The Crown Jewel of Contentment (Part 3) by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

Henry Martyn was a godly man who felt that Christ was worth living for no matter what the cost. He had learned the secret of contentment. He was willing to make the sacrifices that were necessary to do what God led him to do. He had an intimate, close relationship with Jesus Christ. After Henry Martyn spent virtually a lifetime of ministry in India, he announced that God had laid a burden on his heart to go to Persia (modern Iran) and translate the New Testament and the Psalms into the Persian language. He was a brilliant linguist and used this gift from the Lord for His glory. Doctors had already told him that he would die because of the heat if he stayed in India. He went to Persia, studied the language, and eventually finished the translation work in 1812. He then learned, however, that he could not print and distribute the Scriptures without the Shah's permission. He traveled 600 miles to Teheran but was denied permission to see the Shah. He took another 400-mile trip to visit the British ambassador who gave him proper papers of introduction. Riding a mule at night and resting during the heat of the day, he came back to Teheran and managed to obtain the needed permission to put the Scriptures into print and distribute them. Ten days later, at the age of 31, Henry Martyn died, but not before he finished the task that God laid upon his heart. Henry Martyn was so consumed with the cause of Jesus Christ that he took no thought for his own life or welfare. He presented his body a living sacrifice to the Lord. He was content with God’s plan for His life whatever it would be. He was remembered for his courage, selflessness, and devotion to the Lord. Shortly before his death he had written in his diary, "I sat and thought with sweet comfort and peace of my God in solitude. He’s my Companion, my Friend, and Comforter." Those are the words of a man who was rich because he possessed the crown jewel of contentment that came from abiding in Jesus Christ. In this message we address the warnings about money traps and using the money that God has provided for you as a tool of blessing in the lives of others and the Lord’s work. This message was preached on Wednesday night, August 30, 2023, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Blessing & Favor