​10. Why We Have So Much & Enjoy So Little
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 20:17
Are you tired of chasing the “next big thing” - cars, relationships, homes, jobs, makeovers, you name it - only to find that it doesn’t come through for you? Would you like to know how to find contentment? Join Jonathan as he uncovers the three keys to achieving personal contentment, and restoring the joy in your life.

SERMON NOTES

Five symptoms that tell us “consuming passions” are robbing our joy:
 
1. Fatigue
Do not wear yourself out to be rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.  Proverbs 23:4 (NIV)
 
2. Debt
The more money you make, the more money you spend…  Ecclesiastes 5:11 (LB)
 
3. Worry
A working man… can get a good night’s sleep. But a rich man has so much that he stays awake worrying.
Ecclesiastes 5:12 (GNB)
 
4. Conflict
What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the desires that battle with you? James 4:1(NIV & NASB)
 
5. Dissatisfaction
You will never be satisfied if you long to be rich. You will never get all you want.  Ecclesiastes 5:10 (GNB)
 

Three keys to contentment:
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
 
1. Stop comparing myself with others
For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.  2 Corinthians 10:12 (NASB)
 
2. Rejoice and give thanks in what I do have.
If God gives a man wealth and property and lets him enjoy them, he should be grateful and enjoy what he has worked for. It is a gift from God.  Ecclesiastes 5:19 (GNB)
 
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world… Philippians 2:14-15 (NASB)
 
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
 
3. Share what I have to help others.
Command those who are rich in this present world no to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)