S1: “How to be content”, Psalm 131 - a podcast by Malcolm Cox

from 2020-08-09T15:42:21

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“How to be content”, Psalm 131




Introduction, v0


  • QUESTION: “What does it mean to be content?”

  • The goal is contentment

  • NOT proud, BUT content, THEREFORE vision

  • Hope not possible without contentment

  • Spurgeon said it “..is one of the shortest psalms to read, but one of the longest to learn.” 





1. The Problem, v1

  • What led to this decision? Presumably he had this problem. “NOT” X 3.

A. Why are we not content?


  • Comparisons with others - God does not accept me

  • Anxiety/Fear - God is not enough, cannot be trusted 
    • Realisation we are not in control and we cannot manipulate God to get what we want



  • Some things God does not reveal: (Deut 29:29)

  • Selfish ambition: (Ecclesiastes 4:8 NIV11)


B. The issue is NOT

  • Ambition: (Philippians 3:12–14)




2. The Solution, v2

  • Humility (Matthew 18:2–5). Self-awareness - we need God.

Aware of God’s presence and strength


  • Bathsheba - aware of her / Goliath - aware of God - 1 Sam 17.37; 45-47


  • Hebrews 13:5 - Want God more than things

  • Philippians 4:11–13


QUESTION: “What helps you to be content?”




3. The Vision, v3

  • Hope not possible without contentment

Living in hope


  • Blessing others - active, not passive

  • (Philippians 4:2–9 NIV11)





Conclusion


  • Jesus’ inspiration - Confident in identity, value, Father’s love

  • Therefore - courage to serve and sacrifice

  • True contentment leads to the freedom to serve





Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 




Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.




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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)




God bless, Malcolm




PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John



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