The Teeter-totter
Philippians 4: 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
11. for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
* Content – Not satisfied but content.
* Content = Productivity, Consistency, Pride.
* Un-satisfaction = Half-heartiness, Lazy, Discontent, Problems.
* Content – Accepts the surroundings. – Un-satisfaction – tares down & critises.
Ex. When a boss leaves, his goal is that the person he leaves in charge can accomplish what needs to be done at least 70% of what he himself can do.
In the church, instead of giving 100% and being faithful over 1 thing a young leader will want to dab in 4 or 5 things.
Instead of getting 100% the church gets 20% - 5 times because 1 person can only do so much.
12. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Abased – Solid – Sturdy – Steadfast
• I Corinthians 15: 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
12. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
• There has to be a balance between where you are – and where you are going.
• Teeter-totter. 2 much one way or another will cause you to crash!
4 steps to successfully advance in life:
1. Work harder and smarter than anyone else. (Effort).
2. Know your team and your leaders. (Eye contact) – (Smile) – (Acknowledge)
3. Recognize your successes and know your weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
4. Train your replacement. (Don’t deflate to elevate).
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
• What are you hungry for this morning?
• What consumes your thoughts? What did you wake up on your mind this morning? What did you dream about?
• If you dream about other people and their failures or successes – you are focusing too much on them and not on yourself. (Balance)
• Luke 6:41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• I CAN.
• Through Christ.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
• Who strengthens me.
Nehemiah 8:10…. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Ever watched a bully on a teeter-totter?
Ever watched 2 little friends? Which are you? The bully or the friend?
