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Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
God’s Provision
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[a] 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.[b] 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.
Found on inspirational sports posters, gym walls, and in the bios of Christian athletes’ social media galore, Philippians 4:13 is undoubtedly one of the most quoted verses in the entire Bible. However, it is rarely fully understood by those who read it, even among Christians. Today, to better understand it, we are looking at the greater context of Philippians 4:13 and taking a look at how the entire passage affects our lives.
First off:
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi while he is in prison.
(Phil. 1:7, 2 Cor. 11:25-28, Acts 21:27)
Realizing this, in order to live our lives radically for Christ, we need to:
- Resolve to be content.
(Phil. 4:10-11, 2 Cor. 10:3, 12:10, 1 Tim. 6:6-10, Heb. 13:5, Luke 12:15, 31-32)
- Revolve your life around Christ
(Phil. 4:12-13, Matt. 6:33, Rom. 12:2, Gal. 2:20, 1 Cor. 11:1-2, Col. 3:17)
- Remember to help those in need and accept help when needed
(Phil. 4:14-18, 2:4, Heb. 13:16, Gal. 6:2, Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35, Prov. 22:9)
- Realize that God is the one who supplies our needs
(Phil. 4:19-20, 2 Pet. 1:3, 1 Cor. 7:17, Rom. 8:32, Matt. 7:11)
Reflection Questions:
- Have you ever heard this passage of Scripture or topic taught on before? What stood out to you?
1b. Where have you seen Philippains 4:13 quoted before?
1c. Before this message, did you have any idea what the context of Philippians 4:13 was? What did you know about this verse before hearing this message?
1d. How did looking at this passage within the greater context of Scripture help your understanding of this part of God’s Word?
1e. What are some practical ways you can keep God’s Word in context, in order to understand it more fully?
2a. Read Philippians 4:11. Paul emphasizes the importance of contentment. How do you think contentment helped him while he was in prison?
2b. Taking a look at your answers from question #2a, how do you think contentment could help you in your everyday life?
2c. Keeping in mind your answers from questions #2a and #2b, how content are you in this season of your life? How can you be more content, without erroring through laziness?
3a. Read Philippians 4:12-13. Paul gives us the key to being able to withstand any circumstance he may find himself in: to revolve his entire life around Christ. How do you think that helped him while he was in prison?
3b. How would reorienting your life, to be completely revolved around Christ, change you? How would it affect things like how you react to others, discomfort, inconveniences, and hardships?
3c. Keeping in mind your answers from questions #3a and #b, what practical step(s) can you take in order to better keep your life completely revolved around Christ? Is there anything in your daily schedule that you need to add or take away? Is there any sin or activity stopping you from completely revolving your life around Christ?
4a. Read Philippians 4:14-18. The church in Philippi were some of the few believers who hadn’t abandoned Paul in his need. How do you think this affected the relationship between him and the church?
4b. Paul accepted the church’s gift. Realizing this, and keeping in mind your answer from question #4a, how difficult is it for you to accept others’ help when you are in need?
5a. Read Philippians 4:19-20. Ultimately, Paul communicates that all of our needs are supplied by our Heavenly Father. What are you in need of right now?
5b. What are some practical ways that you can remember that God will supply every one of your needs?
5c. Keeping in mind your answers from questions #5a and #5b, how would remembering that change your mental state on a daily basis?
- What is your biggest take away about how this passage affects your life? What do you need to work on? Who can you share this with and ask you to keep you accountable to accomplishing this?
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?