CHOOSE TO HAVE THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS OF PEOPLE (1 Corinthians 3:3-7)
- No person can complete you. You cannot complete anyone else when you are not complete in yourself.
- When you make a person into an idol, it’s too much pressure on them. They will disappoint you.
THE RIGHT KIND OF CHANGE STARTS IN ME-I WILL BECOME THE RIGHT KIND OF PERSON RATHER THAN LOOKING FOR THE RIGT KIND OF PLACE. (Philippians 4:4-8, 10-13)
- I rejoice (a choice). I look at what God has given and promised, and what He has give me despite what I deserve.
- I will surrender to the Lord and allow Him to change me.
I AM IN A WAR, BUT GOD WILL PUT ME IN THE RIGHT PLACE TO MAKE THE MOST DIFFERENCE. (Philippians 1:12-14)
- I am here to fight for the people in my life.
- I am here to bring glory to Jesus by what I fight for and who I am as I fight.
- When I fight with the Lord’s help, including His peace, I will be where He wants me to be.
STEPS FROM COMPARISON TO CONTENTMENT
- I start by getting out of the chair and get on my knees in prayer.
- I acknowledge the reality of the world we live in, my own brokenness, and God’s goodness toward me.
- I look at my spouse through God’s eyes. I join God’s perspective by faith.QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR LIFE GROUP AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Passages to consider: Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Note: this could be a good week to break out into men’s & women’s groups.
- Share what was meaningful to you from the sermon.
- Read Philippians 4:11-13 and 1 Timothy 6:6-8. What do you learn about contentment from these passages? A) What seems to be essential to contentment from these verses?
- What has been your experience with practicing contentment? A) What helps you nurture contentment in your heart and thinking?
- What makes comparison harmful? A) When could comparison be helpful? a) Who are models or mentors for you in your marriage and relationships?
- How do you recognize discontentment or comparison in your thinking? A) What do you do when you recognize it is present?
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15-16 and Hebrews 13:5. What do you see that is helpful and practical for growing and practicing contentment in these passages? Challenge: Try keeping a gratitude journal this week—write down at least one thing daily that you are thankful for. Next week, share with the group anything you notice about how it affected your attitude and relationships.