Philippians 4:10-13

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Content in All Circumstances

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The secret of contentment is adjusting, not abundance.

  2. The secret of adjusting is Christ, not circumstances.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let’s give our fellow believers the benefit of the doubt.

  2. Let’s pray for our fellow believers who are not in need.

QUESTIONS

  1. What did Paul mean when he wrote, “Your care for me has flourished again”?

  2. Why would Paul have need of a financial gift during his imprisonment?

  3. What is the secret of contentment?

  4. What is the secret of adjusting?

  5. How do Christians sometimes misquote Philippians 4:13?

  6. Why should we pray for those who are not in need, but in abundance?

ANSWERS

  1. Apparently, the Philippians had let some time elapse before sending Paul another gift.

  2. Paul was able to rent a house during his imprisonment, and he would need finances for this, and possibly for entertaining those who came to hear him preach and teach.

  3. Adjusting, and not abundance

  4. Christ, and not circumstances

  5. Sometimes when they take on more than they can handle. The verse is not promising success, superhuman strength, the miraculous, or the impossible.

  6. So they will learn how to handle prosperity for God’s glory and the furtherance of the kingdom

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. How have you learned the secret of contentment? How have you learned the secret of adjusting?

  2. Do you know Christians who are emotional yo-yos? How can you avoid having this kind of a temperament?

CHALLENGE

  1. Give fellow believers the benefit of the doubt, as Paul did. Think about times when you have been quick to judge others concerning their motives. Ask the Lord’s forgiveness.

KEY VERSES

  • “…I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Philippians 4:11



Philippians, New Testament, TalksDeb HarmsPhilippians 4:10-13