Matthew 5:16

John 13:35

Matthew 5:44

I John 3:10 – practicing righteousness

Romans 6:3-7

I Corinthians 9:27 – Continued self-discipline is required.

I Corinthians 10:1-11

Deuteronomy 1:27; Exodus 15:24; 17:3; Numbers 16 – Grumbling of the Israelites.

I Corinthians 10:12

We have a problem with complaining!

I Corinthians 10:9 – The Israelites put God to the test by complaining. They challenged His existence and goodness.

Psalms 106:24

Exodus 16:11 – If we grumble against God’s anointed, we are grumbling against God.

Complaining is a poison and a cancer.

Numbers 11:10

Proverbs 16:28; 18:8; 26:20

Deuteronomy 14:7

I Thessalonians 5:16

James 5:9

I Peter 4:9

I Timothy 6:3

Is there ever a time we can air our grievances?

Psalms 55:16-18; Luke 18:1-8

Have the right attitude. Hebrews 5:7

Leave room for God’s will. Luke 22:42

Make your request in faith. Numbers 21:5

Strategies to avoid complaining

Recognize we have a problem.

Find an accountability partner.

Identify your areas of temptation.

Pray instead of complaining.

Find good examples. II Corinthians 12:10; Philippians 4:11

Pursue something greater. Colossians 3:16

We should be:

Thankful

Trusting in God

Rejoicing – Philippians 4:4

Considering our effect on others

If it’s worth bringing up, bring it up to God. Bring a request, not a demand. Philippians 4:6

Philippians 2:12-16