Optimism
IIntroduction
AThe Mind, Body, and Spiritof an individual are linked.
1When all are healthy, we thrive, and feel ready for anything which comes our way.
aHowever, when one struggles, the others feel the burden.
- Proverbs 17:22 – The joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
bThis is much like Paul described members of the Church when he compared them to the body.
- I Cor. 12:26 – And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
BExamples of the Link
1Mistreatment of bodies so that mind is greatly damaged?
aSmoking, overeating or poor nutrition, drugs, alcohol…
2Mental stresses in life causing failing health?
aRocky relationships, financial difficulties, uncertain work environment…
bAmerican Institute of Stress reports stress impacting:
- Hair, muscles, digestive tract, skin, brain, mouth, heart, lungs, and reproductive organs.
3Depressed Spirit which affects the mind?
aSuccumbed to temptation, a seemingly strong brother fell away, Christians are not working…
CUnderstanding the mind, body, and soul are linked… Today, the topic will be Optimism.
IIWhat is optimism?
ALooking to the future with hope.
1First and foremost, Christians are to have hope.
aRomans 15:4
bI Thessalonians 5:8-9
cTitus 3:3-7
dI Peter 1:13
IIICannot have a Discussion about Optimism without Discussing Pessimism
AWorld is Geared Towards Pessimism
120% chance of rain
aIgnores 80% chance of sunshine!
2So used to disappointment delivered by men that there is no trust.
aA good deed can be done, but folks will speculate on the ulterior motive.
bGas price will go down, but we all know it is going back up!
cSolid man elected for a political office, but he will be corrupted soon – “they all are corrupted”
3I could be pessimistic based on last few months: well pump, cars, lawsuit, School tax, deity issue.
BThe Church is Challenged by Pessimism too.
1“We’ve tried that before, it didn’t work.”
aHanding out tracts
bKnocking Doors
cNewspaper articles
2“We’ve never done it that way before!”
aDifferent Service times
bSitting everyone up front
cHanding out CD’s
dSystematically calling all members who do not attend a service
3“That would cost too much.”
aRadio Program or Advertisement
bProviding preachers with Insurance
cGospel Meetings
CThere were Things That Could Have Made Jesus a Pessimist
1John 1:11 - Rejection by His own
2John 7:5 - His own family members unbelief
3Matt. 8:26, 16:8 - The 12 disciples lack of faith
4Matt. 7:13,14 - Few would take advantage of the salvation that would cost Jesus His life.
IVJesus was optimistic about the future
AHe was optimistic about His Own Future
1John 10:17- “Lay down My life…to take it up again”
2John 2:19-21
3Luke 23:43, 46 - Even on the Cross we see Jesus looking forward with optimism!
BHe was optimistic about the future of His Church
1Matt. 16:13-18
a“I will build My church”
b“… the gates of Hell shall not prevail”
c“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven”
CHe was optimistic about the future of His followers
1John 10:10
2John11:26
VAs a Church, We have a Challenge to be Optimistic as Well!
AWe should be optimistic because God is Able to Aid Us in Living a Godly Life
1Romans 8:28
2Proverbs 3:1-6
3Philippians 4:13
4Expand
BWe should be optimistic because By Jesus the Christ, We are MORE than conquerors
1Romans 8:37
21Corinthians 15:57 - but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
31Corinthians 15:55 - O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?
aDeath overcomes the world! But what power does it have over the Church?
CEveryday we choose our attitude
1Philippians 4:4-9
2Galatians 6:7-8
3Colossians 3:23-24
4Our attitude should always be so upbeat.
aWe should be an encouragement to those around us.
bWe should be an example to the world.
cWe control our actions:
- Ex. Disneyland – Smile
- We may say we cannot do it… but…
(i)Ex. We choose to kick a Chihuahua…
We choose to talk nice to the German Shepherd.
- Everyday, we can choose how we will behave.
VIWe are to be Like Jesus!
1He carried out the Father’s plan!
2Satan couldn’t defeat Him!
3Grave couldn’t hold Him!
4John 6:39-40 - And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
5How can we not be optimistic knowing what Jesus has promised?
aLet us Hope in Jesus
bLet us be optimistic about everlasting life.
cLet us embrace the trials of each day with resolve.
dJoshua 1:9 – “… Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
6Optimism will aid the mind, body, and soul.
aIn achieving this we will imitate Christ.