How to be Content | PART 2 | Philippians 4:14-20
Gathering Question:
What is one way you have seen God move in your life this week?
Gathering Prayer.
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.
Opening Questions
- What stood out to you in the sermon?
- What insights did you gain?
- What questions did it raise?
Philippians 4:14-16
- Read more about how the Philippians (aka Macedonians) shared in Paul’s struggles: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-8
- 2 Corinthians 8:2. How would you describe the Philippian generosity in your own words?
- 2 Corinthians 8:5. How is the Philippian financial generosity an act of “giving themselves to the Lord”?
- 2 Corinthians 9:7. What is the link between generosity and cheer (or joy)?
Philippians 4:17-20
- How is giving an act of worship?
- Why is giving pleasing to God?
- How does giving help us trust in God’s will for our life, instead of following culture’s way of chasing after happiness in things?
- How have you seen the vicious cycle of chasing after happiness only to become enslaved to the thing you chase after (i.e. you chase after money only to become enslaved to materialism)?
John 21:15-23
- What would you think if you were Peter?
- Jesus says, “What is that to you? You must follow me.” What are some times you need to be reminded to trust that God’s will is best, instead of looking around to see what others have?
- What are some practices you can implement to help you grow in trusting that God’s will is best instead of chasing after other things?
Closing Prayer:
Holy Father, there is nothing I have that You have not given me. All I have and am belong to You, bought with the blood of Jesus. To spend everything on myself, and to give without sacrifice, is the way of the world that You cannot abide.
But generosity is the way of those who call Christ their Lord; who love Him with free hearts and serve Him with renewed minds. Who withstand the delusion of riches that chokes the Word; Whose hearts are in your kingdom and not in the systems of the world.
I am determined to increase in generosity until it can be said that there is no needy person among us. I am determined to be trustworthy with such a little thing as money that You may trust me with true riches.
Above all, I am determined to be generous because You, Father, are generous. It is the delight of Your daughters and sons to share Your traits, and to show what You are like to all the world.
Amen.