Introduction
Businesses and individuals get wealthy off of our discontentment. Think about it; advertising makes billions of dollars every year by creating deep discontentment within us. It’s really incredible to see once you know what to look and listen for, because it’s everywhere. Almost every commercial, billboard, and magazine ad provokes us toward discontentment. The message is clear: you aren’t really happy until you get this new car, computer, clothing, etc. You deserve this, you’ve worked hard; why don’t you have this? Who are you without it?
How can we possibly find true contentment in a world of insecurity, greed, and selfishness? We’re brainwashed to believe that we must have more, better, newer, and greater, but as the cash registers sing, our souls grow cold. What good is it to have all this world can offer and still find ourselves empty where it matters most?
Let’s look at the final section of the letter of to the Philippians from the Apostle Paul, who was locked up in a Roman jail with more to complain about than any of us, yet he encouraged followers of Jesus to find true contentment.
Read Philippians 4:10-23
Discussion Questions
Engage
1. What is one of the most ridiculous TV commercials you have ever seen?
2. As we begin to explore the topic of true contentment, when do you tend to find yourself complaining or discontent?
Explore
3. In Philippians 4:12, Paul says he has learned the secret of being content. Why is contentment a secret to most of the world?
4. Philippians 4:13 is one of the most misused Bible verses in all of the scriptures. How would you explain to someone, in context, what this passage really means?
5. In 4:17 Paul says that he seeks the fruit that increases to the Philippians' credit. What is the fruit Paul is mentioning here?
Apply
6. How would you define biblical contentment using Philippians 4:11-13? How does Jesus give us strength to be content, regardless of our situation?
7. What are some of the results of discontentment in your life? What sorts of thoughts, actions or activities foster discontentment in your heart?
8. Where are some common areas of discontentment in your heart now, and how do they challenge your faith? How is discontentment a subtle form of unbelief? How can you battle and put discontentment to death in your heart?
9. What did you find most helpful or challenging during the series in Philippians? How can you be praying for and encouraging one another?
Memory Verse- Philippians 4:11 ESV
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am, to be content.”
Philippians Resources:
Life Group Study Guide
Familly Study Guide (for parents to use with youth)
Life Together Podcast "Halloween" w/ Jason & Steven
Had a great time recording a very special Halloween episode of the Life Together podcast. I set down with Pastors Jason Seymour and Steven Dowling to talk about Halloween.
Halloween is a major cultural event and everyone has to do something with this strange holiday.
We discussion the topic of Halloween from a pastoral/cultural perspective and examine two blog posts that take opposing views of how Christians should understand Halloween.
Resources for the Upcoming
Nations and Neighbors
Sermons
Articles
Books
Additional Resources
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