“Pouring Out From Abundance: Stop Complaining
Sermon Title: Pouring Out From Abundance: Stop Complaining
Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18 ESV
Introduction
Paul says, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing (v.14),” or, “Do everything without complaining or arguing (NLT).” Complaining can damage/destroy your relationship with God, others, and yourself. We are prone to complain, such that we don’t realize how much. It is a challenge for us, but simultaneously, God commands us clearly to do all things without complaining. There is power in our words, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue... (Prov. 18:21)”, and we can speak life or speak death. Complaining is death speech that suffocates the life out of both the speaker and the hearer(s). Complaining is Satan’s language that opens the door and invites Satan to run amok. But praise and thanksgiving is God’s language that opens the door for God’s blessings to pour in. Often, the things we complain about are not worth complaining about. Unpleasant situations, which we can do nothing about, can arise any time, but we do have control over how we respond. And how we respond demonstrates the attitude of our heart. Complaining reveals an entitled, ungrateful, and prideful heart.
Message
The western world enjoys many luxuries and conveniences that grant instant gratification or our desires, while rejecting discomfort, difficulty, and sacrifice. This nurtures an immature and selfish outlook on life where anything that doesn’t meet your standards are justified reasons to complain. We casually spew complaints unaware that we are cursing our own souls and the souls of others, and among the people of God.
- An ungrateful and complaining attitude spreads death and destruction just as pride disrupts unity in the Church, and both hinder the effectiveness of advancing the gospel and living in a manner worthy of the gospel. This is a serious sin.
- We must stop our complaining, reasons Paul, “that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world… (v.15)” God calls us to be light that shines in the darkness (cf. Matt. 5:14-16), so that no one can hold anything or any charge against you – blameless and innocent.
Why God Hates Complaining – We complain casually; this is not to be taken lightly (3 reasons)
1. Complaining denies or attacks God's Sovereignty (Ref. Exod. 16:6-8)
- Israel’s complaint against Moses questions God's ability to carry out his will. Through Moses we learn that our complaints are really complaints against God and His sovereignty.
- “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (vv. 12-13).” God is sovereign over our circumstances and situations, which He uses for our sanctification for His glory. Every complaint, big and small, about our circumstances (people, environment, and all aspects of life) is a direct complaint, challenge, and attack against God.\
2. Complaining disrupts Christian unity – Ref. Numbers 13:30-33
- “So the men Moses had sent to explore the land, who returned and made the whole community grumble against him by spreading a bad report about it – (Num. 14:36)” – The complaining of the spies sent into Canaan spread to the whole congregation like a contagion. It only takes one complaint to spread to many. A complainer finds a fault in something or someone, and once found, blames that something or someone but never yourself. This causes friction between those who agree or disagree with the complaint and creates disunity. Ultimately, you are blaming God and you are creating disunity between you and God.
- Pay attention to the pronouns we use when we complain: “why do they…;” “why is she…;” “how could he…” – not only is it directed towards the other, but it also separates you from others and creates disunity, which disarms the power of the church to be an effective channel of God’s goodness.
3. Complaining discredits our Christian testimony – We say God is good and we talk about how we love Him, yet we often grumble and complain against God as if He is powerless and unreliable. We fall apart in times of trial and we have no answer when the world accuses us saying, “Where is your God?”
- What if Paul and Silas had lamented and complained about their circumstances when thrown into jail? What kind of testimony would they have shown to the jailer who would become a believer along with his entire household? If he had simply seen two miserable men complaining, would he ever have asked “What must I do to be saved?” Surely not. When we complain we disrupt the testimony our lives are to be for the gospel of Christ.
Conclusion – “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (vv.12-13)
- Working out our salvation means to actively align and submit to God’s will and purpose with a submissive heart, without complaining. Unfortunately, this does not come naturally for us, being content with the things and people in our lives is never easy, but God holds us accountable to what we say.
- Our complaints reveal a self-centered life instead of a Christ-centered life. A life where everything you do, every decision you make, every word you say, and every thought you think focuses on Jesus is a life without complaint. This is why humility is an on-going decision where we consciously and continuously work on dying to our self-centered life and create space for the life of Christ to flourish. Here’s the good news, it is God who works within us to fulfill this difficult process in our hearts. Let our sovereign God steer our lives and let us fully depend on Him!
Reflection and Response
- What aspects of your life have you been complaining about?
- The Lord grows and matures our faith especially during the hardest and painful times of our lives. As we learn to depend on and hold fast to God with hearts of humility and gratitude, we are able to experience true freedom – freedom (to have joy in your salvation) because we are not bound by sin, our circumstances, and the things of this world. Have you experienced this freedom or did your complaints disrupt experiencing this freedom?
- Gaining spiritual maturity can be painful. There are times we feel we can’t handle it anymore, but at the end, there is always God’s grace! What were some of your painful moments and what has God told you about yourself?
- Meditating on the Word of God can help us to stop complaining, such as Psalm 19:14 – “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Are there any Scripture passages you go to when you feel discontent in your heart and you complain? If not, my Psalm 19 become your confession to the Lord. Let every words that come out of your mouth be pleasing to God: praising and glorifying God, lifting up songs of thanksgiving, and blessing those around us. As you consciously try to please God with the words that come out of your mouth, you will find your self thanking God far more than complaining meaninglessly.
Make it your goal to have a constant attitude of gratitude. Resist the temptation to complain. Instead, praise and thank God for who He is and all He’s done for you. By God’s grace and through His strength, you can overcome complaining and live each day with a thankful heart!