11/22 AGAPE life

Session 8: Philippians 4:10–23


SESSION GOALS
Main Idea: When we follow the call to joyful sacrifice, we can find contentment in any circumstance and thus live generously.
Head Change: To know how contentment and generosity are each a part of joyful sacrifice.
Heart Change: To feel content in whatever situations we’re in currently.
Life Change: To choose to live out joyful sacrifice through choosing contentment and by being generous.


​OPEN
What’s your favorite gift you have received? What made that gift special?
Gifts can make a tremendous impact on a person. When we receive a gift from someone, it often says a lot about how that person feels about us. That’s certainly the case for Paul. In this session, we’ll learn about how the Philippians sent a gift to Paul and the impact it made on him. 


​DISCUSS verse 10-13
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

We’ve made it to the final verses of Philippians. We’ve walked with Paul through his letter and learned what it means to lead a life of joy and sacrifice. Following Jesus means we become more like him, we pursue unity with other Christians, and we rejoice in God. Paul’s life has been an example of what it means to lay down our lives for Jesus and the end of chapter 4 is no different.

1. Paul rejoices because the Philippians have expressed their concern for him by sending a gift. Their gift reminds him of what he’s learned throughout his journey with Jesus—contentment in all circumstances. Knowing Paul’s current situation in prison, what’s surprising about what he says in these verses?
2. Philippians 4:13 is one of the most-quoted verses in the Bible. We often see it recited before sports games or captioned on a social media post. But without its context, we can make the verse out to mean that Jesus is a spiritual steroid shot that empowers people to make game-winning goals or climb the corporate ladder. In the verses before 4:13, what is God giving Paul the strength to do? Then, looking to verse 13, what’s at the source of Paul’s contentment?
3. Paul recognizes that his ability to be content comes from God. Philippians 4:13 isn’t about being able to do anything in God’s strength. It’s about being able to walk through anything—good or bad—with contentment. In what ways could Philippians 4:13 offer encouragement for you as you pursue contentment in all circumstances? When have you experienced God strengthening you to go through a situation with contentment? What does contentment look like for you right now?
4. Even though we know we have Jesus—and that he will never change—we can still struggle with contentment. In what instances can it be difficult for you to be content? What makes it hard?
5. Paul has been a picture of Christian maturity for us throughout Philippians. In these verses he models maturity yet again through his attitude toward his circumstances—he is content. When have you experienced genuine contentment? What impact did contentment have on your life—your friendships, your work, your family?

 
 
DISCUSS verse 14-19
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Even though he’s content in prison, Paul’s grateful for the Philippian’s gift. Their generosity has been one of the biggest examples of joyful sacrifice. Paul’s alluded to it throughout the book, but now he addresses it firsthand.

1. The Philippians have been faithfully generous to Paul since the beginning. What stands out to you about the Philippians’ generosity? What about Paul’s response to their gift?
2. Paul joyfully receives their gift and recognizes what they’ve done is for God. When have you been on the receiving end of someone’s generosity? How did you respond?
3. What could it look like in your life to sacrificially give as the Philippians gave to Paul?
4. Paul reminds the Philippians that God will provide for them. When have you had to trust God’s provision? In what ways does trust relate to the contentment we talked about?

DISCUSS verse 14-19
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

​Paul mentioning Caesar’s household in the final lines of this letter is significant. He’s reminding the Philippians once more that Jesus is Lord—not Caesar. God is bringing people into his family and Caesar can’t stop him. 

1. What’s hopeful for you about the fact that Jesus is Lord and that God can move despite human authorities?
2. In the video, Jo summarized the lessons from the ending of chapter 4—rejoice in God, be generous, learn contentment, remember God is working, recognize this letter is about Jesus. Of these five principles, what’s one you want to put into practice this week? What could that look like practically?

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE

From Dr. Gene Getz’s Life Essentials Study Bible
SEEK ETERNAL REWARDS – Spiritual leaders whose material needs are being met by fellow Christians should serve Christ faithfully in order to add to their supporters’ spiritual rewards in heaven.

Pastor Chester’s biblical principle – Whether in plenty or in need, learn contentment from Christ, who is better than what you already have (in plenty) and greater than what you desire more to have (in need), as He strengthens you to do His will in any circumstance so that You might seek the fruit that increases to the spiritual credit of others.

LAST WORD
Philippians gave us an inside look at what it means to joyfully sacrifice our lives for Jesus. It means we put other people before ourselves, we see our lives through the lens of eternity, and we find contentment in knowing Jesus no matter the circumstance. These closing verses remind us to live generous lives while also seeking contentment. They also point to the fact that God still works in our lives.
As we close this series, consider rereading the book slowly this week, revisiting what God’s taught you. Pray he’d solidify the lessons from this letter and ask him to show you one way you can choose to joyfully sacrifice this week.