¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶ for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. ¹⁷ Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. ¹⁸ I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Take a moment to read through the passages slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through them.

Is there a word or phrase that God is drawing to your attention? What is He saying to you through these passages?

1) What stood out to you from the Scripture passages and/or this week's message?

2) In what ways is God challenging you and/or encouraging you through the message?

3) When have you been blessed by the generosity of someone else? When have you been blessed by the opportunity to be generous towards someone else?

4) Do you find it more difficult to give, or to receive? Do you think that being able to do one of these things is more important than the other? Why?

4) Why do you think that generosity is such an important aspect of what it means to be a follower of Jesus?

5) When have you experienced contentment or joy in the midst of difficult circumstances?

6) In what ways do we try to find contentment and joy outside of Christ? What is the impact of this?

7) What does it look like to find contentment in Christ? How can we be honest about our pain and challenges, while still living in the contentment and joy of Christ?

8) In what area of your life have your circumstances been pulling your heart away from Jesus? What would it look like for you to reorient your heart towards Christ in that situation?