Contentment Part I

Grace Community Church - Loveland, CO

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Contentment Part I

Philippians 4:4-9

May 28, 2023 • Jonathan Norton • Philippians 4:4–9

Main Point: Contentment is active and rooted in trust and fulfillment in Christ

Questions:

Define contentment in your life. How do you view it? Is it a joyful assessment of reality, a choice to ignore hard or difficult things, a “settling” with what you have, or something else?

What would you say has informed that understanding of contentment? (Family history, cultural standards, faith, etc.)

What comes to mind when Paul says rejoice in verse 4? Do you often rejoice? Why or why not?

What connection does Paul make between prayer and peace in verses 6-7? What elements of prayer does he present?

Do you practice those elements of prayer? Is your prayer life oriented more around your circumstances, yourself, your creator, or a mix?

What role do you think Paul’s call to action in verses 8-9 plays in contentment and rooting ourselves in Christ rather than “things” (circumstances, possessions, etc.)?

What is something lovely, praiseworthy, or excellent that God has given you this week?

What is one thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message? What part of how Paul defines contentment do you want to try this week?

Contentment Part II

June 4, 2023 • Jonathan Norton • Philippians 4:10–13

Questions: 1. What things come to mind in Paul’s proclamation of circumstances? How does this section connect with Philippians 4:4-9? 2. Read Philippians 3:4-14 Paul lists a series of accomplishments and points of pride but then says he considers them loss for the sake of Christ. What does that mean? 3. What has Paul not yet taken a hold of in verse 13? How does that motivate him to do the things that he’s instructing others and that he himself feels called towards? 4. What does Paul mean “forgetting what is behind”? How doing so help him to press forward towards his goal or vice versa? 5. What barrier to contentment is greatest in your life right now? Self, hardship, or materialism? How can Paul’s instruction inform your outlook or help in overcoming it? 6. Paul places the full weight of his contentment at the feet of Jesus. Why is this such an important part of contentment and how can we follow his example in our own lives? 7. How does Paul’s commentary on contentment, wealth, and possessions in 1 Timothy 6:6-19 compare to your own thoughts or situation? What can be learned from it? 8. What is one thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message? What part of how Paul defines contentment do you want to try this week?