Finishing Well | Week 4: In Joy
Q- Where is your “happy place”?
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! —Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” —Philippians 4:5 (NIV)
Today’s Core Truth: Joy is not solely based on circumstances, but rather, a constant choice to trust in an optimistic future.
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” —Habakkuk 3:17–18 (NLT)
Finishing Well in Joy is By Choosing:
Prayer over
.
Q- Is your first reaction to bad news panic or prayer?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. —Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? —Matthew 6:27 (NIV)
Petition = pleading your case and reasons behind your request
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
Mind over
. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. —Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Practice over
. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. —James 1:2–4 (NIV)
Contentment over
. …I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. —Philippians 4:10 (NIV)
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. —Philippians 4:11–12 (NIV)
Dependence over
. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. —Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Q- Have you found what this world can never, ever offer you?
Theme: The Secret of Contentment
Share Together: What has been the happiest or most content season of your life? Why?
Reflect Together: What impacted you the most from Sunday’s message, and what next step do you think you are to take from what you experienced?
Read Together: Philippians 4:4-13
Discuss Together:
- How does rejoicing in the Lord and knowing God is near help towards our attitude in being content in all circumstances of our lives?
- How can worry and discontentment be related? How is prayer an answer to help our anxiousness assist us to transcend our understanding and provide for us?
- How does Paul encourage us to be proactive in our “thinking of such things” to help find true peace and contentment when we put them into practice? What would be an example of this in your personal experiences?
- Many people believe they can only be content once they have reached a certain level of economic or social prosperity. How does their view differ from Paul’s example of secret contentment vv.11-13, even from a prison?
- What outside force is most likely to upset your contentment? Since God doesn’t always change our negative circumstances, what can he change in you, so contentment is still possible?
- Re-read v.13. How do you need the strength and provision of Jesus in your life today so that we can pray as a group?
Pray Together: Share the good things God has done in your/others’ lives and pray for one another of the needs that you have.