Joyful Living - Week 10: Joy in the Circumstance
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of April 5, 2020
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
Breaking the Ice/Think Time
Talk about an opportunity you had recently, or in the past, where you were able to help someone.
Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30-40 minutes)
Read Phil. 4:10-13
What did the church at Philippi “revive” to cause Paul to “rejoice in the Lord greatly”? (v.10)
What reason (one word) did Paul feel that he was not in need of anything? (v. 11)
In what circumstance has Paul learned to be content? (vs. 11-12) Hint: Also read 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 11:23-28; 12:8-10; 1 Timothy 6:6-8.
In verse 13, Paul says that he can “do all things through Him who gives me strength.” What is the context of this verse? What does “all things” refer to in context?
What attitude must you have in order to experience the timeless truth of “doing all things through Christ who strengthens me?”
How does Paul’s view of contentment compare to the modern world’s view of contentment? Do you need to adopt Paul’s view of contentment in your life? How?
Read Phil. 4:14-20
Paul mentions that the Philippian church has been faithful in their giving to Paul even when other churches chose not to give (vs 14-16). Why was it important for the Philippian church to know the value of their giving to Paul’s ministry?
Read verse 17. Why was Paul excited about the Philippian church’s gift? Was the Philippian church thinking just of themselves or others?
Read verse 19 together as a group. What is God’s promise to those who give to meet the needs within His Kingdom? What is the difference between meeting our needs and giving us what we want?
Seeing Our Savior
Read Gal. 6:2; Heb. 13:16; Jhn. 15:12-13; Matt. 8:23-27
To step out and be selfless, to step onto the path of faith, comes in the perspective of a relationship with God. We trust that God will be with us in all that we do and that He will supply our needs. He is with us, helping us. To use another image from the Gospels, there is someone else in the boat with us.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
In times of need or plenty, have you been able to experience God’s strength in your life? How has that been a help in your times of need?
Look for needs in God’s Kingdom that you can be used to meet. In doing so, you will be a blessing to others and be blessed as you sacrifice for God’s Kingdom. How can we be like the church in Philippi and help others in need?
What does it mean to you to be content? Have you ever truly experienced contentment in your life? When?
What can you do in order to experience contentment in the midst of need?
God not only hears but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is