Class Lesson February 26, 2017

Think about it, maybe it was old clothes to the Goodwill, giving something to be sold at a benefit auction, giving money to buy something at the benefit auction, donation to a special missions project, a shoe-box full of stuff for Operation Christmas Child, your time spent at the Operation Christmas Child processing center, a special present given to family member for birthday or Christmas, you got rid of some old electronics at a collection center, or maybe you were able to give a significant amount of money to a special ministry.

Our lesson point in this final message from Paul is for us to:

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

Money. Most of us like to have it. Even more of us like to spend it. But we don’t usually like to talk about it—especially at church. 

Would it surprise you to know that most pastors don’t like to talk about it either? Pastors don’t want to appear greedy, nor do they want to be associated with “prosperity preachers”—those who preach that if you give more and more of your resources, God will bless you with health, wealth and prosperity. 

In Philippians 4, however, we see that Paul was quite comfortable talking about money. He was comfortable living with money— and living without money. How could that be? Paul was content regardless of his financial situation because his contentment and ultimate joy was in Jesus Christ. 

Let’s move deeper into that joy as we explore some important passages from Philippians 4.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Philippians 4:10-14 

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. 

Paul began this passage with an explosion of joy: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me.” Paul was thrilled by the Philippians’ generosity, compassion, and renewed support for him. 

In verses 11-13, Paul explained Christian contentment. The Stoic philosophers of Paul’s day interpreted contentment as “self-sufficiency.” Paul revolutionized the idea of contentment from “self-sufficiency” to “Christ-sufficiency.” 

Contentment is about believing Christ is enough. Therefore: 

• Contentment doesn’t depend on our circumstances. Paul’s contentment didn’t increase or decrease based upon his material provision. He taught that the rare jewel of Christian contentment has nothing to do to our circumstances. It’s found in Christ. We need only Him. 

• Contentment is learned. Twice, Paul said he learned contentment. Paul knew abundance. He knew what it was like to be hosted by the wealthy Lydia in Philippi (see Acts 16:14-15). But Paul also knew hardship—extreme hardship. Lest we think he was merely blowing smoke, just read 2 Corinthians 11:24-27! Paul knew what abundance was like, but he’d also went without food and knew what it was like to sleep in the cold. He learned how to be content in both environments.

Many athletes love to quote Philippians 4:13 for inspiration. But I can’t dunk a basketball no matter how often I quote this verse! The phrase “all things” must be governed by the context—which in this case is about contentment and material possessions. “I can do all [these] things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Paul was able to be content in every situation through Christ. This, then, is the secret: Christ is enough. Paul wasn’t preoccupied with his situation; he was preoccupied with Jesus. When you focus on Jesus, you can be content.

Philippians 4:15-18 

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 

Once we’re content with our situations, we’ll have freedom to give more freely. Looking at these verses, we can see three ways Paul described the Philippians’ contribution to his ministry. 

First, their giving represented a partnership in the gospel (see vv. 15-16). Let me state this negatively: if we aren’t giving to God’s kingdom, we’re not partners in the gospel—we’re more like consumers. Paul didn’t view the Philippians as customers; he saw them as co-laborers. Most of the believers in Philippi were far from wealthy, yet they earned a reputation for giving sacrificially, generously, and cheerfully to support Paul’s mission (see Acts 16–17 and 2 Cor. 8–9).

Second, Paul highlighted the spiritual and eternal fruitfulness of living a generous life: “I seek the profit that is increasing to your account.” Paul wasn’t joyful just because the Philippians had given him a gift. He was pleased because he knew the heavenly profit— the spiritual fruit—that would result from their actions. The apostle rejoiced to see the Philippians acting like Christians. 

Paul had opened his letter by “praying with joy” because of the Philippians’ consistent partnership, asking that they would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness” (1:4,11). Their generous giving was one demonstration of their partnership that would produce fruit. 

Third, Paul described the Philippians’ sacrifice as an act of worship. Just as the Old Testament sacrifices made a pleasing aroma that would ascend skyward, Paul described the church’s sacrificial giving as “a fragrant offering” that was “pleasing to God.” This was high praise, indeed. Paul identified sacrificial giving as an act of the highest possible value—an act of worshiping God. 

What smells attract you? I like the aromas of a grill, a baseball field, coffee, and my bride. It may sound strange, but sacrificial obedience is a pleasing aroma to God. It brings Him pleasure. 

Talk about a motivation to give! Modern Christians need to understand that we don’t have to contribute financially to our local church or God’s kingdom as a whole. We get to give! We have the privilege of worshiping God even as we contribute to His work of salvation and restoration in our world.

Philippians 4:19-20 

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

Look at this magnificent promise: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” God used the Philippians to supply Paul’s needs (see v. 18), and now Paul assured them that God would supply all their needs according to His infinite resources. Obviously, we shouldn’t treat God as an ATM machine—something that only exists to feed our greed. But we can go to God to supply our daily needs (see Matt. 6:11). 

Remember the secret to contentment? Christ is enough. Once we know that secret, we’ll be able to see the connection between financial support and genuine gospel partnership. We’ll understand that giving is a way we can bear fruit, store up treasures in heaven, and worship God. And we’ll know that when we live in such a generous and sacrificial way, we can trust God to take care of us. 

Continuing in verse 20, Paul rebounded with wholehearted praise to the Father: “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” This is the appropriate response to God, who has provided for our salvation and continues to sustain us spiritually and physically. 

God gave up His Son for our most desperate need. He provides for our daily needs, and He gives us joy that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Therefore, God alone gets the glory. 

Paul burst into praise when thinking about the glory of the Father. I can’t help but admire Paul for this. He was in prison, yet his spirit soared with a heart full of praise! We don’t need bigger houses or bigger bank accounts to soar in worship. We simply need a bigger vision of God. 

We will soar, too, when we ponder anew what the Almighty can do—and what He has already has done! So let’s join in His work by giving what we have for the benefit of others.

LIVE IT OUT

How will you give of your resources in order join God in His work? Consider the following suggestions: 

• Look for greed. Greed isn’t an easily detectable sin. Pray to God as you look through your recent bank statements. Ask: “Am I trusting in money more than Jesus? Do money and possessions bring me more joy than Jesus?” 

• Look for need. What need can you meet within your local church? Look for an opportunity to bless others and be an active partner in the gospel. 

• Look together. We can accomplish more for God’s kingdom when we partner with others. As a group, find a way to regularly support and invest in a ministry that’s changing lives and sharing the gospel in your community. 

You may be uncomfortable talking about money. That’s okay. But don’t let your discomfort prevent you from experiencing the joy and contentment that comes with joining God in the good work of giving for the benefit of others.


Teacher Notes

When have you really experienced joy by giving to others?

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Paul thanks the Philippian church today for their giving to his ministry. 

And the he challenges us to learn 3 important fundamentals to Giving with Joy. 

1. Learn a secret of giving.

2. Learn what giving really is.

3. Learn to trust God’s promise.

I. Joy of Contentment                       Philippians 4:10-14 

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. 

Paul began this passage with an explosion of joy: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly…” Why was Paul so joyful? 

· … that once again you renewed your care for me.” Paul was thrilled by the Philippians’ generosity, compassion, and renewed support for him. 

Then Paul talks about this secret of being content…

How would you describe what it means to be content?

• Happy with what you have, joyful attitude no matter what the situation, not always craving for more “stuff”, willing to get along with whatever level of finances or supply or circumstances come your way. One dictionary defines contentment as “the state of being mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are.”
• Contentment. What does it mean? In America, we’ve been taught to believe that contentment is linked to our accomplishments or constantly getting more. The bumper sticker that reads “He with the most toys wins!” epitomizes the world’s cravings for more and more. Our basic value is that "more is better." We think, "I’ll be happy when I get married." Or "I’ll be content when I have a second child." Or "…when my marriage is functioning on all four cylinders." Or "…when we remodel the bathroom." The problem with this line of thinking is that the horizon is always moving. Since there’s no end to our desire to acquire or do more, we’ll never experience contentment. The Stoics believed that contentment meant the opposite – the way to have peace and contentment is to have less and less. They would emotionally detach from the things and people they loved, convincing themselves that nothing mattered. But the truth is getting more and more can never bring contentment, and desiring less and less can’t either. Prosperity doesn’t have the power to give us contentment, nor poverty the power to take it away.

• The true meaning of contentment is being satisfied with what you have and with who you are - right now. But is this truly attainable?

What are the enemies of contentment today?

• Advertisement for so many material goods and “feel good” opportunities, abundance of “stuff”, attitude of striving for more, to be the best, the richest.

Make a list of what makes you feel content. 

• Having a good job, having enough money, nice home, car, food and clothes, and retirement. Today it is rare that we find anyone who is truly content with his or her condition in life. The Bible has a great deal to say about contentment—being satisfied with what we have, who we are, and where we’re going. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25).
• Where is Christ on the list? How would you explain to someone that the source of true contentment is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

How did Paul describe contentment? 

• Contentment doesn’t depend on our circumstances. Paul’s contentment didn’t increase or decrease based upon his material provision. It’s found in Christ. We need only Him. 
• Contentment is learned. Twice, Paul said he learned contentment. Paul knew abundance. But Paul also knew hardship—extreme hardship. He learned how to be content in both environments. Paul was content regardless of his financial situation because his contentment and ultimate joy was in Jesus Christ.
• Paul revolutionized the idea of contentment from “self-sufficiency” (the Stoics) to “Christ-sufficiency.” 
• In his letter to the church in Philippi, the Apostle Paul shares the secret to being content: "I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. I know what it’s like not to have what I need. I also know what it’s like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough. I can do everything by the power of Christ. He gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)

Paul realized that contentment is an attitude we learn and not a thing we achieve. 

• Contentment doesn’t have anything to do with what is external – our circumstances. But it has everything to do with God doing something inside of us. 
• The Bible has a great deal to say about contentment—being satisfied with what we have, who we are, and where we’re going. 
• Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25). In essence, Jesus is telling us to be content with what we have. Moreover, He has given us a direct command not to worry about the things of this world. Then He adds, “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:32-33). From Jesus’ words, we can deduce that lack of contentment is sin and it puts us in the same category as those who do not know God.

I always liked Proverbs 30:8-9 (NLT) give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

How should we interpret this verse? 13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

• Many athletes love to quote Philippians 4:13 for inspiration. (Tim Tebow) 
• It’s not a blanket promise that through Christ a person can achieve anything they choose. It refers back to verses 11-12. Paul is saying that I can do all this (being content) through Him who gives me strength. 

Point: What is the secret to contentment? Christ is enough.

We have cause to rejoice in the Lord when others express compassion and extend care to us in our times of need. Because of our fellowship with others in Christ, we are to seek out opportunities to provide care for our brothers and sisters in their times of need. Contentment does not come easy to anyone, but godly contentment is not a product of what or how much we possess, it comes through a relationship with Christ. 

II. Joy of Giving                              Philippians 4:15-18 

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 

Once we learn the secret of contentment, we’ll have freedom to give more freely. 

What has been your personal journey toward being willing to give to others in their times of need? What struggles did you face? 

• Understanding that we don’t have to give financially to the church or God’s kingdom. We get to give! This is being a partner in the gospel, not a consumer. We act like Christians and there is spiritual and eternal fruitfulness in living a generous life.

How has giving become a way of worshipping God for you?

• Giving for the benefit of others is an investment in the things of God and thus becomes an expression of worship to Him. Seeing our giving as an act of worship and knowing that it pleases God.
• Paul described the Philippians’ sacrifice as an act of worship. Just as the Old Testament sacrifices made a pleasing aroma that would ascend skyward, Paul described the church’s sacrificial giving as “a fragrant offering” that was “pleasing to God.” It may sound strange, but sacrificial obedience is a pleasing aroma to God. It brings Him pleasure. 

Point: What is the secret to giving that pleases God? The smell. 

Paul says that sacrificial obedience is a pleasing aroma to God. It brings Him pleasure. As believers, we are to look for opportunities to reach out to brothers and sisters in need. The concept of giving is rooted in the gospel, beginning with the truth that God gave His Son. Giving to others in a Christlike spirit is worship to God. We lay up treasures in heaven when we give freely to build God’s kingdom.

III. Joy of Receiving                        Philippians 4:19-20 

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

Look at this magnificent promise: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” God used the Philippians to supply Paul’s needs, and now Paul assured them that God would supply all their needs according to His infinite resources. 

What sorts of needs can we expect God to supply? 

• Paul said all your needs!
• Remember the secret to contentment? Christ is enough. Once we know that secret, we’ll be able to see the connection between financial support and genuine gospel partnership. We’ll understand that giving is a way we can bear fruit, store up treasures in heaven, and worship God. And we’ll know that when we live in such a generous and sacrificial way, we can trust God to take care of us.
• What did Paul say - he assured them God would supply their needs as well, reminded them that God’s resources are abundant, reminded them that Jesus’ work of redemption was the proof of God’s supplying our needs, starting with providing our salvation.

How do you differentiate between wants and needs?

Wants - Wish I had it, would be nice if …, really like that car/dress/phone/TV …, don’t care about cost … just want it.

Needs - Basic necessity for a person to survive, transportation, food, water, medicines, shelter, and basic clothing.

Paul concludes with wholehearted praise to the Father: “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” This is the appropriate response to God, who has provided for our salvation and continues to sustain us spiritually and physically. God gave up His Son for our most desperate need. He provides for our daily needs, and He gives us joy that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Therefore, God alone gets the glory. 

Point: God gave up His Son for our most desperate need. He will provide for our daily needs.

God, our heavenly Father, will meet our needs. God’s supply of heavenly riches is inexhaustible. As God’s children, we have access to God and His blessing through Jesus Christ – and Him alone. God is worthy of all praise – now and forever. 

The results of giving. 

• It blesses the recipient. Paul was pleased that they had remembered him. When Paul had first left Macedonia, the Philippian church was the only one that kept in touch with him. This was not the first time they had helped him. Even though he was not in deep need at the time, he would put their money to good use in spreading the gospel. 
• It blesses the giver. Those who give have an investment in God’s work. You invest in your pastor and church staff. You invest in your church’s various ministries. You invest in missionaries that your church supports (if you are a Southern Baptist, that includes the Cooperative Program). God makes up the gift to you, and then some (Luke 6:38). “According to His riches in glory” – That is, God blesses giving in accordance with His glory and purposes. It’s a trite statement, but true nonetheless: you can’t out-give God! It brings glory to God. “A sweet smell” – This was a figure of speech used many times in the Old Testament, and it meant that a sacrifice was pleasing to God. The more we give to God’s work, the more He is glorified.

LIVE IT OUT: The latest global statistic shows that if one has a roof over his head and a meal on his table he is richer than 93 percent of the world’s population. If a person wears a pair of shoes he is richer than 75 percent of the people in the world. In the United States alone, credit card debt averages more than $16,000 per household, and we are still discontented. Solomon, the wisest and richest man who ever lived, said, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

“Be content with such things as you have” means as believers such should be our trust and confidence in God that we should be satisfied with our condition regardless of our circumstances. For we know assuredly that if we are faithful God will cause all things to work together for our good (Romans 8:28).

To worry means we do not trust God. The key to overcoming our discontentment and lack of faith is to find out who God really is and how He has been faithful to supply the needs of His people in the past. Such study will grow one’s confidence and trust for the future. The apostle Peter said it succinctly: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Hope to see you this Sunday! 

In His Love, 

David & Susan 

Class Lesson February 19, 2017

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

Do you have at least one problem in your life? You probably do. In fact, you may be saying, “I wish I had only one problem!” 

So how do we face the multiple challenges in our lives? One approach Norman Vincent Peale popularized in the 1950s was to engage in positive thinking. Over the years, other authors and speakers have also promoted the idea Peale presented in his book, The Power of Positive Thinking. But is that really what we need for life? 

In reality, we can’t mask our problems or fix them by just “thinking happy thoughts.” But we can have joy. And the presence of joy does impact how we think about and deal with life’s challenges. 

In this session, we’ll take a peek into Paul’s pastoral study—one that just happened to be in a prison cell. Bound in chains, Paul didn’t engage in positive thinking; instead, he focused on Christ. In Philippians 4, Paul showed us that, when we focus on Christ, we experience joy and peace no matter what challenges we face.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Philippians 4:4-5 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 

Many things can rob us of our cheer. Doubt, death, challenges at work, illness, relational difficulties, and numerous other problems can cause Christians to lose their song. But we need not lose our joy. 

That’s because we don’t rejoice in our circumstances; we rejoice in the Lord. 

As we’ve discussed, Paul wasn’t writing this letter from a sweet beach house. He was in prison. Some of the Philippians surely remembered when, right there in their own city, Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned. Yet the two evangelists spent that night praying and singing hymns of praise (see Acts 16:11-25). Joy isn’t about getting what you want; it’s about being grateful for all you have in Christ. 

Paul went on to say, “Let your graciousness be known to everyone.” The word for “graciousness” carries the idea of having a gentle spirit with others. It’s the opposite of being contentious and self-seeking. 

Jesus displayed that spirit perfectly throughout His life and ministry (see 2 Cor. 10:1), including His attitude toward those who reviled and crushed Him (see 1 Pet. 2:23). We’re called to be like Jesus, which is why Paul said in Philippians 4:5 that believers should display this gracious, gentle spirit with one another and before the watching world. 

Paul then added, “The Lord is near.” The apostle may have been speaking of the Lord’s return, or he may have been drawing attention to the fact that God is always nearby, ready to assist us. Both are certainly true! Christ’s return should cause us to want to live holy lives every day, while knowing Christ is near should encourage us to call on Him for help.

Philippians 4:6-7 

6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

Paul’s instructions here might catch you off guard: “Don’t worry about anything.” Of course, a degree of worry—more accurately defined as “concern”—is positive when it motivates us to carry out our responsibilities (see 1 Cor. 12:25; Phil. 2:20). 

Negative worry is different. This kind of worry almost always deals with the future—something we don’t possess. Negative anxiety can immobilize us and squeeze out our joy. Worries are like false prophets who tell us God isn’t good, sovereign, or wise. 

Instead of worry, we’re called to pray. Paul began his Letter to the Philippians with a joy-filled prayer (see Phil. 1:3-11); now, he instructed his readers to pray in the face of anxiety. 

We need to take steps to battle worry in our lives, as well: 

• Accept that we shouldn’t have a heart filled with negative anxiety. Paul simply said, “Don’t worry about anything.” Worry should no more be part of a Christian’s life than gossip, envy, covetousness, or sexual sin. 

• Cast all of our cares upon God (see 1 Pet. 5:7). The most basic remedy for anxiety is prayer. Paul said peace comes only through prayer. God never worries. He is in control, so we can give Him our burdens. 

• Pray with thanksgiving and intercession. Paul didn’t deny that we’ll have hard times, but he knew we can still give thanks. We should also offer up our petitions to God when in need. We can offer our prayers and petitions confidently and “with thanksgiving,” knowing God is faithful and will provide.

• Fight anxiety by praying with faith in God’s promises. “And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Once we pray and give our burden to God, we can be surrounded and sheltered by the peace of God. 

This peace “surpasses every thought.” That’s one of the aspects that makes God’s peace so extraordinary—you can have it when it makes no sense to have it! 

And it all starts with keeping our focus on Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:8-9 

8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. 

Finally, Paul addressed the Christian’s thought life as a pathway to peace and joy. For Christians to grow in likeness to Jesus, we need a renewed mind (see Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:23). 

Because David knew people had to change their thinking to accomplish real change, he prayed for God to examine his thoughts: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns” (Ps. 139:23).

God has blessed His church with His Word as a primary means of purifying our minds. Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). We need God’s Word to saturate our thoughts so that our minds may be renewed and we will be kept from grievous ways. 

In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul urged the church to think on admirable things. He wanted disciples of Jesus to focus on that which is: 

• True, not false. 

• Honorable, not dishonorable. 

• Just, not unfair. 

• Pure, not obscene. 

• Lovely, not unlovely. 

• Commendable, not wrong. 

• Morally excellent, not corrupt. 

• Praiseworthy, not shameful. 

In addition to thinking praiseworthy thoughts, Paul also encouraged his readers to follow godly examples: “Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.” In other words, emulate leaders who think holy thoughts. Imitate believers who set their minds on our Creator and Redeemer. Watch them. Pay attention to their views, what they read, what they talk about, and what they value. By doing so, Paul said we will know more of God’s peace. 

When we focus and trust in Christ, we have peace. And when we focus and trust in Christ, we have joy. Don’t miss out on either of those precious gifts.

LIVE IT OUT

How will you let the truths in the passage transform your life this week? Consider these suggestions: 

• Pray. What are your biggest challenges right now? Make a list and pray daily about each one. As you pray, ask the Lord to grant you His peace and graciousness. Memorize. 

• Memorize Philippians 4:6-7. I don’t know of a better way to get a proper perspective on the challenges of life and the need to give our burdens to God than to saturate our minds with this passage. 

• Think. Seek out a trusted friend who can help you be accountable with your thoughts. Specifically, what are some darker thoughts currently in your mind that need to be replaced with something more noble? 

Take it from me: there’s not much power in positive thinking—not the kind the world wants us to engage in, anyway. But there is power in Jesus. Just as important, we can find peace and joy when we focus our lives on Him.

Teacher's Notes

Will technology ever replace love?

Why did the baby quit crying?

Do you typically see the glass as half-empty or half-full? 

Our lesson says today, that the way we perceive something is the way we will receive it. We make a choice to look at a situation as a glass half full or half empty. We can look at how big our problem is or we can look at how big our God is.

What is Bonhoeffer saying here?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Bonhoeffer was transferred to the extermination camp at Flossenbürg. On April 9, 1945, one month before Germany surrendered, he was hanged with six other resisters.

• It’s not your love that sustains the marriage but rather, the marriage that sustains your love. Love doesn’t hold you together, the commitment does and love is the benefit. Joy and even happy thoughts don’t sustain your life but rather, it’s your relationship with Christ that sustains your life. Joy comes from the relationship, the commitment and focus we have in Christ.

The Apostle Paul: We can focus on our circumstance or we can fix our eyes on Christ. We can look at our overwhelming situation or we can look at our overcoming Savior.

You know, we use this same thought process when we measure our potential in life. Truth be told, you can’t even fathom your full potential. Only your Creator can. Only God, the one who made you, knows all you are capable of being. Your parents, your spouse, your friends, your boss — they only get a glimpse of your potential.

Only God knows what you’re truly capable of doing and who you’re capable of becoming.

Paul shares 3 important truths in today’s lesson about how we unlock our full potential by practicing joy.

I. Learn God’s Word                           Philippians 4:4-5

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

God won’t unlock your potential until you actually open the Bible and learn it. You won’t unlock potential by osmosis. You’ll start to do it by learning what the Bible says.

Paul was writing from a jail cell. What kinds of things could he have said?

• I don’t deserve to be here, it’s cold, stinky, and totally unpleasant. Curses on those who put me here, I’m mad at God … why did He let this happen.
• Instead, what does Paul say? Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say again: Rejoice! 

What is your initial reaction to the command to rejoice? 

• yeah, sure … easy to say, harder to do in the midst of a crazy-hectic life. I’m too busy to rejoice, life is a circus – the one with the scary clowns. I feel like I’m in a grinder, nothing to rejoice about here.

How can we rejoice even when things aren’t going well?

• Paul finds himself with this same decision. In 2 Corinthians 6, he starts by listing how bad his situation is “in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger.” But Paul doesn’t stop there. In the second half of verse nine, he writes, “dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” Paul chose to see the positive in everything that he went through. He chose to look at his situations in faith and not fear. How was Paul, after everything he had been through, able to look at the glass as being half full? Better yet, how can we take this same perspective on our lives? Well the Paul who wrote 2 Corinthians is the same Paul who wrote Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Paul knew that God would work everything out in his life for God’s glory and for his good. He believed that if it wasn’t good, it wasn’t over.

What evidence might others see in a person’s life that he or she is living in the joy of the Lord?

• Pleasant greeting, smiles, lack of angry replies, even when everyone else is upset. Kind responses to not so nice attitudes of others, react in kindness even for harsh responses to them. Sense of humor, even when things are falling apart.

As believers, why do we have much to celebrate?

• Sins forgiven, God at work in our lives, the joy of the Lord, knowing that God is in control.
• We know the end of the story … GOD WINS!
• Peace with God, peace within ourselves.

Point: We don’t rejoice in our circumstances, we rejoice in the Lord.

Paul didn’t say to rejoice in your circumstances, but in the Lord. Paul knew as well as anyone that life isn’t always fair. God’s love for us never changes. We can always rejoice in Him, even during difficult circumstances. Our joy in the Lord is not based on circumstances but is a product of our relationship with Him. Our joy comes from the Lord, but it is also directed toward Him. 

II. Accept God’s Word                     Philippians 4:6-7

6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

The Bible has to be the authority in your life. You may not like what you’re reading, but — if you want God’s best for your life — you need to accept what it says as the final authority for how you live. Paul says, Don’t worry about anything…pray about everything…the peace of God, which surpasses every thought. Notice the superlatives – words that are all inclusive.

How can someone not worry about anything?

• Paul’s instructions: “Don’t worry about anything.” Of course, a degree of worry—more accurately defined as “concern”—is positive when it motivates us to carry out our responsibilities. Negative worry is different. This kind of worry almost always deals with the future—something we don’t possess. Imagine never being “anxious about anything”! It seems like an impossibility – we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school. But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray. God’s peace is different from the world’s peace (John 14:27). True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Our citizenship in Christ’s kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin. Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety.

Why is prayer so important to our worry and how does it help?

• Scriptures say it cannot add to your height nor lengthen your life. It is the opposite of faith … it concentrates on the problem, not on the person of the solution (Jesus). It can actually paralyze you from accomplishing anything useful.
• How does it help? Paul says to pray instead of worrying. You’re talking to Someone who can do something about the problem. You are focusing on Jesus who knows you, understands you, understands the problem and knows the solution. Worrying is not faith … Romans 14:23b, “and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Praying is acting in faith … telling God you are trusting in His power, authority, and love to meet the need.

What does Paul say will be the results when we do praise God and bring your needs to Him, despite the problems?

• God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds. This peace is beyond your understanding … it will be peace in the midst of turmoil. When your mind is full of the problem, God can protect it, guard it from destructive thoughts and motives. The storm of life may be raging all around, but God will give you a little pocket of peace, right in the middle of all that. 
• The peace of God is greater than our understanding. Understanding why something happened does not always comfort the pain.

Point: If you want to worry less, accept God’s Word and pray more.

Prayer is God’s alternative to anxiety, and with it comes peace. Pray and replace anxiety with peace. Christians should not be anxious about anything. Our anxiety decreases in proportion to our increase in worshiping and trusting the Lord. Peace is a gift of God given through Jesus Christ. The peace of God within stands guard as a sentinel against anxiety and worry.

III. Obey God’s Word                     Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

You can’t just learn God’s Word and accept God’s Word. You have to do what the Bible teaches. You don’t get blessed for the parts of the Bible you know. You get blessed for the parts of the Bible you do.

How can we practice the things Paul taught in the passage? How do you keep your focus on godly thinking that leads to godly living?

• Paul urged the people to dwell on godly things. He was not talking about “the power of positive thinking.” Thinking positive thoughts does not change reality. On the other hand, your thoughts do often determine your actions. As Vance Havner used to say, “What’s down in the well will come up in the bucket.”
• On what things, should we dwell? “True” – Things that are truthful and in line with God’s Word. “Honest” – Things that are honorable and worthy of respect. “Just” – That which is morally right. “Lovely” – That which calls forth love. “Of good report” – Or praiseworthy. “Virtue” – Moral excellence.
• Must make the choice as to what you read, look at, think about. Keep busy … when your mind is idle, it’s too easy to follow after things that are on the negative side of our list… “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop (playground)”
• Fill your mind with God’s Truth … daily reading and meditating on God’s Word.
• What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. We should examine what we are putting into our minds through television, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. We should replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, we should read God’s Word and pray. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done. It’s not enough to hear or read the Word of God, or even to know it well. We must also put it into practice. Exposure to God’s Word is not enough – it must lead to obedience.
• Paul addressed the Christian’s thought life as a pathway to peace and joy. For Christians to grow in likeness to Jesus, we need a renewed mind (see Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:23). God has blessed His church with His Word as a primary means of purifying our minds. Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). We need God’s Word to saturate our thoughts so that our minds may be renewed and we will be kept from grievous ways. In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul urged the church to think on admirable things. He wanted disciples of Jesus to focus on that which is: True, not false. Honorable, not dishonorable. Just, not unfair. Pure, not obscene. Lovely, not unlovely. Commendable, not wrong. Morally excellent, not corrupt. Praiseworthy, not shameful.

How does thinking on these things affect the way we act.

• Recall the computer terms “Garbage In, Garbage Out” … the topics we think about the most show up in the way we act. If I focus on sports most of the time, then I will be involved in sports, talk about them, use sports terms, collect sports stuff, spend my money on sports - same thing is true for the virtues in Paul’s list. Contrast to focusing on some of the opposites … if we think about those things, then we act in ways that cause us harm and do not glorify the savior.

Paul had kept his joy in spite of hardship.

• In addition to these qualities Paul taught about, he also modeled them before those around him. Who in our lives needs to see us model these qualities? Children, grandchildren, people we work with, neighbors, and young believers in our church.

Point: Best translation of the Bible: When you translate it into your life. 

Someone once asked what the best translation of the Bible is. Here is the answer: When you translate it into your life. That’s what Bible study is all about. If you’re not translating God’s Word into your life, you’re not studying the Bible the way God intended. God gave us the Bible to transform us, not simply inform us. It should give us a bigger heart, not a bigger head. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (NIV). In other words, God wants our beliefs turned into behavior. When life is out of order, the remedy is charting a course of right thinking and disciplined practice that manifests Christ. The acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be translated into practical living – where it serves as a testimony to the gospel’s power to affect lives.

LIVE IT OUT

When we focus on Christ, joy and peace will flood our lives. When our lives lack joy and peace, then we need to refocus on Christ. Paul’s message from the Lord in this session helps us know to do that. 

1. God’s Word says to Pray. 

• Is your tendency to try to fix your problems before praying about them? 
• Pray about these burdens first. 
• As you pray, ask the Lord to grant you His peace and graciousness as you deal with them.

2. Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 and accept it. 

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

• Get a proper perspective on the challenges of life
• Give your burdens to God and saturate your mind with this passage.

3. Obey God’s Word and fill your mind with it.

• Maybe there’s something you need to stop viewing? 
• Maybe there’s some dark thoughts you need to replace with noble thoughts? 
• Maybe you need some accountability from a trusted friend.

Think about it, you were made for much more than you ever imagined. 

Your glass should be ALWAYS half-full. 

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “What God has planned for people who love Him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard. It has never even entered our minds!” (CEV).

So, open up God’s Word, and get ready to do what only God can imagine.

When I focus on Christ, joy and peace flood my life.

Hope to see you on Sunday! 

In His Love, 

David & Susan