Pew2You
Sunday, August 5th 2018
A Framework for Mental Health (4)
Contentment
Pastor Tom Weaver
Highlights:
Glass half-empty or glass half-full? Which one is most biblical? The answer is neither. The biblical answer is, ‘My glass is full and overflowing!”
Key to contentment: Decide ahead of time, circumstances do not rule me!
Three obstacles to contentment and their biblical counterpart
Self-Sufficiency —– Christ’s Sufficiency
Entitlement —– I deserve death, but I’ve been given forgiveness
Complaining —- I have enough in Christ
Discussion Questions:
Are you a glass half-empty or glass half-full person? What does it take to transition from either one of those to the perspective of our glass being full and overflowing?
What are the current situations and circumstances in your life? What effect are they having on you? Take time to evaluate if their effect is ruling you or if Christ is ruling over them through you.
Pastor Tom asked the questions:,
“What do you believe in your heart that you must have in order to be content?”
“What is Content of your Contentment?”
“What competes for your heart? What recipe of circumstances do we require in order for us to be content?”
4. Are all of your heart strings in the hand of God, or have you made something else your source?
Key Scriptures, Quotes and Definitions:
-Philippians 4:10-20 NIV 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
-Entitlement: The preconceived belief that I deserve better.
– John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.