NOT COMPLAINING
Pastor Bill Young (bill@trc.life)
Four keys to conquering complaining:
I. Admit it is a
Proverbs 28:13 (LB) A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.
A. Recognize it in
B. Understand complaining is a
James 5:9a (NIV84) Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged…
Psalm 106:25 (NIV84) They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD.”
II. Accept
Proverbs 19:3 (GN) Some people ruin themselves by their own stupid mistakes and then blame the Lord.
A. It’s easier to complain &
B. Could it be we reap what we
Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV84) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
III. Attain an attitude of
Philippians 2:17-18 (NIV84) But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
A. Be glad
I Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV84) Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
B. Gratitude is the
Philippians 4:11 (NIV84) I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
IV. Ascertain the
Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV84) The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
A. Heart of problem: Problem of the
Matthew 12:34b (NIV84) …For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Matthew 15:18 (NIV84) The things that come out of your mouth come from your heart.
B. You need a
Ezekiel 11:19-20 (NIV84) I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.