“THE PATH TO
CONTENTMENT”
“The Path to Contentment”
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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!!
Some make “religion” hard with the
wrong attitude…
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Romans 13:8-10, The road to contentment involves
enjoying the opportunity to serve both God and our
fellow man!
“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.)
Some make the mistake of being
“careless”…
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“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)
“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)
2Tim 2:15 - “Be Diligent”, “Study”
G4704
σπουδάζω
spoudazō
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
2Tim 2:15 - “Be Diligent”, “Study”
G4704
σπουδάζω
spoudazō
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
Some make the mistake of being
“careless”…
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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)
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Psalm 119:113-120
Some have an improper attitude
concerning “fear”…
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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)
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Isaiah 8:11-15, There is a proper place for fear.
Some have an improper attitude
concerning “fear”…
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"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)
“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…
Rejoice Greatly, Isaiah 61:10-11
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“Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice
of my supplications! 7 The LORD 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)
“A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken
spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV)
“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)
Be diligent to be found by Him in
peace…
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“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be
diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and
blameless” (2 Peter 3:14)
“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)
“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!!
Consider all that God does and grow
in love for Him!
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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)
Our love for God will translate over
into how we deal with brethren…
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1John 4:20-21, I cannot love God and hate my
brother.
1John 4:7-8, Love is of God!
“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)
Our life reflects our attitude toward
life…
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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?
“The Path to Contentment”
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Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things,
be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without
spot and blameless (2 Peter 3:14)
“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