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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Developing A Content Heart

August 18, 2025 | S25 E395 | 29:0

Robert Jeffress - Developing A Content Heart
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#inActive #WordofGod #SpiritualGrowth #Gratitude #Contentment #Heart #Thankfulness #SpiritualWarfare #Greed #Lust #Jealousy #Envy

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Developing A Content Heart | August 18, 2025
  • ♪♪
  • 00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:06.062
  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist
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  • Church of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
  • 00:00:07.797 --> 00:00:11.134
  • With dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:11.134 --> 00:00:14.170
  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jefferson, and welcome
  • 00:00:14.170 --> 00:00:16.039
  • Again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:16.039 --> 00:00:18.007
  • How many times do we repeat the same cycle?
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  • If only i had this, then i would be happy.
  • 00:00:21.311 --> 00:00:24.180
  • Then once we achieve that goal, we come up with some other need,
  • 00:00:24.180 --> 00:00:27.617
  • And so on it goes.
  • 00:00:27.617 --> 00:00:29.352
  • It's an exhausting and relentless pattern that never
  • 00:00:29.352 --> 00:00:32.489
  • Ends, but today i'll show you that happiness has nothing to do
  • 00:00:32.489 --> 00:00:36.426
  • With our circumstances and everything to do with
  • 00:00:36.426 --> 00:00:39.496
  • Our hearts.
  • 00:00:39.496 --> 00:00:40.830
  • My message is titled "developing a content heart" on today's
  • 00:00:40.830 --> 00:00:45.235
  • Edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:45.235 --> 00:00:48.037
  • ♪♪
  • 00:00:48.037 --> 00:00:56.246
  • Male announcer: give your heart the encouragement it needs.
  • 00:00:56.246 --> 00:00:59.048
  • Start and end each day meditating on god's word with
  • 00:00:59.048 --> 00:01:02.285
  • "encouragement for the heart of a disciple."
  • 00:01:02.285 --> 00:01:04.721
  • This brand-new, beautiful, full-color, padded hardcover
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  • Book by dr. robert jeffress features 80 breathtaking images
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  • Of creation paired with scripture, prayers, and insights
  • 00:01:11.227 --> 00:01:14.497
  • You can read in under two minutes,
  • 00:01:14.497 --> 00:01:16.833
  • Perfect for your coffee table or as a thoughtful
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  • Gift for a loved one.
  • 00:01:18.935 --> 00:01:20.270
  • Request "encouragement for the heart of a disciple" when you
  • 00:01:20.270 --> 00:01:23.406
  • Give a generous gift to pathway to victory.
  • 00:01:23.406 --> 00:01:27.477
  • ♪♪
  • 00:01:27.710 --> 00:01:36.352
  • Jeffress: question: who is happier, a man with $11 million
  • 00:01:36.352 --> 00:01:42.392
  • Or a man with 11 children?
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  • Answer: the man with 11 children.
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  • Why?
  • 00:01:52.001 --> 00:01:53.369
  • Because he doesn't want more.
  • 00:01:53.369 --> 00:02:02.412
  • More, m-o-r-e.
  • 00:02:02.412 --> 00:02:06.249
  • Did you know more is more than a four letter word?
  • 00:02:06.249 --> 00:02:10.086
  • More is a thief that robs us of enjoyment of the present.
  • 00:02:10.086 --> 00:02:15.992
  • More is a motivator of disharmony in relationships.
  • 00:02:15.992 --> 00:02:21.497
  • More is a provocateur of feelings of inadequacy.
  • 00:02:21.497 --> 00:02:26.236
  • More is a cruel taskmaster who will not allow us to rest.
  • 00:02:26.236 --> 00:02:32.208
  • By the way, that disease of more is no respecter of persons.
  • 00:02:32.208 --> 00:02:36.813
  • Anyone can catch the disease.
  • 00:02:36.813 --> 00:02:39.382
  • Remember john d. rockefeller, the founder of the standard oil
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  • Company, multi-millionaire, one of the richest men of his day?
  • 00:02:42.652 --> 00:02:46.556
  • Somebody once asked rockefeller, "how much money do you need to
  • 00:02:46.556 --> 00:02:50.593
  • Be satisfied?"
  • 00:02:50.593 --> 00:02:52.228
  • His answer, "just a little bit more."
  • 00:02:52.228 --> 00:02:56.633
  • You know, sometimes we use different words to express that
  • 00:02:56.633 --> 00:03:01.371
  • Desire for more.
  • 00:03:01.371 --> 00:03:03.239
  • I wish i lived in a larger home.
  • 00:03:03.239 --> 00:03:06.342
  • I wish i drove a newer car.
  • 00:03:06.342 --> 00:03:09.345
  • I wish i had a better job.
  • 00:03:09.345 --> 00:03:12.115
  • I wish i had a different mate.
  • 00:03:12.115 --> 00:03:15.652
  • But whether we're talking about larger, bigger, better,
  • 00:03:15.652 --> 00:03:19.122
  • Different, the disease is still the same.
  • 00:03:19.122 --> 00:03:22.158
  • It's a dissatisfaction with our present circumstances.
  • 00:03:22.158 --> 00:03:26.863
  • Now, let me be clear, a dissatisfaction with your
  • 00:03:26.863 --> 00:03:29.866
  • Present circumstances isn't always bad.
  • 00:03:29.866 --> 00:03:34.003
  • It was dissatisfaction with being limited to travel by land
  • 00:03:34.003 --> 00:03:38.107
  • And sea that motivated orville and wilbur wright to develop
  • 00:03:38.107 --> 00:03:41.477
  • The airplane.
  • 00:03:41.477 --> 00:03:43.212
  • It was a discontent with having to read by candlelight at night
  • 00:03:43.212 --> 00:03:47.750
  • That motivated thomas edison to invent the light bulb.
  • 00:03:47.750 --> 00:03:51.788
  • It was a dissatisfaction with the condition of the walls
  • 00:03:51.788 --> 00:03:55.124
  • Around jerusalem that led nehemiah into that
  • 00:03:55.124 --> 00:03:58.328
  • Building project.
  • 00:03:58.328 --> 00:04:00.396
  • No, this problem with more is a problem only when it prevents us
  • 00:04:00.396 --> 00:04:05.702
  • From enjoying our present and provokes us into worrying about
  • 00:04:05.702 --> 00:04:10.206
  • Our future.
  • 00:04:10.206 --> 00:04:12.141
  • That's why god doesn't want us to suffer from that affliction
  • 00:04:12.141 --> 00:04:16.979
  • Known as more.
  • 00:04:16.979 --> 00:04:19.048
  • Did you know there is gonna be a time when we don't suffer from
  • 00:04:19.048 --> 00:04:21.551
  • The disease of more?
  • 00:04:21.551 --> 00:04:23.152
  • One day when we experience the fullness of the kingdom of god
  • 00:04:23.152 --> 00:04:26.556
  • Here on earth, guess what, you won't be worrying
  • 00:04:26.556 --> 00:04:28.624
  • About the balance in your 401k retirement plan.
  • 00:04:28.624 --> 00:04:32.195
  • You won't be envious of those who have bigger mansions.
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  • You will be completely satisfied with everything that god has
  • 00:04:35.264 --> 00:04:38.701
  • Given you.
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  • But here's the good news.
  • 00:04:40.069 --> 00:04:41.404
  • You don't have to wait until you die to experience
  • 00:04:41.404 --> 00:04:43.506
  • That satisfaction.
  • 00:04:43.506 --> 00:04:45.375
  • Remember, we've said that the kingdom of god exists right now
  • 00:04:45.375 --> 00:04:49.312
  • In the hearts of those who allow christ to have the final say in
  • 00:04:49.312 --> 00:04:53.316
  • His life, and those who submit to the rule of christ can have
  • 00:04:53.316 --> 00:04:57.186
  • That satisfaction right now.
  • 00:04:57.186 --> 00:05:00.256
  • How is that possible?
  • 00:05:00.256 --> 00:05:02.191
  • Well, the antidote to more is not less.
  • 00:05:02.191 --> 00:05:06.996
  • No, the problem of more is solved by a simple word called
  • 00:05:06.996 --> 00:05:12.735
  • Contentment, and today we're going to discover that being
  • 00:05:12.735 --> 00:05:16.639
  • Content with what god has already provided you is one of
  • 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:20.777
  • The marks of a true disciple of jesus christ.
  • 00:05:20.777 --> 00:05:26.115
  • Let me talk to you about, first of all, what we're meaning when
  • 00:05:26.115 --> 00:05:28.851
  • We talk about contentment.
  • 00:05:28.851 --> 00:05:31.387
  • Contentment comes from a word that literally
  • 00:05:31.387 --> 00:05:33.956
  • Means containment.
  • 00:05:33.956 --> 00:05:36.025
  • A person who doesn't look outwardly, but looks inwardly
  • 00:05:36.025 --> 00:05:40.196
  • For his satisfaction in life.
  • 00:05:40.196 --> 00:05:42.365
  • And of course that satisfaction for a christian is that
  • 00:05:42.365 --> 00:05:46.135
  • Relationship with jesus christ.
  • 00:05:46.135 --> 00:05:48.171
  • You see, a content person is somebody who doesn't tie his
  • 00:05:48.171 --> 00:05:52.241
  • Happiness to the dow jones industrial average or to the
  • 00:05:52.241 --> 00:05:56.679
  • Square footage of his house or to the type of automobile he
  • 00:05:56.679 --> 00:06:00.116
  • Drives or to his position on the company's
  • 00:06:00.116 --> 00:06:03.052
  • Organizational chart.
  • 00:06:03.052 --> 00:06:04.720
  • He has learned how to be satisfied through his
  • 00:06:04.720 --> 00:06:07.557
  • Relationship with christ.
  • 00:06:07.557 --> 00:06:09.692
  • Now, is that really possible?
  • 00:06:09.692 --> 00:06:11.461
  • Is it really possible to live with that satisfaction with what
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  • God has already done for you?
  • 00:06:15.765 --> 00:06:17.533
  • You know, there are two great illustrations in the bible of
  • 00:06:17.533 --> 00:06:20.503
  • Contentment that teach us two different lessons
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  • About contentment.
  • 00:06:23.239 --> 00:06:24.807
  • First of all, when you look at jesus, his life reminds us that
  • 00:06:24.807 --> 00:06:28.177
  • Contentment really is possible in this life.
  • 00:06:28.177 --> 00:06:32.081
  • Think for a moment about jesus's external circumstances.
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  • First of all, he had no financial cushion on which
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  • To rest.
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  • In fact, he had no cushion, literally, on which to lay
  • 00:06:41.791 --> 00:06:43.559
  • His head.
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  • In matthew 8:20, jesus said, "'the foxes have holes, and the
  • 00:06:44.927 --> 00:06:48.164
  • Birds of the air have nests; but the son of man has nowhere to
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  • Lay his head.'"
  • 00:06:52.068 --> 00:06:53.870
  • Not only did he lack financial cushion, but the bible says he
  • 00:06:53.870 --> 00:06:57.673
  • Was constantly dogged by his critics.
  • 00:06:57.673 --> 00:07:01.444
  • If he lived today, probably be he was constantly blogged by his
  • 00:07:01.444 --> 00:07:04.814
  • Critics, but he had people after him all the time.
  • 00:07:04.814 --> 00:07:07.850
  • Not only enemies, but his families and his friends forsook
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  • Him, and yet, in john 17:13, in the garden of gethsemane, as he
  • 00:07:11.187 --> 00:07:17.226
  • Prayed and faced within hours of crucifixion, look at what he
  • 00:07:17.226 --> 00:07:21.130
  • Prayed to god, his heavenly father.
  • 00:07:21.130 --> 00:07:23.299
  • He said, "'but now i come to thee; and these things i speak
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  • In the world, that they may have my joy made full
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  • In themselves.'"
  • 00:07:32.475 --> 00:07:34.076
  • That's the prayer that jesus was praying for you and for me, and
  • 00:07:34.076 --> 00:07:37.547
  • All of his followers.
  • 00:07:37.547 --> 00:07:39.148
  • What he was saying was: i want them, my followers, to have the
  • 00:07:39.148 --> 00:07:43.319
  • Same joy, not that i will have one day, but the joy i have
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  • Right now.
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  • Joy in the midst of the garden, facing his crucifixion.
  • 00:07:50.359 --> 00:07:54.764
  • Jesus teaches us that contentment is possible.
  • 00:07:54.764 --> 00:07:58.601
  • But secondly, in the life of the apostle paul, we learn that
  • 00:07:58.601 --> 00:08:02.538
  • Contentment has to be learned.
  • 00:08:02.538 --> 00:08:08.244
  • Now remember, when paul wrote this letter to the philippians,
  • 00:08:05.808 --> 00:08:11.013
  • Remember where he was?
  • 00:08:11.013 --> 00:08:12.415
  • Remember his circumstances?
  • 00:08:12.415 --> 00:08:14.383
  • He wasn't on the riviera sipping a piña colada.
  • 00:08:14.383 --> 00:08:18.421
  • He was in prison facing what could have been his death.
  • 00:08:18.421 --> 00:08:22.692
  • He was waiting for the verdict to come down.
  • 00:08:22.692 --> 00:08:24.894
  • Guilty, not guilty; life, death.
  • 00:08:24.894 --> 00:08:28.197
  • And that was bad enough, but in addition to that, he had
  • 00:08:28.197 --> 00:08:31.734
  • Received words that the churches he had founded and poured his
  • 00:08:31.734 --> 00:08:34.670
  • Life into were now being invaded by false teachers.
  • 00:08:34.670 --> 00:08:38.341
  • And if that were not enough, his critics were having a heyday
  • 00:08:38.341 --> 00:08:42.144
  • With his imprisonment, saying things like, "well, if paul were
  • 00:08:42.144 --> 00:08:45.081
  • Really a man of god, he wouldn't be going through this."
  • 00:08:45.081 --> 00:08:47.984
  • And yet, in spite of all those circumstances, philippians 4
  • 00:08:47.984 --> 00:08:51.187
  • Verse 4, he says, "rejoice in the lord always; again, i
  • 00:08:51.187 --> 00:08:55.992
  • Say rejoice!"
  • 00:08:55.992 --> 00:08:57.326
  • How could he say that?
  • 00:08:57.326 --> 00:08:58.928
  • If you know anything about paul, you know he was not a
  • 00:08:58.928 --> 00:09:00.930
  • Natural-born optimist.
  • 00:09:00.930 --> 00:09:03.299
  • He was no pollyanna.
  • 00:09:03.299 --> 00:09:04.634
  • He said, in verse 11, "for i have learned to be content in
  • 00:09:04.634 --> 00:09:10.272
  • Whatever circumstances i am."
  • 00:09:10.272 --> 00:09:12.141
  • Paul had to learn how to be content.
  • 00:09:12.141 --> 00:09:16.679
  • You know, the fact is contentment is not a part of
  • 00:09:16.679 --> 00:09:20.383
  • Our dna.
  • 00:09:20.383 --> 00:09:21.884
  • We don't naturally feel content.
  • 00:09:21.884 --> 00:09:24.987
  • In fact, it's discontent that is a part of our dna, and we got it
  • 00:09:24.987 --> 00:09:29.525
  • All the way back, you can trace it to our original parents, adam
  • 00:09:29.525 --> 00:09:33.396
  • And eve.
  • 00:09:33.396 --> 00:09:34.764
  • In matthew 11, verse 28, jesus said, "'come to me, all you who
  • 00:09:34.764 --> 00:09:39.602
  • Are weary and heavy-laden, and i will give you rest.'"
  • 00:09:39.602 --> 00:09:44.774
  • If you're tired of running, chasing after things that you
  • 00:09:44.774 --> 00:09:48.177
  • Think will make you happy, only to be disappointed, the secret
  • 00:09:48.177 --> 00:09:52.348
  • Is contentment.
  • 00:09:52.348 --> 00:09:55.384
  • What is the heart of a contented heart?
  • 00:09:55.384 --> 00:09:58.187
  • Well, it's the belief that god has already provided to me
  • 00:09:58.187 --> 00:10:03.259
  • Everything i need to be satisfied in life.
  • 00:10:03.259 --> 00:10:05.761
  • That's what contentment is.
  • 00:10:05.761 --> 00:10:07.129
  • It is the conviction that god has already provided to me
  • 00:10:07.129 --> 00:10:10.800
  • Everything that i need to be satisfied in life.
  • 00:10:10.800 --> 00:10:15.037
  • And that conviction leads to three tangible benefits.
  • 00:10:15.037 --> 00:10:19.208
  • I want you to jot these down, three practical benefits of
  • 00:10:19.208 --> 00:10:23.079
  • Developing a content heart.
  • 00:10:23.079 --> 00:10:25.347
  • First of all, contentment allows you to enjoy where we are,
  • 00:10:25.347 --> 00:10:30.319
  • Rather than where we want to be.
  • 00:10:30.319 --> 00:10:32.421
  • When we are content, we're able to enjoy where we are, rather
  • 00:10:32.421 --> 00:10:35.925
  • Than where we want to be.
  • 00:10:35.925 --> 00:10:38.227
  • You know, all of us suffers from what i call
  • 00:10:38.227 --> 00:10:41.197
  • Destination sickness.
  • 00:10:41.197 --> 00:10:43.365
  • You know what destination sickness is?
  • 00:10:43.365 --> 00:10:45.267
  • It's that idea, when we get to a certain place, then we can
  • 00:10:45.267 --> 00:10:50.706
  • Really be happy.
  • 00:10:50.706 --> 00:10:54.143
  • Robert hastings has pointed out the futility of that kind of
  • 00:10:54.143 --> 00:10:59.615
  • Belief in his great work called "the station."
  • 00:10:59.615 --> 00:11:03.252
  • Listen to this carefully.
  • 00:11:03.252 --> 00:11:04.587
  • This is worth the price of the sermon this morning.
  • 00:11:04.587 --> 00:11:07.723
  • He said, "tucked away in our subconscious is an
  • 00:11:07.723 --> 00:11:12.161
  • Idyllic vision.
  • 00:11:12.161 --> 00:11:14.330
  • We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent.
  • 00:11:14.330 --> 00:11:18.567
  • We are traveling by train.
  • 00:11:18.567 --> 00:11:21.003
  • Out the windows, we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby
  • 00:11:21.003 --> 00:11:25.674
  • Highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on
  • 00:11:25.674 --> 00:11:30.613
  • A distant hillside, but uppermost in our minds is the
  • 00:11:30.613 --> 00:11:35.017
  • Final destination.
  • 00:11:35.017 --> 00:11:37.286
  • On a certain day, at a certain hour, we will pull into
  • 00:11:37.286 --> 00:11:40.956
  • The station.
  • 00:11:40.956 --> 00:11:42.324
  • Bands will be playing and flags will be waving.
  • 00:11:42.324 --> 00:11:46.195
  • Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true,
  • 00:11:46.195 --> 00:11:50.466
  • And the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed
  • 00:11:50.466 --> 00:11:54.270
  • Jigsaw puzzle.
  • 00:11:54.270 --> 00:11:56.205
  • How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for
  • 00:11:56.205 --> 00:12:00.876
  • Loitering, waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.
  • 00:12:00.876 --> 00:12:07.817
  • 'when we reach the station, that will be it,' we cry.
  • 00:12:07.817 --> 00:12:11.420
  • 'when i turn 18!
  • 00:12:11.420 --> 00:12:13.455
  • When i buy a new 450 mercedes benz!
  • 00:12:13.455 --> 00:12:17.326
  • When i put the last kid through college!
  • 00:12:17.326 --> 00:12:19.929
  • When i have paid off the mortgage!
  • 00:12:19.929 --> 00:12:22.097
  • When i get a promotion!
  • 00:12:22.097 --> 00:12:24.033
  • When i reach the age of retirement, i shall live happily
  • 00:12:24.033 --> 00:12:27.703
  • After that!'
  • 00:12:27.703 --> 00:12:29.972
  • Sooner or later we must realize there is not a station.
  • 00:12:29.972 --> 00:12:35.177
  • No place to arrive at once and for all.
  • 00:12:35.177 --> 00:12:39.515
  • The true joy of life is the trip.
  • 00:12:39.515 --> 00:12:43.786
  • The station is only a dream.
  • 00:12:43.786 --> 00:12:46.522
  • It constantly outdistances us."
  • 00:12:46.522 --> 00:12:50.359
  • Contentment allows us to enjoy where we are, rather than where
  • 00:12:50.359 --> 00:12:55.030
  • We dream of being one day.
  • 00:12:55.030 --> 00:12:58.067
  • Secondly, contentment allows us to appreciate, rather than
  • 00:12:58.067 --> 00:13:02.805
  • Resent other people.
  • 00:13:02.805 --> 00:13:05.307
  • It allows us to appreciate, rather than resent other people.
  • 00:13:05.307 --> 00:13:09.144
  • James said that in james 4, verse 1.
  • 00:13:09.144 --> 00:13:11.146
  • He said, "what is the source of quarrels
  • 00:13:11.146 --> 00:13:14.183
  • And conflicts among you?"
  • 00:13:14.183 --> 00:13:17.119
  • Said look at the conflicts you're having with other people.
  • 00:13:17.119 --> 00:13:20.389
  • What is the real source of those conflicts?
  • 00:13:20.389 --> 00:13:23.125
  • And then he answers his own question, "is not the source
  • 00:13:23.125 --> 00:13:26.462
  • Your pleasures," that is your desires, "that wage war in the
  • 00:13:26.462 --> 00:13:30.332
  • Members of your own body?
  • 00:13:30.332 --> 00:13:32.501
  • You lust and you don't have; so you commit murder."
  • 00:13:32.501 --> 00:13:37.339
  • Sometimes chasing for that thing we don't have leads to our
  • 00:13:37.339 --> 00:13:41.010
  • Actually taking somebody else's life or taking
  • 00:13:41.010 --> 00:13:43.512
  • Their possessions.
  • 00:13:43.512 --> 00:13:45.080
  • Other times it's more subtle than that.
  • 00:13:45.080 --> 00:13:47.216
  • He said, "you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and
  • 00:13:47.216 --> 00:13:51.287
  • You quarrel."
  • 00:13:51.287 --> 00:13:53.689
  • Think for a moment about the person that you love
  • 00:13:53.689 --> 00:13:57.993
  • To criticize.
  • 00:13:57.993 --> 00:13:59.361
  • You're always talking about them behind their back.
  • 00:13:59.361 --> 00:14:01.397
  • You have ill feelings about them.
  • 00:14:01.397 --> 00:14:03.866
  • Isn't it true that many times at the root of your conflict with
  • 00:14:03.866 --> 00:14:07.703
  • Them is you're envious of something they have that you
  • 00:14:07.703 --> 00:14:10.973
  • Don't have.
  • 00:14:10.973 --> 00:14:12.508
  • It's the source of many of our problems.
  • 00:14:12.508 --> 00:14:15.577
  • It's the conflicts that we have with other people.
  • 00:14:15.577 --> 00:14:18.547
  • The bible says we will never be able to appreciate other people
  • 00:14:18.547 --> 00:14:22.952
  • Until we have this feeling of contentment.
  • 00:14:22.952 --> 00:14:26.889
  • Contentment allows you to appreciate, rather than
  • 00:14:26.889 --> 00:14:29.959
  • Resent others.
  • 00:14:29.959 --> 00:14:31.327
  • Thirdly, a benefit of contentment, it allows us to
  • 00:14:31.327 --> 00:14:36.065
  • Enhance rather than diminish god's reputation.
  • 00:14:36.065 --> 00:14:39.702
  • When we're truly content, we are enhancing, rather than
  • 00:14:39.702 --> 00:14:43.505
  • Diminishing god's reputation.
  • 00:14:43.505 --> 00:14:44.974
  • Let me explain what i mean with that.
  • 00:14:44.974 --> 00:14:46.942
  • Let's just imagine that a teacher overhears your child at
  • 00:14:46.942 --> 00:14:52.114
  • School say to a friend, "oh, my house.
  • 00:14:52.114 --> 00:14:54.783
  • It is just terrible, my home situation.
  • 00:14:54.783 --> 00:14:57.219
  • There are rats running around everywhere.
  • 00:14:57.219 --> 00:15:00.289
  • And not only that, every night we go to bed hungry.
  • 00:15:00.289 --> 00:15:04.226
  • And not only that, our parents are out partying all night.
  • 00:15:04.226 --> 00:15:07.730
  • It's just a terrible home to live in."
  • 00:15:07.730 --> 00:15:10.666
  • And the teacher overhears your child saying that, and so
  • 00:15:10.666 --> 00:15:13.435
  • Immediately calls child protective services to
  • 00:15:13.435 --> 00:15:16.338
  • Investigate the matter.
  • 00:15:16.338 --> 00:15:17.873
  • One day you're at home and you hear a knock at the door.
  • 00:15:17.873 --> 00:15:20.809
  • You open the door, and there's the cps person there, and
  • 00:15:20.809 --> 00:15:23.846
  • Explaining that there's been a complaint, and what the
  • 00:15:23.846 --> 00:15:26.215
  • Complaint has been about your home, and so you usher that cps
  • 00:15:26.215 --> 00:15:30.219
  • Agent in, and she looks around, and your house is immaculate.
  • 00:15:30.219 --> 00:15:34.289
  • She checks the pantry and it's full of food.
  • 00:15:34.289 --> 00:15:37.192
  • And not only that, she reasons
  • 00:15:37.192 --> 00:15:38.961
  • That you're a respectable parent.
  • 00:15:38.961 --> 00:15:40.295
  • She said, "well, let me tell you why i said this, your child said
  • 00:15:40.295 --> 00:15:43.499
  • This and this and this and this."
  • 00:15:43.499 --> 00:15:45.968
  • What do you think your attitude is gonna be towards your child,
  • 00:15:45.968 --> 00:15:48.537
  • And what are you gonna do to them after that agent leaves?
  • 00:15:48.537 --> 00:15:52.374
  • Probably something that's worthy of cps coming in
  • 00:15:52.374 --> 00:15:55.110
  • And intervening.
  • 00:15:55.110 --> 00:15:57.479
  • I mean, your child has trashed you for no reason at all.
  • 00:15:57.479 --> 00:16:01.683
  • Your child has destroyed your reputation.
  • 00:16:01.683 --> 00:16:05.687
  • And what i'm saying to you is, we do the same thing with god's
  • 00:16:05.687 --> 00:16:09.124
  • Reputation when we complain to other people about what we don't
  • 00:16:09.124 --> 00:16:13.529
  • Have and what god hasn't given to us.
  • 00:16:13.529 --> 00:16:16.265
  • Listen to jesus's words in matthew 6, verses 31 and 32.
  • 00:16:16.265 --> 00:16:20.102
  • He said, "'don't be anxious then, saying, "what shall
  • 00:16:20.102 --> 00:16:23.238
  • We eat?"
  • 00:16:23.238 --> 00:16:24.606
  • Or "what shall we drink?"
  • 00:16:24.606 --> 00:16:25.941
  • "with what shall we clothe ourselves?"
  • 00:16:25.941 --> 00:16:27.376
  • For all of these things the gentiles eagerly seek.
  • 00:16:27.376 --> 00:16:32.147
  • But your heavenly father knows that you have need of all
  • 00:16:32.147 --> 00:16:34.950
  • These things.'"
  • 00:16:34.950 --> 00:16:36.452
  • What jesus is saying is, unbelievers have every right to
  • 00:16:36.452 --> 00:16:40.089
  • Worry about their food and their clothing and somebody taking
  • 00:16:40.089 --> 00:16:43.725
  • Care of them, because they don't have a heavenly father, but
  • 00:16:43.725 --> 00:16:46.962
  • You do.
  • 00:16:46.962 --> 00:16:48.297
  • He's going to take care of you.
  • 00:16:48.297 --> 00:16:50.199
  • Don't be like they are.
  • 00:16:50.199 --> 00:16:52.701
  • You see, you and i are a living advertisement for god
  • 00:16:52.701 --> 00:16:56.472
  • The father, and if we're always complaining to people
  • 00:16:56.472 --> 00:16:59.441
  • About what we don't have, if we're chasing after the same
  • 00:16:59.441 --> 00:17:02.344
  • Things they're chasing after to find satisfaction in life, we
  • 00:17:02.344 --> 00:17:05.747
  • Are a poor advertisement for what it means to be
  • 00:17:05.747 --> 00:17:09.485
  • A follower of god.
  • 00:17:09.485 --> 00:17:11.386
  • If people look at our lives and don't see any difference with
  • 00:17:11.386 --> 00:17:14.857
  • Their own lives, they'll say, "thanks, but no thanks to what
  • 00:17:14.857 --> 00:17:18.026
  • You're offering me today."
  • 00:17:18.026 --> 00:17:20.629
  • Contentment allows us to enhance, rather than diminish
  • 00:17:20.629 --> 00:17:24.933
  • God's reputation.
  • 00:17:24.933 --> 00:17:27.402
  • Well, how do we do that?
  • 00:17:27.402 --> 00:17:28.770
  • Remember, paul said it doesn't come naturally.
  • 00:17:28.770 --> 00:17:30.539
  • We have to learn the secret of contentment.
  • 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:34.610
  • Let me today, in the few moments we have left, just share with
  • 00:17:34.610 --> 00:17:37.479
  • You two practical ways to learn that secret of contentment.
  • 00:17:37.479 --> 00:17:44.253
  • First of all, make it a habit to regularly express gratitude
  • 00:17:44.253 --> 00:17:49.591
  • To god.
  • 00:17:49.591 --> 00:17:50.959
  • Regularly express gratitude to god.
  • 00:17:50.959 --> 00:17:53.328
  • You know, just as light and darkness cannot exist together,
  • 00:17:53.328 --> 00:17:57.399
  • One will expel the other.
  • 00:17:57.399 --> 00:17:59.001
  • Light will either extinguish darkness, or darkness will
  • 00:17:59.001 --> 00:18:02.037
  • Extinguish light, but you can't have light and
  • 00:18:02.037 --> 00:18:04.039
  • Darkness together.
  • 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:05.641
  • The same is true with contentment.
  • 00:18:05.641 --> 00:18:07.476
  • It is impossible for discontent and gratitude to exist in the
  • 00:18:07.476 --> 00:18:13.382
  • Same heart.
  • 00:18:13.382 --> 00:18:14.716
  • Did you know that?
  • 00:18:14.716 --> 00:18:16.084
  • You can't be discontent and grateful at the same time.
  • 00:18:16.084 --> 00:18:21.223
  • Discontent will extinguish gratitude, or gratitude will
  • 00:18:21.223 --> 00:18:25.661
  • Extinguish your discontent.
  • 00:18:25.661 --> 00:18:28.397
  • Secondly, how do you develop contentment?
  • 00:18:28.397 --> 00:18:31.400
  • Adopt a life purpose that is bigger than yourself.
  • 00:18:31.400 --> 00:18:37.906
  • Address a life purpose that is bigger than yourself.
  • 00:18:37.906 --> 00:18:40.275
  • You know, there was a time in paul's life when he struggled
  • 00:18:40.275 --> 00:18:43.412
  • With contentment.
  • 00:18:43.412 --> 00:18:45.147
  • There was a time he was trying to be the hebrew of the hebrews.
  • 00:18:45.147 --> 00:18:48.517
  • He was trying to rise up the ranks of the pharisaical
  • 00:18:48.517 --> 00:18:51.787
  • Organizational chart, but all of that desire for more changed the
  • 00:18:51.787 --> 00:18:56.091
  • Moment he met jesus on the road to damascus.
  • 00:18:56.091 --> 00:18:59.361
  • Remember what he said in philippians 3:7 and 8, "but
  • 00:18:59.361 --> 00:19:02.164
  • Whatever things had been gained to me, those things i now
  • 00:19:02.164 --> 00:19:06.268
  • Counted as loss for the sake of christ.
  • 00:19:06.268 --> 00:19:09.338
  • More than that, i count all things to be loss in view of the
  • 00:19:09.338 --> 00:19:13.041
  • Surpassing value of knowing christ jesus my lord, for whom
  • 00:19:13.041 --> 00:19:17.846
  • I've suffered the loss of all things, and i count them but
  • 00:19:17.846 --> 00:19:21.016
  • Rubbish in order that i may gain christ."
  • 00:19:21.016 --> 00:19:25.420
  • Again, remember paul was in prison facing his death when he
  • 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:29.591
  • Said that.
  • 00:19:29.591 --> 00:19:31.226
  • So how did he view his life now?
  • 00:19:31.226 --> 00:19:34.496
  • In philippians 1, beginning with verse 12, he said, "now i want
  • 00:19:34.496 --> 00:19:38.800
  • You to know, brethren, that my circumstances," being in prison,
  • 00:19:38.800 --> 00:19:43.905
  • Facing execution, having my reputation slandered, all of
  • 00:19:43.905 --> 00:19:47.876
  • These things, i want you to know "that my circumstances have
  • 00:19:47.876 --> 00:19:51.280
  • Turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that
  • 00:19:51.280 --> 00:19:55.117
  • My imprisonment and the cause of christ has become well known
  • 00:19:55.117 --> 00:19:58.787
  • Throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and
  • 00:19:58.787 --> 00:20:02.424
  • That most of the brethren, trusting in the lord because of
  • 00:20:02.424 --> 00:20:05.060
  • My imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of god
  • 00:20:05.060 --> 00:20:09.598
  • Without fear."
  • 00:20:09.598 --> 00:20:10.966
  • I rejoice in this situation.
  • 00:20:10.966 --> 00:20:13.235
  • Now, let me tell you something, folks.
  • 00:20:13.235 --> 00:20:15.504
  • If paul's life purpose had been that of most christians today,
  • 00:20:15.504 --> 00:20:20.909
  • Then his imprisonment would have been a tremendous tragedy.
  • 00:20:20.909 --> 00:20:25.180
  • But paul had a purpose in life bigger than himself.
  • 00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:29.251
  • He knew that god had left him, just as he's left me and you
  • 00:20:29.251 --> 00:20:33.221
  • Here for one reason, and that is to share christ with as many
  • 00:20:33.221 --> 00:20:37.292
  • People as possible, and that purpose gave him a whole new
  • 00:20:37.292 --> 00:20:40.896
  • Prism through which to view his present circumstances, his
  • 00:20:40.896 --> 00:20:44.933
  • Hard circumstances.
  • 00:20:44.933 --> 00:20:46.702
  • He said, "i'm rejoicing because i'm getting a chance to fulfill
  • 00:20:46.702 --> 00:20:50.639
  • My life purpose."
  • 00:20:50.639 --> 00:20:52.140
  • Paul's words here remind me of a pastor who had been arrested for
  • 00:20:52.140 --> 00:20:56.578
  • Preaching the gospel in romania, and this pastor had been
  • 00:20:56.578 --> 00:21:00.482
  • Sentenced to the harshest punishment available under
  • 00:21:00.482 --> 00:21:04.419
  • Romanian law.
  • 00:21:04.419 --> 00:21:06.421
  • He was sentenced to be an exterminator.
  • 00:21:06.421 --> 00:21:10.258
  • He would have to spend the rest of his years being an
  • 00:21:10.258 --> 00:21:13.028
  • Exterminator, but instead of being depressed about
  • 00:21:13.028 --> 00:21:15.964
  • It, he rejoiced, you know why?
  • 00:21:15.964 --> 00:21:17.299
  • The pastor said, "as i go from house to house killing rats, i
  • 00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:22.871
  • Get the ability to share the gospel with all of these
  • 00:21:22.871 --> 00:21:26.141
  • Different houses in the country where people don't know christ."
  • 00:21:26.141 --> 00:21:29.978
  • That's what the apostle paul is saying.
  • 00:21:29.978 --> 00:21:31.980
  • Adopting a purpose bigger than yourself is the key to
  • 00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:36.251
  • Contentment in your present situations.
  • 00:21:36.251 --> 00:21:39.621
  • You know, somebody has written, "if for me to live is money,
  • 00:21:39.621 --> 00:21:43.825
  • Then to die is to leave it all behind.
  • 00:21:43.825 --> 00:21:47.195
  • If for me to live is fame, then to die is to be
  • 00:21:47.195 --> 00:21:50.799
  • Quickly forgotten.
  • 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:52.734
  • But if for me to live is christ, then to die is gain."
  • 00:21:52.734 --> 00:21:59.541
  • That attitude, those words can only be penned by somebody who
  • 00:21:59.541 --> 00:22:05.013
  • Has learned the secret of developing a content heart.
  • 00:22:05.013 --> 00:22:10.452
  • ♪♪
  • 00:22:10.452 --> 00:22:15.857
  • Jeffress: god has already provided us with everything we
  • 00:22:15.857 --> 00:22:18.660
  • Need to be satisfied.
  • 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:20.662
  • It's truly up to us.
  • 00:22:20.662 --> 00:22:23.031
  • In paul's letter, god has revealed the secrets for
  • 00:22:23.031 --> 00:22:25.901
  • Personal contentment.
  • 00:22:25.901 --> 00:22:27.936
  • Well, nothing brings more joy to our team at pathway to victory
  • 00:22:27.936 --> 00:22:32.541
  • Than hearing how god is using this program to bring men and
  • 00:22:32.541 --> 00:22:36.011
  • Women into the family of god.
  • 00:22:36.011 --> 00:22:38.380
  • And if you're among those who support pathway to victory,
  • 00:22:38.380 --> 00:22:41.750
  • Let me assure you that your generosity is changing lives.
  • 00:22:41.750 --> 00:22:46.555
  • Recently i heard from susan in connecticut, who wrote, "i
  • 00:22:46.555 --> 00:22:50.292
  • Listen to "pathway to victory" on my lunch
  • 00:22:50.292 --> 00:22:52.227
  • Break at work.
  • 00:22:52.227 --> 00:22:53.862
  • The messages strengthen me and help me stay
  • 00:22:53.862 --> 00:22:56.231
  • Grounded in truth.
  • 00:22:56.231 --> 00:22:58.033
  • Your teaching upholds spiritual integrity that's
  • 00:22:58.033 --> 00:23:00.936
  • Sorely missing in today's world.
  • 00:23:00.936 --> 00:23:03.839
  • We often grasp at empty things in this culture, but
  • 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:07.008
  • Your program reminds me who god is and how he calls
  • 00:23:07.008 --> 00:23:10.745
  • Us to live.
  • 00:23:10.745 --> 00:23:12.314
  • Thank you for staying faithful to the gospel."
  • 00:23:12.314 --> 00:23:15.650
  • This woman thanked me, but her gratitude also extends to anyone
  • 00:23:15.650 --> 00:23:20.188
  • Who supports pathway to victory, especially our
  • 00:23:20.188 --> 00:23:23.625
  • Pathway partners.
  • 00:23:23.625 --> 00:23:25.293
  • We couldn't possibly accomplish our mission without generous
  • 00:23:25.293 --> 00:23:29.197
  • Friends just like you.
  • 00:23:29.197 --> 00:23:31.399
  • Now, stay right there, i'll be back with more "pathway to
  • 00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:34.336
  • Victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:23:34.336 --> 00:23:37.739
  • Male announcer: we all need god's strength to make it
  • 00:23:38.840 --> 00:23:41.009
  • Through the day.
  • 00:23:41.009 --> 00:23:42.344
  • "encouragement for the heart of a disciple" by dr. robert
  • 00:23:42.344 --> 00:23:45.046
  • Jeffress provides the spiritual refreshment you need.
  • 00:23:45.046 --> 00:23:48.216
  • In a large-print format, every page bursts with breathtaking
  • 00:23:48.216 --> 00:23:52.220
  • Imagery that draws you toward the beauty of god's creation.
  • 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:56.024
  • Jeffress: i know how challenging it can be to stay connected with
  • 00:23:56.024 --> 00:23:59.127
  • God in our busy lives.
  • 00:23:59.127 --> 00:24:00.962
  • In my new devotional, i provide personal reflections and
  • 00:24:00.962 --> 00:24:04.466
  • Practical insights that will help you experience god's
  • 00:24:04.466 --> 00:24:07.869
  • Presence and encouragement throughout your day.
  • 00:24:07.869 --> 00:24:11.139
  • Announcer: filled with stunning images of creation,
  • 00:24:11.139 --> 00:24:13.475
  • Scripture verses, and prayers you can read in under two
  • 00:24:13.475 --> 00:24:16.311
  • Minutes, this padded hardcover book is the perfect daily
  • 00:24:16.311 --> 00:24:19.814
  • Companion to help refresh your spirit, morning and night.
  • 00:24:19.814 --> 00:24:23.485
  • It also makes a thoughtful gift to encourage
  • 00:24:23.485 --> 00:24:25.654
  • A friend or loved one.
  • 00:24:25.654 --> 00:24:26.988
  • Request your copy of "encouragement for the heart of
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  • A disciple" when you give a generous gift to support the
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  • Ministry of pathway to victory, or when you become a
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  • Pathway partner.
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  • With your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll send you the
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  • Encouragement resource set, containing the new devotional,
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  • Six clutter-free prayer cards, the "clutter-free christianity"
  • 00:24:44.573 --> 00:24:48.176
  • Book and life application guide, and the "7 marks of a disciple"
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  • Message series on both cd and dvd.
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  • Thank you for supporting pathway to victory.
  • 00:24:55.250 --> 00:24:57.752
  • Your generous partnership helps us impact you and your family
  • 00:24:57.752 --> 00:25:01.356
  • And a nation in deep spiritual need with the transforming truth
  • 00:25:01.356 --> 00:25:05.360
  • Of god's word.
  • 00:25:05.360 --> 00:25:07.462
  • Jeffress: the need to acquire more is an unrelenting master,
  • 00:25:08.663 --> 00:25:12.867
  • But you don't have to wait until heaven to experience
  • 00:25:12.867 --> 00:25:15.337
  • Satisfaction in your circumstances.
  • 00:25:15.337 --> 00:25:18.707
  • The key lies in cultivating a content heart.
  • 00:25:18.707 --> 00:25:22.811
  • Well, there's still much more to cover in our series on the "7
  • 00:25:22.811 --> 00:25:25.714
  • Marks of a disciple," and next time we'll look at mark number
  • 00:25:25.714 --> 00:25:29.150
  • Five: developing a servant's heart.
  • 00:25:29.150 --> 00:25:32.887
  • Jesus often described himself as a servant, and that word
  • 00:25:32.887 --> 00:25:37.192
  • Reflects the attitude that jesus desires to see in all of us who
  • 00:25:37.192 --> 00:25:41.463
  • Choose to be his disciple.
  • 00:25:41.463 --> 00:25:43.632
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
  • 00:25:43.632 --> 00:25:46.568
  • Series "7 marks of a disciple."
  • 00:25:46.568 --> 00:25:50.372
  • Jeffress: for even the son of man did not come to be served,
  • 00:25:50.372 --> 00:25:56.177
  • But to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
  • 00:25:56.177 --> 00:26:01.249
  • Here is jesus who will one day be worshiped by every being in
  • 00:26:01.249 --> 00:26:05.487
  • Heaven, on earth, and under the earth, yet what he wants to be
  • 00:26:05.487 --> 00:26:10.925
  • Remembered for is that he came to serve us.
  • 00:26:10.925 --> 00:26:15.563
  • Male announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for the
  • 00:26:15.563 --> 00:26:17.999
  • Message "developing a servant's heart," here on "pathway
  • 00:26:17.999 --> 00:26:21.569
  • To victory."
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