NOGRUMBLING

WEEK

Key Verses

Do everythingwithout complaining or arguing.

(Philippians 2:14)

Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.

(James 5:9)

Deep Thought

Grumbling is the precursorto all-out rebellion.

(Marc Erickson)

The Official No Grumbling Pledge

I, [state your name],do hereby solemnly vow,

that every time I feel a grumble coming on this week,I will suppress said grumble,

pinch myself hardand recite one of this week’s key verses instead.

Anti-Grumbling Antidote #1: THANKS

Be joyful always;pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances;for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Anti-Grumbling Antidote #2: CONTENTMENT

But godliness with contentment is great gain.For we brought nothing into this world,

and we can take nothing out of it.But if we have food and clothing,

we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Anti-Grumbling Antidote #2: CONTENTMENT

A devout life brings wealth,but it’s the rich simplicity

of being yourself before God.Since we entered the world penniless

and we will leave it penniless,if we have bread on the table

and shoes on our feet,that’s enough.

(1 Timothy 6:6-8, The Message)

Anti-Grumbling Antidote #3: PRAISE

Turn to . . .

The Psalms

Got breath?

Use it to

PRAISEGOD

Anti-Grumbling Antidote #4: REST

Come to me,all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.(Matthew 11:28)

Anti-Grumbling Antidote #5: FILL ‘ER UP!

THEhatred, discord, jealousy,

SINFULfits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions,

NATUREfactions, envy and the like

(Galatians 5:20-21)

BEthe fruit of the Spirit

FILLEDis love, joy, peace,

WITHpatience, kindness, goodness,

THEfaithfulness, gentleness and self-control

SPIRIT(Ephesians 5:18b, Galatians 5:22-23a)

Group Discussion

1. In what situations are you most prone to grumbling, complaining and/or whining?

2. Which of the verses we discussed today will you recite this week immediately after your post-grumbling pinch (and why)?

PRAYER