JOY IN SCARCITY
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Philippians 4:5-13 NASB
5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before,but you lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
OUTLINE
- Worry About _________________ 4:6
- Pray About ___________________4:6
- Give Thanks In _______________ 4:6-7
- Think About _________________ 4:8-9
- Be Content In ________________ 4:10-13
QUESTIONS
- God is all sufficient and we are insufficient. Life is a good gift that exposes our insufficiency. Where does the Bible say our sufficiency comes from? (2 Cor 3:5) Where do you tend to run in order to find life when you are on empty? What would it look like to run to Jesus?
- (v. 4:6) What do you find yourself worrying about most? What does Jesus say about worry in Matthew 6:24-30? What would it look like to begin laying it down?
- (v. 4:6) Paul reminds us to give thanks. When do you find it most difficult to give thanks? How does the Gospel inform and help?
- (v. 4:7-8) Paul helps us by telling us to think about good things. Where have you experienced mind pollution? How do we take thoughts captive? (2 Cor 10:5)
- (v. 4:10-13) What would it look like to be content and give thanks for where He has you and what He has given you?