Spirit of Gratitude - Turning Discontent Upside Down

Turning Christmas Upside Down

Spirit of Gratitude - Turning Discontent Upside Down

2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV

15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

(Thankfulness for Jesus & Contentment in Jesus; opposite of Discontent)

Text:

One Sentence Summary (OSS): When you focus on what you have been given, you’ll stop worrying about what you haven’t been given.

Points

Count Your Blessings

Remember all of the things God has done for you

Realize everything God has given you

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

Celebrate Their Blessings

Often times we become burdened because of what others can provide that you cannot. This is a real issue and this is how we combat that.

Be happy for others’ good fortune and prosperity

You can actually point people to Jesus by giving God credit for what they have. “Wow, God has really blessed you. He is so good!”

2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

2 cor 2:14

Satan’s Counterfeit

“Satan counterfeits contentment with coveting to make us want what God has not given us. Coveting damages our relationships...” Mark Driscoll

It damages our relationships with

God - We’re not happy with what God has provided us. The Father gives good gifts, just not on our timing.

Ourselves - We work ourselves ragged in order to get the stuff we think we must have.

Competitive Consumption “we work ourselves to death and spend ourselves into debt because we wrongly think our self worth is tied to our net worth.”

A sociologist named Thorstein Veblen “conspicuous consumption.” obtain social prestige and power is through displays of leisure and consumption” (the stuff we have) Sounds like social media posts…lol

The issue is with our heart.

Luke 12:15 ESV

15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

People you love

James 4:1–2 ESV

1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.

Robs you of blessing

1 Timothy 6:17 ESV

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Luke 12:15 ESV

15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:

complacency

Coveting Invites the Demonic into your Desires

The difference between an angel and demon.

An angel is content

A demon covets.

The principle of replacement. “Take off” certain mind-sets and desires but also to “put on” on others.

Jesus said that if a demon were cast out but the Holy Spirit did not take it’s place, then seven more demons would fill the gap

James 3:14–16 ESV

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

James 3:14-16

Spirit of discontent and coveting began with Satan. He was jealous of God and wanted to be like God. Satan and a third of the angels rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven to earth.

The difference between an angel and demon.

An angel is content

A demon covets.

If we covet, we are pulling hell up into our lives. When we are content we are bringing heaven down.

The Secret to Contentment…

The principle of replacement. “Take off” certain mind-sets and desires but also to “put on” on others.

Jesus taught this when speaking of casting out demons in -35

Paul also taught this in

Take off Put On

Hate Love

Darkness Light

Dishonesty Truth

Dishonesty Truth

Coveting Contentment

Self Jesus

Contentment has more to do with your soul than your heart. It’s more about what we have in our relationship with God, than what we have in this world. He meets our deepest needs.

“A content person can be ruling from a lofty position or serving from a lowly position with an equal amount of peace in his or her soul.” Mark Driscoll

Jesus was content on the throne in heaven

Like Jesus, content on the throne being worshipped by angels as well as to hang on a cross and be mocked by enemies.

Philippians 4:11–13 ESV

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

James 3:14–16 ESV

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

We can turn discontent upside down by trusting the heart of our Heavenly Father.