The Art of Contentment

Life Group Announcements:

Sunday we welcomed Pastor Rob Shearer and family to the church as the official Associate Pastor/Kids Ministry director. Please continue praying for his family as they live out this next chapter of their lives.

Life Group Questions:

Preacher: Pastor Julian Malotti
Sermon Series: Joy!
Title: The Art of Contentment

We read that Paul the apostle learned to be content in every circumstance in his life, whether it was going his way or not (Philippians 4:11). With that said, it is safe to say that contentment is also not based on what’s happening, much like joy.

Do you think contentment is something that God will just give you? Or, will He give you the tools/opportunities to exercise contentment? Discuss the difference within your group.

One practical way to learn contentment in every circumstance is to always remind yourself of God’s goodness/faithfulness to you in the past. Often times in the Old Testament, we see God telling the Israelites or certain leaders to build an altar unto Him as a remembrance of their deliverance through His power.

Have you built any metaphorical “altars” in your life that you can run to and remember God’s goodness? What would that look like? If you feel comfortable, share one or two altars that you have built unto the Lord and how it has helped you.

Pastor Julian reminded us that another way to learn contentment is by focusing on the “80%” instead of the “20%.” In other words, looks at things that are mostly good and ideal in your life rather than the things that are considered negative or bad situations.

What are some dangers of the popular mindset in our culture of “the glass is always half empty?” Do you think it can lead to unhealthy habits in your relationship with God? Does it mean you doubt God? Discuss this among yourselves.

Another way to learn contentment is by getting rid of those things in your life that do NOT help you be content. In other words, television shows, magazines, music, movies, etc. Whatever things you are partaking in that are not helping you to focus on the good in life instead of the bad.

What are some common/popular activities that may NOT help you learn contentment? What does it look like to get rid of them, or maybe, just partake in them less? (Remember, this isn’t about legalism or a religious “Old Testament law” way of living your life, rather it’s just a safety precautions).

Lastly, we see a great formula within 1 Timothy 6:6 that says godliness, with contentment, equals great gain.

What are some other formulas that we tend to create in our lives that don’t equal “great gain?” What are the dangers in mixing this formula up with other things? (For example, “godliness with happiness,” or “godliness with more money”).

Bible Verses Read Sunday: