June 23 2013 How To Live The Satisfied Life

HOW TO LIVE THE SATISFIED LIFE
Philippians 4:10-13

Verses 11-12 - I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  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.

4 LESSONS

1.  I must avoid comparisons.
a) Verse 11 b - I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
b) II Cor. 4:18 - We do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven, the troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

Misconceptions about happiness:
* I must have what others have.

* I must be liked by everyone.

* Having more of everything.

I Timothy 6:6-8 - Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

2.  I must adjust to change.
a) Verse 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.

I have learned to be independent of circumstances

Types of circumstances:
•  Those we can control and do.
•  Those we can control and don’t.
•  Those we can’t control.

b) Rom. 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

3.  I must draw on Christ’s Power.
a) Verse 13 - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

THERE IS NOTHING I CANNOT MASTER WITH THE HELP OF THE ONE WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH.

b) II Cor. 12:9 - But God said to me my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in (your) weakness.

4.  I must trust Christ to meet my needs.
a) Verse 19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
b) Matt. 6:31-33 - So do not start worrying, where will my food come from?  Or my drink?  Or my clothes?  Your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.  Instead be concerned above everything else with God’s Kingdom and He will provide you with all these other things.

November 11 2012 The Choice Of Peace

THE CHOICE OF PEACE

Matthew 5:9 - Happy are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.

Misconception:
1. Peace making is not avoiding.
2. Peace making is not appeasement.
3. It’s actively seeking to resolve the conflict.

I. Why should I be a peacemaker?

1. Unresolved conflicts block my fellowship with God.
1 John 4:20 - If anyone says I love God yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

2. It can prevent answered prayers.
1 Peter 3:7 - Husbands in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Matthew 5:23 - Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and then remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, first go and be reconciled to your brother.

3. It hinders my happiness.
Job 18:4 - You are only hurting yourself with your anger.

II. How can we be a peacemaker?

1. You need to plan a peace conference.
Matthew 5:23-24 - If you remember your brother has something against you, go at once to make peace.

2. You need to empathize with their feelings.
Philippians 2:4 - None of you should think only of his own affairs, but consider other people’s interests also.

3. You attack the problem, not the person.
Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed.

4. Cooperate as much as possible.
Romans 12:18 - Do everything possible on your part to live at peace with all men.
Romans 16:17 - I urge your, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way, keep away from them.
James 3:17 - Peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.

5. You emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.
2 Corinthians. 5:18 - God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gives us the ministry of reconciliation.

Where To Start:
Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.