Definition and Context:
Contenting, in a biblical sense, refers to the state of being satisfied or at peace with one's circumstances, regardless of external conditions. It is closely related to the concept of contentment, which is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing reliance on God's provision and sovereignty.

Biblical References:

1. Philippians 4:11-13 :
"I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
· The Apostle Paul speaks of contentment as a learned behavior, achieved through reliance on Christ. His contentment is not dependent on material wealth or comfort but on his relationship with Jesus.

2. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 :
"Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these."
· Paul advises Timothy that true gain is found in godliness combined with contentment. This passage underscores the transient nature of material possessions and the sufficiency of basic needs.

3. Hebrews 13:5 :
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'"
· The author of Hebrews warns against the love of money, encouraging believers to find contentment in God's promise of His constant presence and provision.

Theological Insights:

· Divine Sufficiency: Contentment is rooted in the belief that God is sufficient for all needs. It reflects trust in His provision and timing, acknowledging that He knows what is best for His children.

· Spiritual Discipline: Contentment is often portrayed as a spiritual discipline that requires intentional focus on God's promises rather than worldly desires. It involves a conscious decision to trust in God's plan and to find joy in His presence.

· Contrast with Covetousness: Contentment stands in stark contrast to covetousness, which is condemned in Scripture. Covetousness leads to dissatisfaction and a constant desire for more, while contentment brings peace and satisfaction with what God has provided.

Practical Application:

· Gratitude: Cultivating a heart of gratitude is essential for contentment. By regularly giving thanks for God's blessings, believers can shift their focus from what they lack to what they have been graciously given.

· Simplicity: Embracing a lifestyle of simplicity can help foster contentment. By reducing dependence on material possessions and focusing on spiritual growth, believers can experience greater peace and fulfillment.

· Trust in God's Plan: Contentment involves trusting that God's plan is perfect, even when circumstances are challenging. Believers are encouraged to seek His guidance and rest in His promises, knowing that He works all things for their good (Romans 8:28).

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, contentment was often associated with philosophical teachings, such as those of the Stoics, who advocated for emotional detachment from external circumstances. However, biblical contentment is distinct in its foundation on a personal relationship with God and reliance on His strength. The early Christian community, often facing persecution and hardship, found solace in the teachings of contentment, which provided a countercultural perspective on wealth and success.

Conclusion:
Contentment is a vital aspect of the Christian life, encouraging believers to find peace and satisfaction in God's provision and presence. Through Scripture, Christians are called to cultivate contentment as a reflection of their trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

A Continuation of the Discourse Touching the Various Degrees of ...
... And if one should yet insist thus: Tell me then, statue, I pray, not seeing
thy master how dost thou find contentment in contenting him? ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi a continuation of.htm

All Internal Livers Obliged to Attend to God's Inspirations. ...
... of all inordinate affection to creatures"of all vain encumbering friendships, all
factious partialities, all thoughtful provision for the contenting of our ...
/.../chapter v all internal livers.htm

section i.
... far make me forget the general Charity I owe unto Humanity, as rather to hate than
pity Turks, Infidels, and (what is worse,) Jews; rather contenting my self ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section i.htm

The Dignity of Woman.
... the slave of error; turning away the heart of woman from what is truly good and
great to pander to false and transitory goods, which sully without contenting it ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter iv the dignity of.htm

General Review of the Question: Summary of the Evidence; and ...
... We listen with astonishment; contenting ourselves with modestly suggesting that
surely it will be time to conjecture why S. Mark's Gospel was left by its ...
/.../chapter xii general review of.htm

The Providence of God and his Government of all Things...
... our capacity will admit of; but with the greatest humility and reverence adore the
righteous judgments of God, which are hid from us, contenting ourselves that ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xiii the providence of.htm

One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ...
... or upon subjects not sufficiently appropriate or circumstantial; secondly, by
contracting every section into the fewest words possible, contenting myself for ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vi one argument which.htm

I Wish Now to Review Your Sacred Rites; and I Pass no Censure on ...
... I do not dwell on the philosophers, contenting myself with a reference to Socrates,
who, in contempt of the gods, was in the habit of swearing by an oak, and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xiv i wish now.htm

A Third Motive to Resolution is the Danger of Tepidity...
... they perform their external necessary obligations to God and their brethren sleepily
and heartlessly, without any true affection, contenting themselves with ...
/.../chapter v a third motive.htm

The Lord that Healeth Thee'
... Why does he use that periphrasis, 'Them that had need of healing,' instead of
contenting himself with straightforwardly saying, 'Them that were sick,' as do ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the lord that healeth thee.htm

Contenting (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Contenting (1 Occurrence). Mark 15:15 And Pilate,
desirous of contenting the crowd, released to them Barabbas ...
/c/contenting.htm - 6k

Contention (24 Occurrences)

/c/contention.htm - 15k

Desirous (31 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:15 And Pilate, desirous of contenting the crowd, released to them Barabbas,
and delivered up Jesus, when he had scourged him, that he might be crucified ...
/d/desirous.htm - 15k

Contentment (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The act or process of contenting or satisfying; as, the contentment of avarice
is impossible. 3. (vt) Gratification; pleasure; satisfaction. Int. ...
/c/contentment.htm - 9k

Contented (1 Occurrence)

/c/contented.htm - 6k

Crowd (166 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:15 And Pilate, desirous of contenting the crowd, released to them Barabbas,
and delivered up Jesus, when he had scourged him, that he might be crucified ...
/c/crowd.htm - 35k

Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... Assur-nazir-pal was succeeded by his son Shalmaneser II (859-825 BC), who, instead
of contenting himself, like his father, with mere raids for the sake of booty ...
/a/assyria.htm - 101k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus