24
Nov '20
Cure for Complaining
24
Nov '20
Text: Philippians 2:12-14
Introduction: Do you ever complain? Do you know a chronic complainer? If your schedule is interrupted, do you complain? If we have to do without, do we find ourselves murmuring? While paying taxes, do we gripe? When things don’t go our way, do we “throw a fit”? So, what is the “CURE for COMPLAINING”?
Paul, while in prison, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, pens a letter to the Church of Philippi, and yet it is applicable to us today. He lists three (3) incredible insights for the “CURE for COMPLAINING.
1. DIAGNOSE the Problem of COMPLAINING! (Phil 2:14)
- The word “murmuring” is gongysmós, which means grumble.
- The word for “disputing” is dialogismós, which means arguing, debating.
Personal Application: Though some of US are perfectionists, we live in an imperfect world! Therefore, we need to expect problems and respond properly without griping and grumbling.
2. DETERMINE a Plan not to COMPLAIN! (Phil 2:12)
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
- The word “workout” is katergázomai, which means perform, achieve, accomplish.
- The word for “salvation” is sōtēría, which means present tense.
Personal Application: It does not mean we “work” for our salvation, rather we “work out” what God the Holy Spirit “works in.” This is done as we yield to the will of God.
3. DISCOVER the Power over COMPLAINING! (Phil 2:13)
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
- The word “working” is energéō, which means to be operative, to be at work, to show forth.
- The word “pleasure” is eudokía, which means desire, will, satisfaction, purpose.
Personal Application: God is at work in us. He is changing us from the inside to the out. It is His power that enables us to overcome.
Conclusion: Do you ever STOP 🛑 and think how BLESSED you are? How about right now? Are you (we) BLESSED or what? We can follow our Lord Jesus’ prescription for COMPLAINING, if we will first – DIAGNOSE the Problem, then DETERMINE a Plan, and finally DISCOVER the Power over COMPLAINING. Praise the Lord Anyway! It is “INSANE to COMPLAIN”!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese