Message: “Faith + Contentment = Joy” from Pastor Joe

Faith + Contentment = Joy Lesson Objective: To remind each of us of the need to be content and have faith which leads to Joy Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 4: 2  Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful Philippians 4: 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. Job 6:10 Then I would still have this consolation— my joy in unrelenting pain— that I had not denied the words of the Holy One   Introduction- definitions Contentment is defined as : A state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be. One dictionary defines contentment as “the state of being mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are.” Faith is defined as: complete trust or confidence in someone or something Joy is defined as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness: Faith further defined Hebrews 11: 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Important that life is dependent on hope Faith is based on things that can not be proven but believed Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him There is no reason to seek God if there is no belief God rewards that belief Ephesians 6: 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Faith is a weapon in battle Contentment further defined It means being grateful for what one has 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." Contentment does not mean settling and not wanting more 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. Matthew 20: 21-22 The mother of Zebedee’s children (James and John) came to Jesus with her She got down on her knees before Jesus to ask something of Him. 21 He said to her, “What do you want?” She said, “Say that my two sons may sit, one at Your right side and one at Your left side, when You are King. Lack of contentment is the cause of most if not all sin Joy further defined 1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy Joy is more than happiness “This joy that I have, the world did not give it to me and the world cannot take it away” Challenges to reaching Joy First enemy...Unrealistic Expectations Second Enemy.....Unfair Comparisons Third Enemy....Unnoticed Blessings Fourth enemy.....Uncontrolled Ambition Possible solutions First, contentment occurs when we develop a spirit of Gratitude regardless the circumstances Second, Start trying to please Jesus Christ and quit trying to prove yourself to othrs Third, Love people more than things Summary Content means that one has faith in God and he will provide Lack of contentment means lack of Fait which is not pleasing to God Joy comes from having faith and being content Contentment is a learning experience    

Scripture References: Job 6:10

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