Breaking Ground
When did you last feel immense gratitude for something?
The Dig
On Sunday, we finished our series More & More on the Book of Philippians (Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi).
What do you think it means to be content? How is contentment different than apathy?
What do you need to have with you to feel content? What makes you feel discontent when you’re lacking it?
Read Philippians 4:10-13. Paul closes Philippians by reflecting on contentment & expressing gratitude for the generosity of this small, poor community. First, he declares that he can be content in all circumstances because contentment isn’t tied to specific circumstances.
How can contentment be found regardless of our circumstances? How does this vision of contentment challenge your own?
Next, read Philippians 4:14-23. After exploring his vision of contentment, Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians’ generosity & selfless giving.
What stands out about Paul’s posture towards the Philippians’ generosity & the act of selfless giving itself? What does it reveal about both the recipient & giver in Paul’s mind?
How does Paul’s understanding of contentment help inform this vision of generosity & selfless giving?
Close by reflecting on your one life right now.
Where are you currently succeeding & struggling to find contentment? Why?
Where are you practicing selfless generosity & where are you struggling to give generously? Why?
How might Christ’s example & story help you live into contentment & generosity more & more in this next season?
Getting Out of the Hole
During this series, take time each week to read & meditate on each section of Philippians that we cover. This week:
- Read Philippians 4:10-23.
- Write down or underline key words or phrases in the passage.
- Meditate on where you are currently experiencing contentment & discontentment. Also, reflect on whether you are currently giving or receiving more in terms of generosity.
- Read through Philippians 4:10-23 again. How does this passage invite you into a healthier vision of contentment? How might this challenge you to give more generously in the next season?
- Ask God to help you discern what it would mean to grow, heal, & surrender to Him in these parts of your life.
Journal, reflect, & pray on how God might be speaking to you through each week’s teaching. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
The Story of God Bible Commentary by Lynn H. Cohick
Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas
A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer
TheBibleProject.com
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, August 14th: Join us next Sunday for some fall vision casting for E3 Church!
* Please see mye3.org for details.