Finding Contentment: Overcoming Distractions and Covetousness
Summary
In today's message, I shared a transformative experience from my recent trip to India, where I encountered profound examples of faith and devotion. The trip was a humbling reminder of the depth of commitment that some have towards their faith, as I met pastors who had been imprisoned for preaching the gospel and women who selflessly served in leper colonies. These encounters challenged me to reflect on my own life and spiritual journey, realizing how often I fall short in my devotion and contentment in God.
I was struck by the realization of how easily we can become distracted by the things of this world, coveting what we do not have, and losing sight of the eternal treasures we possess in Christ. This was highlighted during a moment on my flight to India when I recognized my own covetousness as I envied those in first class. This led me to a deeper understanding of Colossians 3, which calls us to set our minds on things above and to put to death earthly desires, including covetousness, which is equated with idolatry.
The message was a call to action, urging us to examine our lives and identify the distractions that keep us from fully experiencing the presence of God. I shared my personal decision to fast from my phone and computer for a month, seeking to remove distractions and focus on my relationship with God. This decision has already brought a renewed sense of joy and contentment, reminding me of the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always.
I encouraged everyone to consider what might be hindering their own spiritual growth and to take steps to remove those obstacles. It's not about earning God's love but about receiving and enjoying His presence. The goal is to be so content in Him that we no longer covet the things of this world, but instead, live with a heart full of gratitude and joy for the blessings we already have.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Contentment: True contentment comes from focusing on our relationship with God and recognizing that He is enough. When we set our minds on things above, we find that earthly desires lose their grip on us. This shift in focus allows us to experience the fullness of joy and peace that God offers. [10:16]
- The Danger of Covetousness: Covetousness is not a minor sin but is equated with idolatry. It distracts us from our relationship with God and leads us to desire what we do not have. Recognizing and confessing this sin is crucial to spiritual growth and aligning our desires with God's will. [12:21]
- Living with Eternal Perspective: Setting our minds on things above means valuing the eternal over the temporal. This perspective helps us to see beyond the physical and focus on the spiritual, leading to a life that is not swayed by the fleeting pleasures of this world. [14:54]
- The Importance of Rejoicing: Rejoicing in the Lord is a command that brings life and joy. It shifts our focus from problems and distractions to the goodness and faithfulness of God. This practice cultivates a heart of gratitude and contentment. [26:01]
- Removing Distractions: Identifying and removing distractions is essential for deepening our relationship with God. Whether it's technology, material possessions, or other worldly desires, taking intentional steps to minimize these distractions can lead to a more focused and fulfilling spiritual life. [22:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Personal Reflection and India Trip
- [01:13] - Encounter with Indian Pastors
- [02:25] - Stories of Imprisonment for Faith
- [03:17] - Sisters of Compassion
- [04:38] - Witnessing True Servanthood
- [05:38] - Feeling Humbled and Challenged
- [07:03] - Conviction on the Plane
- [08:28] - Realizing Covetousness
- [10:16] - Contentment in God
- [11:24] - Colossians 3 Reflection
- [12:21] - Covetousness as Idolatry
- [14:54] - Setting Minds on Things Above
- [19:16] - Loving God with All Our Being
- [22:19] - Removing Distractions
- [26:01] - Rejoicing in the Lord
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 3:1-5
Observation Questions:
1. What specific earthly desires does Colossians 3:5 instruct us to put to death, and how are they described in the passage?
2. In the sermon, what personal experience did the pastor share that highlighted his struggle with covetousness? [08:28]
3. How did the pastor describe the actions and faith of the pastors and women he met in India? [02:25]
4. What was the pastor's personal decision to address distractions in his life, and what was the intended outcome? [21:47]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's experience on the plane relate to the biblical concept of covetousness as idolatry? [12:21]
2. What does it mean to set our minds on things above, according to Colossians 3, and how does this relate to the pastor's message? [14:54]
3. How might the examples of faith and devotion from the pastor's trip to India challenge our understanding of spiritual commitment? [03:17]
4. In what ways does the pastor suggest that rejoicing in the Lord can transform our perspective on life's challenges? [26:01]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any distractions that keep you from fully experiencing God's presence? What steps can you take to minimize these distractions this week? [22:19]
2. The pastor shared his decision to fast from technology for a month. Is there a specific area in your life where you feel called to fast or take a break to focus more on God? [21:47]
3. Consider the concept of covetousness as idolatry. Is there something in your life that you desire more than your relationship with God? How can you address this desire? [12:21]
4. How can you practice setting your mind on things above in your daily routine? What practical changes can you make to focus more on eternal rather than earthly things? [14:54]
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of rejoicing in the Lord. What are some ways you can cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment in your current circumstances? [26:01]
6. Think about the examples of faith and devotion from the pastor's trip to India. How can you incorporate similar acts of service and commitment into your own spiritual journey? [03:17]
7. How can you ensure that your spiritual growth is not hindered by worldly desires? What accountability measures can you put in place to help you stay focused on your relationship with God? [19:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Contentment in God's Sufficiency
True contentment arises from focusing on our relationship with God and recognizing that He is enough. When we set our minds on things above, earthly desires lose their grip on us. This shift in focus allows us to experience the fullness of joy and peace that God offers. By understanding that our worth and fulfillment come from God, we can let go of the constant pursuit of worldly possessions and achievements. This contentment is not passive but an active choice to trust in God's provision and goodness. [10:16]
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to find contentment? How can you actively choose to trust in God's sufficiency in that area today?
Day 2: Covetousness as a Form of Idolatry
Covetousness is not a minor sin but is equated with idolatry. It distracts us from our relationship with God and leads us to desire what we do not have. Recognizing and confessing this sin is crucial to spiritual growth and aligning our desires with God's will. Covetousness can manifest in various forms, such as envy, greed, or an insatiable desire for more. By identifying these tendencies within ourselves, we can begin to address them through prayer and repentance, seeking to align our hearts with God's desires. [12:21]
"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." (James 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific instance where you have felt covetousness recently. How can you confess this to God and seek His help in transforming your desires?
Day 3: Valuing the Eternal Over the Temporal
Setting our minds on things above means valuing the eternal over the temporal. This perspective helps us to see beyond the physical and focus on the spiritual, leading to a life that is not swayed by the fleeting pleasures of this world. By prioritizing eternal values, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and live a life that reflects His kingdom. This shift in perspective requires intentionality and a commitment to seeking God's will in all aspects of life. [14:54]
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one temporal pursuit that often distracts you from focusing on the eternal? How can you reorient your priorities to align more closely with God's eternal perspective?
Day 4: The Joy of Rejoicing in the Lord
Rejoicing in the Lord is a command that brings life and joy. It shifts our focus from problems and distractions to the goodness and faithfulness of God. This practice cultivates a heart of gratitude and contentment. By choosing to rejoice, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness, even in challenging circumstances. This joy is not dependent on external situations but is rooted in the unchanging nature of God. [26:01]
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How can you choose to rejoice in the Lord despite the circumstances, and what impact might this have on your perspective?
Day 5: Removing Distractions to Deepen Relationship with God
Identifying and removing distractions is essential for deepening our relationship with God. Whether it's technology, material possessions, or other worldly desires, taking intentional steps to minimize these distractions can lead to a more focused and fulfilling spiritual life. By creating space for God, we allow ourselves to hear His voice more clearly and respond to His leading. This process requires self-awareness and a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of spiritual growth. [22:19]
"Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one distraction in your life that hinders your relationship with God. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize or eliminate this distraction?
Quotes
I was speaking to a bunch of pastors these these guys are like my heroes and uh there were like 500 of these men and each each of them were over like hundreds of churches okay so like one guy had like 800 churches that he helped start you know and now here's 500 of these types of guys. [00:01:22]
I remember just sitting there going man like these guys have done it I'm preaching about but these guys have done it they're living it out they're the real thing and and there was just this real humbling sense there where you know these guys are like spiritual Giants. [00:02:54]
These women they they uh watch them here they're called The Sisters of compassion and there's hundreds of them now and they go to the leper colonies okay okay India is already insane like nothing you've seen out here I mean the TL that's like paradise to them okay. [00:03:17]
I was noticing on the airplane you know my friend and I were walking on this is the second flight I got to New Jersey like six hours whatever the next flight's like 14 hours and we're walking past the first class section to go to Coach where I'm sitting and I'm looking at First Class. [00:07:47]
This is coveting I don't this is actually coveting that's one of the Ten Commandments Thou shalt not covet that means you you shouldn't want something that's not yours you shouldn't desire but but that's so it's like who doesn't covet we kind of make that like a no big deal. [00:08:28]
God you want me content with you all the time not looking at something going oh I wish that was mine I wish I could lay down on one of these seats and I just just confess I go God I don't know why I think it's no big deal to cover that's one of the Ten Commandments. [00:08:49]
Set your minds on things things that are above not on things that are on Earth for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God when Christ who is your life appears then you also will appear with him in glory put to death therefore what's Earthly in you. [00:11:58]
Covetousness which is idolatry on account of these the wrath of God is coming covetousness which is idolatry covetousness which is idolatry because of these the wrath of God is coming he God saying I hate when you covet this is why my wrath is coming you might as well set up an idol. [00:12:21]
Seek the things that are above and I was thinking God like imagine right now like God up there and Christ seated at his right hand can imagine every part of your body just seeking that right now saying God I just you know like the psalmist says this is the one thing I seek. [00:13:36]
I realize man I don't think about that stuff he I mean he says specifically set your minds on things that are above not on things that are on earth so I'm not setting my mind on things of the earth like things that I can see say anything you can see man that's something on the earth. [00:14:54]
I just want to be like you and me in a Cell you know like when I'm alone I I hate the way all these thoughts start right in my head and my phone's buzzing and I got all these people I get and I know it's going to cause problems I know it's going to be an inconvenience. [00:22:19]
Rejoice in the lord always and I thought I don't ever do that I'm always fixing problems I'm always responding to people I don't rejoice in the Lord So lately I've just been rejoicing like every time I'm I'm like oh I should oh wait wait no I don't have a phone and me Rejoice God. [00:26:01]
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