2. “THE PATH TO CONTENTMENT”

3. “The Path to Contentment”  Some people tend to be more consistent at keeping the proper perspective with regard to contentment.  Some people struggle with keeping the proper perspective with regard to contentment.  We can be taught how to grow in this area! True contentment IS within our grasp!!

4. Some make “religion” hard with the wrong attitude…  Romans 13:8-10, The road to contentment involves enjoying the opportunity to serve both God and our fellow man! 1Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)  (The context of 1Corinthians, chapter 15 deals with the resurrection.)

5. Some make the mistake of being “careless”… (2 Timothy 2:14-15 NKJV)  “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:14-15 NKJV) (2 Timothy 2:14-15 KJV)  “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:14-15 KJV)

6. 2Tim 2:15 - “Be Diligent”, “Study” G4704 σπουδαζω spoudazo ̄ Thayer Definition: 1) to hasten, make haste 2) to exert one’s self, endeavour, give diligence Part of Speech: verb A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G4710 Citing in TDNT: 7:559, 1069

7. 2Tim 2:15 - “Be Diligent”, “Study” G4704 σπουδαζω spoudazo ̄ spoo-dad'-zo From G4710; to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest: - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study. - Strong’s

8. Some make the mistake of being “careless”…  2Peter 1:5-11, True and full knowledge is the key to obtaining God’s blessings.  It takes effort to improve ourselves…  “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10 NKJV)  Psalm 119:113-120

9. Some have an improper attitude concerning “fear”…  1 John 4:16-19, We CAN have confidence in the Judgment Day. (Love casts out fear )  That’s IF we are faithfully following the Lord’s direction! (Consider verses 20 and 21)  Isaiah 8:11-15, There is a proper place for fear.

10. Some have an improper attitude concerning “fear”… (Isaiah 51:7 NKJV)  "Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men Isaiah” (Isaiah 51:7 NKJV) (1Peter 3:14 NKJV)  “But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.“ (1Peter 3:14 NKJV)  Luke 12:4-5…

11. Rejoice Greatly, Isaiah 61:10-11 (Psalms 28:6-7 NKJV)  “Blessed be the L ORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplications! 7 The L ORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” (Psalms 28:6-7 NKJV) (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV)  “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV) (Romans 5:11NKJV)  “And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” (Romans 5:11NKJV)

12. Be diligent to be found by Him in peace… (2 Peter 3:14)  “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14) (John 16:33 NKJV)  “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV) (Romans 8:6 NKJV)  “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6 NKJV)  James 3:17-18, The wisdom from God creates peace!!

13. Consider all that God does and grow in love for Him! (1 John 4:16-18 NKJV)  1John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:16-18 NKJV)  Psalm 121  “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15 NKJV)

14. Our love for God will translate over into how we deal with brethren…  1John 4:20-21, I cannot love God and hate my brother.  1John 4:7-8, Love is of God! (Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV)  “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV)

15. Our life reflects our attitude toward life…  Our relationship with brethren reflects our attitude toward brethren.  We can either make our life difficult and hard…  Or you can find joy, peace, and love – even during times of struggle.  How will you approach God?

16. “The Path to Contentment” (2 Peter 3:14)  Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless (2 Peter 3:14) (John 16:33 NKJV)  “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV)  GALATIANS 3:26-29