Examples
Temporarily lost contentment because he was seeking great things for himself
Baruch
Theme text: scripture name OR scripture details
“I have learned to be self-sufficient regardless of my circumstances.”—PHIL. 4:11
First image - What was on the ground and in the baskets?
Manna
Opening illustration
The human ear/ the ear/ears
The couple who learned contentment
Dennis and Christa
Cultivate gratitude read scripture: scripture name OR scripture details
Give thanks for everything. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Second image - What privileges of service were pictured?
A brother performs maintenance work at a theocratic facility, a sister who has learned sign language is interviewed at a circuit assembly, and a brother delivers a public talk
Finish the phrase : "not a forgetful hearer, but ...."
not a forgetful hearer, but... (a doer of the work)
James 1:25
Received deliverance, nutrition and valuables yet they were not content
Israelites
Stay focused and humble read scripture: scripture name OR scripture details
6Now, brothers, these things I have applied to myself and A·polʹlos for your good, that through us you may learn the rule: “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” so that you may not be puffed up with pride, favoring one against the other.7For who makes you different from another? Indeed, what do you have that you did not receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it? - 1 Corinthians 4:6,7
Second image - Any gift we have is an expression of what?
Any gift we have is an expression of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness
If we are hearers and doers of Jehovah's word we will become like what geographic feature?
Rock (Matthew 7:24)
He suffered the loss of at least three of his children. He was wrongly accused, betrayed, and hunted as a fugitive for years. Yet he learned contentment.
King David/ David
Meditate on your hope read scripture: scripture name OR scripture details (one verse)
Isaiah 65: 21-25
21They will build houses and live in them, And they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage.22They will not build for someone else to inhabit, Nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, And the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full.23They will not toil for nothing, Nor will they bear children for distress, Because they are the offspring made up of those blessed by Jehovah, And their descendants with them.24Even before they call out, I will answer; While they are yet speaking, I will hear.25The wolf and the lamb will feed together, The lion will eat straw just like the bull, And the serpent’s food will be dust. They will do no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain,” says Jehovah.
Fill in the blanks - We have much to say about him, and it is difficult to explain, because you have become ........... in your .............
We have much to say about him, and it is difficult to explain, because you have become dull in your hearing.
One provides the pattern and the other provides the power. Both want you to be content.
Jesus and Jehovah/ Jehovah and Jesus
Finish the sentence - "If you work hard to cultivate gratitude, to remain focused and humble, and to strengthen your hope, you will be able to say,..........................(Psalms 16:5, 6)
If you work hard to cultivate gratitude, to remain focused and humble, and to strengthen your hope, you will be able to say: (“Yes, I am content.”) (Psalms 16:5, 6)