Point 1: The School of (v. 11–12)
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
1 Timothy 6:6-9 CSB
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. 8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction.
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Point 2: The Source of (v. 13)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
John 15:4-5 CSB
4 “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.
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Point 3: No (v. 11)
“…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…”
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
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Life Group Questions
Philippians 4:11-13, Hebrews 4:1-13
1. Can you think of a recent advertisement or social media post that made you feel like your life was “missing” something? How did that feeling affect your mood?
2. Is it harder to trust God when you have nothing, or is it harder to stay connected to Him when you have everything you need? Why?
3. When you feel like you’ve reached the “end of your rope,” is your first instinct to try harder (self-reliance) or to hand over the rope (exchange)? Why is the second one so much harder to do?
4. If contentment is a “place to be” rather than a “thing to achieve,” how does that change your perspective on your current difficult circumstances?
How can we pray for you?