Real Contentment | Philippians 4:10-20

Main Text: Philippians 4:10-20 (ESV) 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. 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. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.Preaching Point: As wonderful as gift-giving and receiving are within a Christian community, we must pursue real contentment by looking beyond our circumstances and seeking the strength of Christ, which enables us to remain genuinely content in every situation.Teaching Points:Seek to Benefit Other Christians with Your Generosity (vv10, 14-16)Affirm the Great Benefits of Christian Generosity (vv. 17-20)Depend on Christ, not Things for Your Contentment (vv. 11-13)Application Questions:Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you? Read Galatians 6:9-10 and Romans 12:9-13. How has a lack of contentment with your own circumstances kept you from being generous with others in the past? How can genuine contentment help increase your generosity toward other believers?Read Philippians 4:17-20 and 2 Corinthians 9:11-13. According to these passages, what benefits can you expect your generosity to produce? Based on the passages above, what spiritual and practical consequences can come from a lack of generosity rooted in discontentment?Read Philippians 4:11-13 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10. What are some of the dangers of discontentment?What does leaning on Christ for strength in the area of contentment practically look like for you?