In/Joy Life
Philippians 4:10-20
The Secret to Contentment – Philippians 4:10-20
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you usually respond to others when they express concern for you? How does Paul respond?
2. Why is Paul so glad that the Philippians gave and looked out for his needs?
3. Paul has been quite affectionate toward the Philippians throughout this letter. What do you see in this passage that might explain some of the feeling of intimacy and affection?
4. Can you tell of a time when giving was both beneficial to the receiver and the giver? How has giving and receiving affected your relationships in the past?
5. Paul, in prison, is still rejoicing, and is content in the most trying of circumstances and states of need. What is his secret to contentment? [Reference back to 4:6-9, as well as verses 13 & 19.]
6. What circumstances most control or undo contentment? What would it be like to practice and know contentment even when life is hard? What step could you take towards contentment today?
7. Paul knew what it meant to be in need. Would you share about a time when you experienced neediness? What was the result?
Life Application:
Please be sensitive to feelings that might have arisen from past needs that were not met. Do healing and/or forgiveness need to take place?
Are there needs within the group today? Pray over them, and explore whether the group might be able to help meet those needs. Or, is there another need you all know of that you can help meet?
