Pastor Matt reminded us that it's our awareness that is the rocket fuel that drives discontentment.
MY STORY
What's your typical emotional response to seeing the ways that God has been generous with others, (in ways he has not blessed you) — especially on social media?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
"Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Timothy 6:6-14)
What does it mean to be content?
Can you be content and still desire to grow? Explain why or why not.
Define these six terms: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.
How can each of these serve as a healthy alternative to pursuing wealth for its own sake?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
How can the pull of money draw us away from those things that matter to God? What can we do to prevent this from happening?
Contrast the types of social media posts that convey contentment, with those whose sole purpose seems to provoke jealousy.
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Take a piece of paper, and create two columns.
Label the first column "Unhealthy Discontent"
Label the second column "A healthy desire to grow"
List the things in the first column that tend to create a sense of resentment in you – and determine to bring these things to God this week for resolution.
(In contrast, the second column, or "holy discontent," can drive us to pursue those things that matter to God, and ultimately result in our own godly growth and the spiritual development of others.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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