Hebrews 13:5

Introduction:

1. I owe the title of this lesson to a neighbor kid who plays with our kids.

2. While enjoying a surprise ice cream after school, he complained about the flavor of the ice cream saying, “I wanted sprinkles.”

3. Though rather comical in this scenario, ingratitude poses a serious threat to our spiritual well-being as it is a catalyst to temptation.

Discussion:

I. God’s Good and Perfect Gifts

A. God is the blessed giver throughout Scripture.

1. God supplies every good thing we know (James 1:17).

2. He gives gifts when we do not deserve them (Matthew 5:43-48; Acts 14:17; Romans 5:6-11; Titus 3:3-5).

3. He supplies our abilities for service (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 4:7).

B. He gave us all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

II. Ingratitude, Covetousness, and Soul Sickness

A. Our nation is one of the most blessed in human history.

B. Yet, despite our widespread creature comforts, we have some of the highest rates of anxiety and depression in the world.

C. Ingratitude drives covetousness which generates sinful behaviors ending in soul sickness and death (Genesis 3; Colossians 3:5; James 1:13-15).

III. The Power of Contentment

A. The answer to the dangers of covetousness is to be content with a life of godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5).

B. Such contentment comes from an eternal vantage point facilitated by complete trust in Christ (Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 3:20-21; Philippians 4:11-13).

C. Satisfied hearts feel no need to accept Satan’s sinful offerings.

Conclusion:

1. As we reflect on our young friend above, how many times has God given us sweet gifts only to hear us complain that we wanted sprinkles?

2. Let us live lives of gratitude knowing that the perfect Giver has given us the perfect gifts to facilitate eternity in His presence.