Youth 4th quarter 2024
December 8, 2024
MAIN TEXT
“But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” (1 Tim 6:8)
LESSON SUMMARY
Contentment with the Lord comes into our lives as we shift our gaze from what is earthly to what is eternal. WEEKLY
READING
MONDAY – Phil 4:11,12 Contentment reveals maturity
TUESDAY – 1 Tim 6:8 Contentment reveals what is important
WEDNESDAY – Mark 7:20-23 Language consistent with action
THURSDAY – Heb 10:34-36 Contentment is for those who set their hearts on what is eternal
FRIDAY – Ps 103:2 Contentment is for those who recognize the Lord’s benefits
SATURDAY – Phil 1:3:4 Contentment and gratitude to God
OBJECTIVES
TO PRESENT the characteristics of that which leads us to contentment;
RECOGNIZE that we need to value what is deepest:
BE AWARE that we need to protect our contentment.
INTERACTION
Teacher, in this lesson we will see that those who are content with the Lord live a lighter, more pleasant and satisfying life in the face of the problems that arise. For this reason, your students need to learn that contentment generates an indescribable peace in the heart that, most of the time, is inexplicable. Emphasize that wisdom leads us to leave behind an unsatisfied lifestyle, for a lifestyle that does not waste time with murmuring and criticism. The ability to be content in God is a 'weapon' that the Bible places in our hands in the face of a culture in which we live in a dissatisfied way; let us use this 'weapon'.
PEDAGOGICAL GUIDANCE
Teacher, talk to the students explaining that "many people suffer from the most contagious of all diseases. The 'If Only' Syndrome. The germs of discontent can infect a single person and then take over an entire community, affecting every aspect of life—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The following is a list of some statements uttered by those affected by the If Only Syndrome:
If only I had more money.
If only I could get better grades
. If only we had a better house…
If only I hadn’t had such a bad education… If only she had continued dating me…
If only our pastor had been a stronger preacher…
Discuss the list with students and ask if they would like to add any additional statements. Conclude by emphasizing the caution we must take with this dangerous “syndrome.”
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 15:14-17; 16:8; 17:1
Proverbs 15
14 A wise heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is merry in heart has a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble.
17 Better is a meal of herbs where love is than a fat ox and hatred with it.
Proverbs 16
8 Better is a little with righteousness than a great harvest with injustice.
Proverbs 17
1 Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it than a house full of victims and strife.
INTRODUCTION
Is it possible to exchange an indignant and dissatisfied lifestyle for one that does not waste time on murmuring and criticism? In this week's lesson, we will see that it is possible to adopt a more mature, discreet and moderate lifestyle through contentment. The ability to be content in God is a great weapon that the Bible places in our hands in the face of a culture in which living in an indignant and dissatisfied way seems to be the norm.
I- CHARACTERISTICS THAT LEAD US TO CONTENTMENT
1- Moderation in Proverbs. What the chapters of Proverbs in this lesson teach us is about our ability to live a moderate lifestyle in which material things are not more important than the deep values revealed by the Word of God. Therefore, the fear of the Lord is worth much more than riches (Proverbs 15:16); love is more precious than a luxurious banquet (Proverbs 15:17); righteousness is more valuable than wealth gained unjustly (Proverbs 16:8); a simple meal with tranquility and peace is better than a wealthy house full of strife and fighting (Proverbs 17:1). Proverbs teaches us to live according to what truly matters.2- The fear of the Lord and love are worth more. Proverbs 15:14-17 resumes the search for wisdom as the sensible way to live. Here, the wise man is the one whose heart is full of knowledge (v. 14), because consequently his heart will also enjoy joy (v. 15). Thus, a person whose heart is filled with knowledge and joy in the presence of God will know how to discern that acquiring material goods does not always mean achieving happiness. He will also know how to weigh between “a little with the fear of the Lord” and “great treasure with turmoil” (v. 16). Have no doubt that he will choose a little with the fear of the Lord. This person will know how to weigh between “a meal with vegetables where there is love” and between “a fat ox and hatred with it” (v. 17). Have no doubt that he will choose simplicity where there is love. The issue here is not necessarily to make a choice between one or the other, but to understand that there are more precious things in divine wisdom and that, unlike material goods, only the fear of the Lord and love can lead us to contentment.
3- “A little with justice” and “quietness are better.” Proverbs 16:8 and 17:1 address the issue of justice and peace. Thus, the wise man teaches that it is much better to have little but live justly, that is, it is better to be a just poor man than to have abundance gained unjustly, that is, to be an unjust rich man (Proverbs 16:8). The wise man also teaches that a dry morsel, that is, a stale bread that cannot be soaked in a delicious sauce, accompanied by tranquility and peace, is better than a great banquet in which there are fights and confusion (Proverbs 17:1). Here, too, it is not a question of choosing one or the other, but of knowing how to discern that whoever knows what justice and peace are, and observes them, will walk through this life with great contentment.
. THINK!
What leads us to true contentment?
IMPORTANT POINT!
The fear of the Lord, love, justice and peace lead us to true contentment.
SUBSIDY 1
Teacher, explain to students that “Solomon did not neglect discontent. On three separate occasions he offered wisdom to all of us, especially for those times when we are tempted to feel sorry for ourselves. Here are two examples: Vegetable food is better where there is love than fattened ox and with it hatred (15:17). 'Better is a dry and quiet morsel than a house full of meat and strife' (17.1. ARA) The image of a “dry morsel” (according to NIV 1984) is a portrait that any ancient traveler could appreciate. Without the benefit of preservatives for their food, travelers ate bread or something similar to dried meat. They were content with little. And even at home, during lean times, stale bread and jerky could be dinner. The proverb compares this Spartan meal to a “house full of meat” (the literal Hebrew meaning). According to Old Testament law and tradition, a priest could take home, to his family, some portions of food not completely consumed on the altar (Lev 10.12-14). This is how a man who dedicated his life to ministry supported his home. The word for the ritual killing of an animal was sometimes used in the sense of preparations for a banquet, for a sumptuous table covered with delicious meat, vegetables, bread, and wine.” (Adapted from SWINDOLL. Charles R. Vivendo Provérbios. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD 2013, p. 105)
2- Contentment is setting our eyes on what is eternal. Both the texts of Proverbs and those of the New Testament show that not everything in the earthly realm goes as well as it should. Generally, we will not be recognized by others, we will certainly experience injustice, we will certainly have financial losses and additional challenges. So, if we expect too great results from something that we do not control, and cannot control, we will certainly become frustrated. Therefore, in light of the example of the Christians of the first century and throughout history, we must learn to place our hearts on what is eternal (Heb 10.34-36). This is the maxim of the Christian life! As we saw in the first topic, the “fear of the Lord” has eternal value, the love that comes from God has eternal value; his justice and peace have eternal value; and, therefore, when these values are within us, God generates an indescribable contentment, because our eyes are not focused on earthly circumstances, but “knowing that in yourselves you have a better and lasting possession in heaven” (Heb 10:34).
3- Does contentment generate passivity? There are those who criticize the biblical view of contentment because it can generate passivity. First, we must reject this criticism because contentment is an evidently biblical teaching and, therefore, becomes authoritative for our lives. Second, contentment is not a Christian virtue that generates inactivity or complacency. On the contrary, who can walk in complacency if they take seriously the “fear of the Lord?” Who can walk in complacency if they truly love? Who can be passive if they observe justice, that is, relate to others in a fair way? Contentment is not complacency, but recognition of what you have and do and, at the same time, being grateful to God for everything (Phil 4:11-13). without losing the awareness that we will not have everything all the time.
THINK!
SUBSIDY 1
Teacher, explain to students that “Solomon did not neglect discontent. On three separate occasions he offered wisdom to all of us, especially for those times when we are tempted to feel sorry for ourselves. Here are two examples: Vegetable food is better where there is love than fattened ox and with it hatred (15:17). 'Better is a dry and quiet morsel than a house full of meat and strife' (17.1. ARA) The image of a “dry morsel” (according to NIV 1984) is a portrait that any ancient traveler could appreciate. Without the benefit of preservatives for their food, travelers ate bread or something similar to dried meat. They were content with little. And even at home, during lean times, stale bread and jerky could be dinner. The proverb compares this Spartan meal to a “house full of meat” (the literal Hebrew meaning). According to Old Testament law and tradition, a priest could take home, to his family, some portions of food not completely consumed on the altar (Lev 10.12-14). This is how a man who dedicated his life to ministry supported his home. The word for the ritual killing of an animal was sometimes used in the sense of preparations for a banquet, for a sumptuous table covered with delicious meat, vegetables, bread, and wine.” (Adapted from SWINDOLL. Charles R. Vivendo Provérbios. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD 2013, p. 105)
II – VALUE WHAT IS DEEPEST
1- What is Contentment? In light of the texts of Proverbs, combined with texts from the New Testament, we can learn about contentment as a deeply spiritual theme. In the Christian faith, contentment presents itself as an inner peace in the face of adverse external circumstances before us and, at the same time, that we present an attitude of gratitude to God in the face of life’s misfortunes. We see this contentment in the life of the apostle Paul through the teaching in his letters when he says that “I have learned to be content with what I have”, “I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need”: “But having food and clothing, we will be with these content” (Phil 4:11, 12; 1 Tim 6:8). In Hebrews, the sacred writer instructs us to abandon covetousness, “and be content with what you have, for there is a promise that we will not be forsaken by the Lord” (Heb 13:5). Only those who are able to focus their attention on what is eternal, in the face of earthly concerns, act in this way.2- Contentment is setting our eyes on what is eternal. Both the texts of Proverbs and those of the New Testament show that not everything in the earthly realm goes as well as it should. Generally, we will not be recognized by others, we will certainly experience injustice, we will certainly have financial losses and additional challenges. So, if we expect too great results from something that we do not control, and cannot control, we will certainly become frustrated. Therefore, in light of the example of the Christians of the first century and throughout history, we must learn to place our hearts on what is eternal (Heb 10.34-36). This is the maxim of the Christian life! As we saw in the first topic, the “fear of the Lord” has eternal value, the love that comes from God has eternal value; his justice and peace have eternal value; and, therefore, when these values are within us, God generates an indescribable contentment, because our eyes are not focused on earthly circumstances, but “knowing that in yourselves you have a better and lasting possession in heaven” (Heb 10:34).
3- Does contentment generate passivity? There are those who criticize the biblical view of contentment because it can generate passivity. First, we must reject this criticism because contentment is an evidently biblical teaching and, therefore, becomes authoritative for our lives. Second, contentment is not a Christian virtue that generates inactivity or complacency. On the contrary, who can walk in complacency if they take seriously the “fear of the Lord?” Who can walk in complacency if they truly love? Who can be passive if they observe justice, that is, relate to others in a fair way? Contentment is not complacency, but recognition of what you have and do and, at the same time, being grateful to God for everything (Phil 4:11-13). without losing the awareness that we will not have everything all the time.
THINK!
What is contentment?
IMPORTANT POINT!
An inner peace in the face of external circumstances and, at the same time, an attitude of gratitude to God in life.
SUBSIDY 2
“The book of Proverbs advises us to find personal pleasure in the things that money cannot buy, such as love and interpersonal harmony. Wisdom also points to another intangible hope, which satisfies the heart in ways that material goods cannot. Better is a little with righteousness than an abundance of harvest without righteousness (16:8). Nothing obtained through unrighteousness will bring satisfaction. The wise man declared that his honest gain, even if less than it could have been, would bring him more satisfaction than could have been obtained through ill-gotten gains. The rich and the poor, those who want a lot, those who have a lot, and those who feel they need to have more—all need the counsel of the wise man equally. Discontent rarely has anything to do with the financial condition of the discontented person. Greed is a cancer of the attitude, caused not by insufficient funds but by misplaced and inappropriate priorities. Some people will never be satisfied, no matter how much they acquire. Discontent is a thief that continues to rob us of peace and integrity. Very subtly it whispers: 'More... more more...' (Adapted from SWINDOLL Charles R. Living Proverbs Rio de Janeiro: CPAD, 2013, p. 107)
2- Value what you already have! Proverbs 15:16 and 17 remind us that when accompanied by the fear of the Lord, love, justice and peace, everything we have in the presence of God is good and, therefore, we can value each benefit as God’s favor. In this context, the apostle Paul reminds us that the will of the Lord is always “good and perfect and acceptable” (Romans 12:2).3. Therefore, this exercise of valuing what we have as recognition of God’s favor is like a guard over our mouth, which prevents us from murmuring, ranting and adopting a lifestyle of much complaining accompanied by little action and assertiveness. This type of behavior corrodes our contentment.
3- Be content! Contentment with the Lord is the best way to face life’s challenges. Certainly, the apostle to the Gentiles had every reason in the world to go through life frustrated, bitter and resentful (2 Cor 11.16-33). However, he preferred to live in a way that God’s presence would be his contentment. The purpose of his life was not of an earthly nature, but spiritual, heavenly and eternal. He desired what was humble, clothed with deep affection and compassion (Rom 12:16: Phil 2.1). The apostle’s desire was for us to feel the same way he felt (Phil 2.2). Therefore, those who have this same feeling are not dominated by the values of the world, but by the eternal values of heaven. Therefore, this person is capable of being content with the Lord.
THINK!
SUBSIDY 2
“The book of Proverbs advises us to find personal pleasure in the things that money cannot buy, such as love and interpersonal harmony. Wisdom also points to another intangible hope, which satisfies the heart in ways that material goods cannot. Better is a little with righteousness than an abundance of harvest without righteousness (16:8). Nothing obtained through unrighteousness will bring satisfaction. The wise man declared that his honest gain, even if less than it could have been, would bring him more satisfaction than could have been obtained through ill-gotten gains. The rich and the poor, those who want a lot, those who have a lot, and those who feel they need to have more—all need the counsel of the wise man equally. Discontent rarely has anything to do with the financial condition of the discontented person. Greed is a cancer of the attitude, caused not by insufficient funds but by misplaced and inappropriate priorities. Some people will never be satisfied, no matter how much they acquire. Discontent is a thief that continues to rob us of peace and integrity. Very subtly it whispers: 'More... more more...' (Adapted from SWINDOLL Charles R. Living Proverbs Rio de Janeiro: CPAD, 2013, p. 107)
III- PROTECTING YOUR CONTENTMENT
1- Be grateful! Gratitude is a permanent state of recognition for the blessings that God has granted us. This exercise of recognition in an attitude of praise, prayer and joy permeates the feeling of thanksgiving that we should devote to God for all that He is and does. This feeling can be found in the life of the psalmist: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Ps 103.2); we also find it in the life of the apostle of the Gentiles: “I thank my God at every remembrance of you, always making prayer for you with joy in every prayer of mine” (Phil 13.4). Thus, both the feeling of the psalmist and that of the apostle of the Gentiles is implied in the biblical texts of Proverbs 15. 16 and 17. To take our gaze off a certain misfortune, we need to shift it to what we already have, recognizing it as God’s favor. And to do so, it is necessary to have an attitude of gratitude for what we have. Therefore, thanking God and those who have reached out to us at some point in our lives is an antidote to our self-sufficiency and we begin to understand that we enjoy God’s grace. This attitude strengthens our contentment.2- Value what you already have! Proverbs 15:16 and 17 remind us that when accompanied by the fear of the Lord, love, justice and peace, everything we have in the presence of God is good and, therefore, we can value each benefit as God’s favor. In this context, the apostle Paul reminds us that the will of the Lord is always “good and perfect and acceptable” (Romans 12:2).3. Therefore, this exercise of valuing what we have as recognition of God’s favor is like a guard over our mouth, which prevents us from murmuring, ranting and adopting a lifestyle of much complaining accompanied by little action and assertiveness. This type of behavior corrodes our contentment.
3- Be content! Contentment with the Lord is the best way to face life’s challenges. Certainly, the apostle to the Gentiles had every reason in the world to go through life frustrated, bitter and resentful (2 Cor 11.16-33). However, he preferred to live in a way that God’s presence would be his contentment. The purpose of his life was not of an earthly nature, but spiritual, heavenly and eternal. He desired what was humble, clothed with deep affection and compassion (Rom 12:16: Phil 2.1). The apostle’s desire was for us to feel the same way he felt (Phil 2.2). Therefore, those who have this same feeling are not dominated by the values of the world, but by the eternal values of heaven. Therefore, this person is capable of being content with the Lord.
THINK!
Gratitude is an important virtue for contentment.
IMPORTANT POINT!
Gratitude allows us to be content with what we have, recognizing it as God’s favor .
SUBSIDY 3
“Money is not the problem, and wealth is not evil. I have observed that the poor can be more materialistic than a billionaire, and the rich can accomplish many good things with their money. The heart holds the key to keeping material possessions in proper perspective. That key is choosing contentment. Paul cultivated a contented spirit in three specific ways. First, he actively sought God’s work in all circumstances (Phil. 112:14). Second, he thanked God for what he had rather than complaining about what he lacked (1:3; 7:4, 11, 12). Thirdly, he valued relationships above material goods (4:17),” (Adapted from SWINDOLL Charles R. Living Proverbs Rio de Janeiro CPAD 2013, p. 83)
TEACHER, “the exercise of gratitude is a practice encouraged in the Holy Scriptures. Giving thanks to God is a way of recognizing His sovereignty, His love and care over our lives. Gratitude is also a way for the believer to express patient faith in God and that, even when faced with life’s challenges, he shows confidence in God’s mercy and infallibility in everything” (Excerpt from Encouragement, Instruction and Advice: Achieve a Happy Life with the Advice of the Psalms. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD. 2023. p. 125).
CONCLUSION
In this lesson, we saw that those who are content with the Lord live a lighter, more pleasant and satisfactory life when faced with the problems that present themselves before us. Learning to be content with the Lord generates an indescribable peace in the heart that, most of the time, is inexplicable. Yes, we can enjoy God’s peace in any circumstances. May the Holy Spirit teach us to be content with the good of the Lord!
REVIEW TIME
1- What do the chapters of Proverbs studied in this lesson teach us?
What the chapters of Proverbs in this lesson teach us is about the ability to live a moderate lifestyle in which material things are not more important than the deep values revealed by the Word of God.
SUBSIDY 3
“Money is not the problem, and wealth is not evil. I have observed that the poor can be more materialistic than a billionaire, and the rich can accomplish many good things with their money. The heart holds the key to keeping material possessions in proper perspective. That key is choosing contentment. Paul cultivated a contented spirit in three specific ways. First, he actively sought God’s work in all circumstances (Phil. 112:14). Second, he thanked God for what he had rather than complaining about what he lacked (1:3; 7:4, 11, 12). Thirdly, he valued relationships above material goods (4:17),” (Adapted from SWINDOLL Charles R. Living Proverbs Rio de Janeiro CPAD 2013, p. 83)
TEACHER, “the exercise of gratitude is a practice encouraged in the Holy Scriptures. Giving thanks to God is a way of recognizing His sovereignty, His love and care over our lives. Gratitude is also a way for the believer to express patient faith in God and that, even when faced with life’s challenges, he shows confidence in God’s mercy and infallibility in everything” (Excerpt from Encouragement, Instruction and Advice: Achieve a Happy Life with the Advice of the Psalms. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD. 2023. p. 125).
CONCLUSION
In this lesson, we saw that those who are content with the Lord live a lighter, more pleasant and satisfactory life when faced with the problems that present themselves before us. Learning to be content with the Lord generates an indescribable peace in the heart that, most of the time, is inexplicable. Yes, we can enjoy God’s peace in any circumstances. May the Holy Spirit teach us to be content with the good of the Lord!
REVIEW TIME
1- What do the chapters of Proverbs studied in this lesson teach us?
What the chapters of Proverbs in this lesson teach us is about the ability to live a moderate lifestyle in which material things are not more important than the deep values revealed by the Word of God.
2- What can we understand as contentment?
In light of the texts of Proverbs, combined with texts from the New Testament, we can learn about contentment as a deeply spiritual theme.
In light of the texts of Proverbs, combined with texts from the New Testament, we can learn about contentment as a deeply spiritual theme.
3- How can we respond to the criticism that contentment can generate passivity?
Contentment is not accommodation, but recognition of what you have and do. At the same time, being grateful to God for everything (Phil 4.11-13), without losing the awareness that we will not have everything all the time.
Contentment is not accommodation, but recognition of what you have and do. At the same time, being grateful to God for everything (Phil 4.11-13), without losing the awareness that we will not have everything all the time.
4- What is gratitude?
Gratitude is a permanent state of recognition for the blessings that God has given us.
Gratitude is a permanent state of recognition for the blessings that God has given us.
5- What is the best way to face life’s challenges?
Contentment with the Lord is the best way to face life’s challenges.
Contentment with the Lord is the best way to face life’s challenges.
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