ 2 February 2026

⏱️ 35 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

When Paul was in prison, facing and expecting death, he had the audacity to say, “I have found the secret of being content no matter the circumstances.” The amazing thing is that in the Bible this is not some kind of high nirvana that only certain people can find. In fact, the Bible doesn’t just say this is possible—it actually says this is commanded. The tenth commandment is “Thou shalt not covet.” Coveting is that inner grasping after things that says, “I have to have these things or I’m so empty.” But until you recognize you’re incapable of contentment, you are incapable of contentment. Paul doesn’t leave us grasping after the secret. He outlines it for us, and shows us 1) why we need it, 2) what it is, and 3) how to get it. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on January 28, 1990. Series: Ten Commandments 1989. Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Gospel and Life. Have you ever wondered what it really means to live a great life?
0:09.0	The Bible says the Ten Commandments aren't confining rules, but a framework for building a life
0:13.8	of true greatness. Today, Tim Keller takes an in-depth look at the final commandment,
0:18.8	Do Not Covet, and helps us understand what it means
0:21.4	to live a life of true contentment, grounded in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
0:26.4	After you listen, we invite you to go online to gospelandlife.com and sign up for our email
0:31.3	updates. When you sign up, you'll receive our quarterly journal with stories of gospel
0:35.9	changed lives as well as other valuable
0:38.1	gospel-centered resources. Subscribe today at gospelandlife.com.
0:49.0	Philippians 4 10 through 13.
0:55.0	I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.
1:01.0	Indeed, you have had, you have been concerned, but you have had no opportunity to show it.
1:17.1	I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
1:22.3	I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed
1:27.0	or hungry, whether living
1:29.2	in plenty or in want, I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
1:36.7	Here ends the reading of God's Holy Word.
1:40.8	We've been going through the Ten Commandments, And today we come to the Tenth Commandment.
1:47.7	And Paul is talking about the Tenth Commandment.
1:52.4	Here we have Paul.
1:55.1	In prison, when he wrote the book of Philippians,
1:59.0	facing and expecting death.
	...

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