The Rut of Discontentment

Intro:

Describe the Rut of Discontentment

In the first panel Charlie said, “Do you ever think much about the future, Linus?” In the second panel Linus replied, “Oh, yes…all the time.”

Charlie: What do you think you’d like to be when you grow up? Linus: Outrageously happy.

Describe the Rut of Discontentment

attention fake bicycle accident- Levi.

Worldly pleasures, power, prestige.

Proverbs 15:17 HCSB

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.

Missing out on present blessings:

• I had no shoes and complained until I met a man who had no feet.

• I had no shoes and complained until I met a man who had no feet.

Discontentment comes if you can’t have/do what you desire.

• Discontentment makes rich men poor, while contentment makes poor men rich.

Galaxie Software. (2002). 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press.

Worldly pleasures, power, prestige.

Discontentment comes if you can’t have/do what you desire.

The secret of contentment is in changing what you desire

Reasons:

Worldly satisfaction is unreachable

like a mirage

Give Examples of worldly wants...

Paul “learned” this secret.

It is smart to learn from your own mistakes, it is wise to learn from other people’s mistakes.

Comedian Jim Carrey presented a similar struggle at this year’s Golden Globes ceremony. Before announcing the nominees for Best Motion Picture in Comedy, he said to Hollywood’s elite:I am two-time Golden Globe Winner, Jim Carrey. You know, when I go to sleep at night, I’m not just a guy going to sleep. I’m two-time Golden Globe winner, Jim Carrey, going to get some well-needed shut-eye. And when I dream, I don’t just dream any old dream. No sir. I dream about being three-time Golden Globe winning actor, Jim Carrey. Because then I would be enough. It would finally be true. And I could stop this terrible search for what I know ultimately wont fulfill me.”

Why is it unreachable? One reason is because there are always circumstances that will get in the way.

and our circumstances CHANGE.

CONFRONT IDOLATRY

What if there were a source of true satisfaction that was not constrained by your circumstances?

C.S. Lewis — 'If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.'

CONFRONT IDOLATRY.

CONFRONT IDOLATRY.

CONFRONT IDOLATRY.

To know and follow Jesus is truly satisfying

Philippians 3:10 HCSB

My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Contentment is not apathy or complacency.

Philippians 1:21 HCSB

For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.

Philippians 4:13 HCSB

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 1:21–22 HCSB

For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose.

Philippians 4:

Philippians 1:27–28 HCSB

Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance —and this is from God.

Philippians 1:27

For Paul, being content, did not mean that he did not seek to “do” with his life. Remember, Life is short and your life matters.

Philippians 4:13 HCSB

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

His strength is available in whatever circumstances you are in.

I can’t seem to be fulfilled through romance

I can’t seem to

I can’t vs. I can.

You can live for Jesus today. What would stop you? Your sin. By the blood of Jesus you are able to come right to God and experience His powerful strength. There is power in the blood.

There is not any circumstance that you find yourself in that can stop you today from knowing and living for Jesus…not one. His strength is available for you.

His strength

outlasts…

overpowers

overcomes your circumstances and weaknesses.

I have heard people say that they have trouble following Jesus in their work environment. Trust in his strength.

I may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but I know the One who colored the rainbow. I can be content because my weaknesses cannot prevent me from doing what I most want to do…to follow Jesus.

I may not have money, but I know that I serve the One who owns everything.

I may be in prison, but I can do all things through Christ.

Satisfy yourself in Jesus.

Serving Jesus brings real joy and satisfaction in one’s life…but the basis of you your contentment, comes from knowing Him and having a confidence that you are at peace with Him forever and that an inheritance awaits you.

10,000 Sermon Illustrations It’s Better Higher Up

It’s Better Higher Up

The famous preacher D.L. Moody told about a Christian woman who was always bright, cheerful, and optimistic, even though she was confined to her room because of illness. She lived in an attic apartment on the fifth floor of an old, rundown building. A friend decided to visit her one day and brought along another woman—a person of great wealth. Since there was no elevator, the two ladies began the long climb upward. When they reached the second floor, the well-to-do woman commented, “What a dark and filthy place!” Her friend replied, “It’s better higher up.” When they arrived at the third landing, the remark was made, “Things look even worse here.” Again the reply, “It’s better higher up.” The two women finally reached the attic level, where they found the bedridden saint of God. A smile on her face radiated the joy that filled her heart. Although the room was clean and flowers were on the window sill, the wealthy visitor could not get over the stark surroundings in which this woman lived. She blurted out, “It must be very difficult for you to be here like this!” Without a moment’s hesitation the shut-in responded, “It’s better higher up.” She was not looking at temporal things. With the eye of faith fixed on the eternal, she had found the secret of true satisfaction and contentment.