May 29, 2011
Good Work Wk 5: Contentment
Posted by Michael
Learn:
Philippians 4:10-19
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Main Idea:
It only seems natural that we would base our contentment on our circumstances. But Paul says the exact opposite in Philippians; he gets his contentment from Jesus, regardless of how bad things may be. So often we think, “If I can just have [insert anything] I’ll be happy.” But even when we get it, contentment is fleeting. If our contentment is in anything other than Jesus, it won’t last for long. If you are feeling a sense of discontentment, the best thing you can do is ask Jesus to meet you where you are and wait for Him. Reminding yourself of how much God has already blessed you is a great way to combat discontentment as well. You may also be feeling a sense of discontentment because of a deliberate act of disobedience of some sort. If this is the case, the best thing to do is repent and turn toward God.
Discuss…
1. What is the world’s definition of contentment? What are some things the world tells you that you need to have in order to be content?
2. What is the biblical definition of contentment? If you were in Paul’s shoes when he wrote Philippians, do you think you would be able to be content in his circumstances?
3. On a scale from 1 to 10, how content are you right now? Is there anything you are praying for that you think will bring you contentment if you get it? Why do you think it will make you content?
4. Describe a time in your life when you got something that you really wanted, but it did not bring you contentment. Why didn’t it fill you in the way you thought it would? Can remembering that time bring any perspective to your current situation?
5. How do you normally handle discontentment? What are some practical things you learned from this sermon about what to do when you’re experiencing discontentment?
6. List 5 things that you are thankful to God for. How does remembering these blessings help to fight off discontentment?
7. Is there any area of life where you know you are being disobedient to God in some way? Could this possibly be a source of discontentment? If so, how can you begin turning back toward God?
Next Steps…
This week, try to take 10 minutes a day to thank God for the blessings in your life. Also, if you are feeling adventurous, fast from something this week that brings you a sense of contentment. This will help you put the focus on Jesus, the only thing that can bring true, lasting contentment.
