Philippians 4:10–14 | Resources
Discussion Questions
How would you define contentment? What does contentment look like? Share an example of someone you know who exemplifies contentment.
Are you content with what God has given you today? Do you struggle with either envy or boasting?
Are you appropriately generous?
What needs do you see in your community or our church? How can we meet those needs?
Philippians 4:13 is often misinterpreted. In light of its context, what do you think this verse means? How do we accurately apply it?
In light of our text/sermon, what would it look like to obey?
Memory Verse
“I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:12 (CSB)
Devotional
When we lose contentment, we start to get anxious and worry. Will I ever get married? Will I have enough money to provide for my family? Will my kids get sick? Will that promotion ever come? What if I make a mistake? Can I be as beautiful as her? Will I stay healthy? Is God happy with me? Should I be doing more?
If I could sum it all up into one question, I think it may be this: Am I enough?
This is why a loss of contentment is so gut-wrenching. We are worried that we aren’t enough. We worry that we won’t make it. We live in a real world where you might never get married, you could get fired, and your children aren’t guaranteed a healthy and prosperous life. In other words, you are right. You are not enough, and you are not going to make it. Your loss of contentment is real.
Here is where Paul reminds us that our loss of contentment is actually a loss of the joy in Christ found in His faithfulness to us, even when we can’t see Him working. It’s a replacement of the cravings that are only found in God. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but if you read the Bible, you’ll discover that Jesus has got you and will carry you to completion (Phil 1:6). Your job might disappear, but Jesus is enough. You might be single for the rest of your life, but Jesus is enough. Your body might fail, but Jesus is enough (Ps 73:26). Your contentment, just like everything else in your life, rests fully vested in the promises of God!