DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Choose the right questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.

1. Icebreakers
      a. Jeff spoke about consumerism. Have you ever donated or thrown away some things and wondered, “Why did I buy all that in the first place?”
      b. Have you fallen for the social media comparison trap? What in your life do you tend to compare with others?
      c. How are you doing on your New Year resolutions?
   
   
2. Deeper question: In what areas of life do you seem to struggle with always wanting more?
   
   
3. Jeff talked about a short-term hack to be content: telling yourself “It could be worse” whenever you feel discontent. This phrase is one way to choose gratitude for what you have instead of discontentment for what you don’t have. Have you ever tried this phrase or a version of it? If so, did it work? If not, do you think it might work for you?
   
   
4. A deeper, long-term hack is to realize contentment is not about settling but about elevating our lives with a new focus. Jeff shared that the world can never satisfy us. Share about a time when something you thought would satisfy you actually didn’t. Did that experience change your perspective?
   
   
5. Read Philippians 1:13-14. Describe Paul’s view of his condition. Have you ever been in a situation that looked a bit bleak on the outside, but you were able to see God working in it and through it?
   
   
6. Read Philippians 4:18-26. Paul didn’t let his circumstances dictate his contentment. Share about a time when your circumstances did dictate your contentment. How did you work through that, and were you able to find a different perspective?
   
   
7. Read Philippians 1:15-18. How is Paul dealing with the slander he is receiving? How can we deal with slanderous news we hear about others?
   
   
8. Read Philippians 4:10-13. How would you summarize the situations Paul listed in today’s language, and how would you state verse 13 differently?
   
   
9. Jeff shared two sayings from two of his mentors: “Well, it’s just part of the great adventure!” from Ron Blue, and “Find God’s hand in the darkness” from Miss Helen. How can these two phrases help you this week?
   

VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. —Philippians 4:13

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

(in-between meetings)

Remember our key thought: Contentment is not about settling but about elevating our lives with a whole new focus. What steps can you take this week to help elevate your focus? How can your group help?

Some say the theme of Philippians is joy. Consider counting how many times the words “joy” and “rejoice” appear in Philippians. How would you describe the connection between contentment (or as Jeff said, elevating our focus) and joy? Consider discussing this with a group member this week.

If you are facing a difficult circumstance, it helps to share that with other group members. They can help carry your burden (see Galatians 6:2). They can pray for you, listen and offer comfort, share perspective and advice at your request, and maybe help give some clarity. Group members can also take practical steps to support you by creating a meal train, giving you rides, helping financially, and so much more. If you have a need, pray about sharing it with your group.

This week, ask God to empower you through his Holy Spirit to elevate your focus.

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.