Thinking About what you’re thinking about
experiencing the optimism that is made possible through Christ

2005017

Topic # 1297 (optimism/pessimism)

Introduction:

A.     Romans 12:1-2

1.      Metamorphosis – word used in Greek.  Suggests complete & total change. 

2.      Caterpillar & butterfly. Complete change. They neither look nor function alike.

B.     God’s intent with Jesus is to change you.

1.      Not superficial. Change a few habits/behaviors that allow us to “do the church thing.”

2.      A radical change. A change of who we are as people.

C.    This change occurs by:

1.      Changing our thinking.  God helps us learn a new way to think.

2.      Scripture has much to say about our minds, attitude, and the way we think.

D.    What do we think about our past? The future?

1.      Do we look at things with the proper perspective?

a)     Only a worldly perspective?

2.      Are we conscious of our need to grow & reach others?

E.     How confident/optimistic are we about our future? It is very important to be optimistic about the future – we’ve been so richly blessed & have a God who loves us!

 

I.  The need for optimism.

A.     Afraid to talk about optimism sometimes. 

1.      Been abused by those who concentrate only on the positive to the exclusion of the negative.

2.      We cannot leave out the negative & be pleasing to God.

3.      There are times that sin needs to be rebuked/condemned.  We need to stand behind the scriptures & do it in a godly/loving/tactful way. 

B.     But…optimism is an important thing.

1.      It is a proven fact that the way you think has a major influence on who you are and what your potential is.

2.      Far too many people in our world today never amount to anything because they think too low of themselves.

a)     Believe they can’t do something or there is no room for improvement in their lives.

C.    Many Christians don’t grow more than they do because they don’t have enough confidence in themselves OR in God.

1.      Settle for mediocrity or complacency.

2.      Lives governed by I can’t. 

3.      Even churches can stagnate because of a lack of confidence.

a)     They possess the mindset that they have gone as far as they can go. 

D.    Christians have ample reasons to be optimistic.

1.      Col. 3:1-2 – we have received spiritual blessings.

a)     We have reason to live in this life & things to do.

2.      Rom. 8:31, 37; Phil. 4:13 – God is on our side.

a)     Do we really believe this?

3.      Pessimism is not acceptable to God.  This attitude is never commended in scripture.

a)     Deut. 30:15, 19

b)     Option given to choose between good/bad.  Told to choose the good.

E.     Not talking about false optimism.

1.      some optimism is born out of ignorance – Mt. 7:21-23

2.      see also – Josh. 7:3-4; Lk. 18:11-12; 1 Cor. 10:12

3.      There are times to feel bad – because of our conduct.

4.      There are times to mourn and repent – because of sin.

5.      This should NOT be our way of life.

6.      We are striving to grow beyond where we have been. That is renewal.

 

II. Optimism is seen throughout scripture.

A.     Assurance.

1.      “Full assurance; with most certain confidence.”  (Thayer)

2.      Usually used with an anticipation toward our reward when this life is over.

3.      Consider these scriptures:  2 Thess. 2:16-17; Phil. 1:3-6; Heb. 10:22; 1 John 5:13; 3:19

4.      There is a certain peace that can come by practicing righteousness – Isa 32:17

B.     Confidence.

1.      Confidence implies a “present trust.”

2.      Romans 12:3 – not to be filled with arrogant pride.  But... need to have self confidence & be conscious that we are of great value as a person. 

a)     Do you believe in yourself?  Do you believe you can grow?  You need to.

3.      Look for opportunities to grow – John 4:35. 

a)     We must do something. Open our eyes; look for them.

b)     Are we active in this important pursuit?

4.      2 Cor. 5:6-7 – always confident.

5.      2 Tim. 1:12 – look at Paul’s confidence. 

6.      Not only should we be confident in God – we need to be confident in each other.

a)     Are we confident to go to brethren for help in times of need?

b)     Are we confident to trust our brethren to do what they promise to do?

c)      These things require optimism to reach their full potential.

d)     If you don’t confidently believe you will not go to your brethren as often as you can or should OR

e)     Believe in brethren when you turn to them. 

C.    Faith.

1.      They very idea of true faith expresses optimism.  Gives us assurance & confidence.  How seriously have we considered faith?

2.      Might define faith by this acronym:  F orsaking A ll  I Trust H im.

3.      Heb. 11:1, 6

4.      We all have faith and need faith – the questions is – faith in what?

a)     If we believe God then we have reason to hope.

b)     And as you think about this – you see clearly how optimism is associated with our faith.

5.      Numerous passages demonstrate faith in how it relates to being optimistic.

a)     Mt. 17:20 – in 17:14-21 - disciples failed to cast out a demon.  Rebuked by Jesus.  Called faithless generation.

b)     17:20 – in order to work miracles – they had to optimistically believe. 

c)      Even those who received the miracle needed faith.  Mt. 9:27, 31

1)     this example give us a good example of what faith is

2)     We have to believe when we put our trust in Him and when we go to Him in prayer.

6.      Faith is seen in the life of David – Psa. 6:8.

a)     Speaks of his enemies departing because God heard his voice.

7.      Heb. 11:6; Js. 1:6-8 – w/o faith it is impossible to please Him.  We must have faith when we pray. 

a)  Doubt?   - You will NOT expect anything from God!

b)  As we understand faith – we can see the importance of optimism.

 

Conclusion:

A.     You have infinite potential through Jesus Christ.

1.      Don’t hold yourself back by pessimistic thinking.

2.      Live your spiritual life to the fullest!  Don’t let mediocrity or complacency get a death grip on your soul!

B.     We can see the importance of renewing our minds if we are to thrive in our service to Him.

1.      We must do whatever necessary to be pleasing to Him. To grow up in Christ.

C.    We should be the happiest people of earth. 

1.      God has not promised to take away all our earthly problems away – but He gives us the tools to deal with them.  He wants you to succeed and prosper in becoming His kind of person.

D.    All that is good; filled with hope; comes from God.  It comes through God.  Do you have a relationship with Him?

1.      Can you call Him your father?

2.      If not, why not?

D.  I N V I T A T I O N