Philippians 4:10-23
“Strength in Contentment”

Scripture:  Philippians 4:10-23

Memory Verse:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  
			Philippians 4:13

Lesson Focus:  God will help us be content in our life.

Activities and Crafts:  Coloring Page, Student Worksheet for 3rd - 5th Graders
Craft for 1st and 2nd Graders:  Coloring the Wall plaque

Introduction:  
Ask the kids to respond to your questions by giving you a thumbs up for yes and a thumbs down for no.
		Who would like more money?
		Who would like more sleep?
		Who would like more clothes?
		Who would like more toys?
		Who would like their family to be different?
		Who would like to live somewhere else?
		Who would like different friends?
		Who would like a new house?
		Who would like to be smarter?

There are many things that we think about that we think we need.  Do we need the to be happy with our life?  Today we will talk about this.

Bible Study:
Philippians 4:10-12:  “Contentment”

What does Paul rejoice about?  (That they are helping to care for him again.)  You have to remember that Paul is in prison and that he only got food and provisions when someone brought it to him.  The prison did not provide it.

	What does Paul tell them in Philippians 4:11?
		That he is content in all circumstances.

	What does the word “content” mean?
	What does the word “circumstances” mean?

		Circumstances:  Everyday life that we find ourselves in.
		Contentment:  Being satisfied no matter what.

			Can we control our circumstances?  Why or why not?

			Does life seem to get “out of control” sometimes? 
			Give us an example of “out of control” in your life?

			Do you think that prison was “out of control” for Paul?

	Contentment:  What can we learn from this verse about being content?
			
1.	Paul learned it.  
He says 2xs that he learned how to be content.  It did not happen all of a sudden.  He allowed God to teach him that through any situation
		to be ok with it.  
	2.  	Not based on circumstances:  His contentment was not based on what was going on in his life.  It did not depend on his circumstances.  No matter what was going on Paul’s learned to be content. Paul mentions to be needy and to have plenty; to have food and to not have food. No matter what - he was content.

		What things are you not content with?  

Philippians 4:13:  “The Secret to Contentment”
		What is Paul’s secret?  
			1.  I can do all things
			2.  Through Christ 
			3.  Who gives me the strength

			When Paul uses the word “all things” what does that leave out?
			Who’s strength does Paul refer to?
			How does God give us strength?

Can you remember some Old Testament stories where God gave some people strength?
					(David, Sampson, Joshua, Joseph, Daniel)

			This is one of the most wonderful verses in the Bible and one 
		of the most memorized. To live the Christian life we do it all through
		 the strength that God gives us..
				
			If you are having a hard time following Jesus - then you are doing it
				 in your own strength!  

			Contentment does not come naturally - it comes by God’s strength

			Rejoicing does not come naturally - it comes by God’s strength
						
			Not worrying does not come naturally - it comes by God’s strength
						
			Praying does not come naturally - it comes by God’s strength
						
			Thinking right does not come naturally - it comes by God’s strength

			Do you get it!  Everything we do to live the Christian life comes by
			 depending on God.  Isn’t it great that He gave us everything we
			 need to follow Him.  

			Paul did not have it easy following Jesus:  
				Read:  (2 Corinthians 11:24-27)  

Philippians 4:14-19:  “God’s Provision
			
		God used the Philippian church to meet his needs.
1.	The church at Philippi sent Paul gifts to meet his needs
						
		2.  They shared in Paul’s troubles
						
		3.  They were involved in meeting his “physical” needs.
						
		4.  They would get their reward in heaven - because to God their giving
		 was like a sweet aroma.  Paul is saying that when we give from
	 what God has given to us to help meet the needs of others – we
	 are in a sense offering to God a sacrifice.  It pleases God – it
	 smells nice.

	What things can you do for others here in Colorado Springs?
	What things can you do for others here at church?
	Does God delight when we help others out of what He has given to
		 us?

			God will meet all of our needs (Philippians 4:19)
				What does this verse tell us?
				1.  God will meet all of our needs
				2.  By His riches in glory by Jesus