Complaining 11 Feb 18

(Message 1) Government taxes. Your boss or teacher. Your spouse pushing your buttons. It’s easy to find lots of things to complain about, but is it just venting or blowing off steam? Join us as we look at the heart of complaining and what it means in week one of our series, My Big Fat Mouth! #mybigfatmouth

Why do we complain?

Bad habit
Focus on the wrong things
Hanging around complaining people
We have a heart problem

Fixing a heart problem:

Invite Jesus to be the Lord of your heart
Walk with God on Tuesday

Scripture used: James 3:7-10; Philippians 2:14; 1 Thessalonian 5:18; 1 Corinthians 10:1-2, 5-10; Philippians 4:8; Luke 6:45

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What do you complain about most? What’s the most trivial thing you complain about?
Read James 3:7-10. We can train Orka the killer whale and other large animals but we can’t tame the small muscle in our mouths. Have you ever tried to tame your tongue? What did you do? How did it work out?
James closes his thoughts with “this should not be.” Therefore the next-to-impossible task of taming the tongue is worthy of our efforts. Of the 4 areas (complaining, criticizing, lying and gossip) that we will talk about in this sermon series, what area in your life needs the most work?
Read Philippians 2:14-18. God’s word commands us to do everything without complaining.
- What are some of the reasons Paul lists in this passage for not complaining?
- How could you, like Paul, flip your perspective about the struggles you’re facing?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-10.
- How do we usually view the sin of complaining?
- How does God view it?
- Why do you think God feels this way?
Read Luke 6:45. Pastor Troy said that one of the primary reasons we complain is because we have a heart problem.
- Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- How can your complaining thoughts affect your speech? Where do those thoughts originate?
- Read 2 Corinthians 10:5. Is refraining from voicing your complaints, but still having a complaining spirit, equally as damaging as verbalizing your complaints? Explain.
- What steps can we take that can result in a change of heart so that our words come from a heart of gratitude?
Go around the room and share at least one blessing you haven’t been grateful for lately.
- What steps can you take to consciously cultivate an ‘attitude of gratitude?’
- How can you regularly turn even the most basic elements of your life into expressions of gratitude toward God?
Declare a complaint-free week in your home.
- Try this tool: Spend time in His word (e.g., the scripture verses for this week), filling your heart and mind with His truths and those things that glorify Him. Keep a record of how it affects your thoughts and, consequently, your words.
- Report back to each other the next time your group meets.

If you have never taken the step of inviting Jesus into your heart (beginning your personal relationship with Jesus) and you are ready to take that step, repent of your sin, pray and ask Jesus to save you. If you want someone to explain this to you or pray with you, talk with your small group leader or a GC staff member.

If time allows, do the Digging Deeper section below the Daily Scripture Reading with your group. Here’s a link to a DIGGING DEEPER “HOW TO” to guide you.

Daily Scripture Readings:

Day 1: Psalm 100:1-5

Day 2: Psalm 98:4-9

Day 3: Psalm 95:1; 147:1; 149:3

Day 4: Ephesians 5:18-19

Day 5: Colossians 3:16; Acts 16:25; James 5:13

Day 6: 2 Corinthians 10:5

Day 7: Psalm 103:2-5

DIGGING DEEPER

1 Peter 4:7-10 NASB version

v. 7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

v. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

v. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

v. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

ABC’s

Author: Peter; We did the ABC’s of 1 Peter with “Birds of a Feather”

Here’s more info

Background: Written to believers to Christ. Nero was persecuting Christians. One way was blaming them for the “Great Fire of Rome” that cause 6 days of devastation in 64 AD.

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Context: The key thought is the suffering of the Christian. Peter encourages believers to be steadfast in hope and encourages them to live godly lives.

Satan’s desire to discredit Christians continues for us as believers today. Satan seeks those that are not living lives that are consistent with the Word of God to parade them in front of unbelievers. Peter encourages us to stand firm, live holy lives and look forward to His second coming.

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1, 2, 3’s

Step 1 – Observation: What does the passage say?

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Step Two – Interpretation: What does it mean?

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Step Three- Application: How does it apply to my life?