Suffering at Philippi, Christian Suffering, Pt 4

Read Philippians 4 and discuss the questions below.

Handling Our Emotions

1. What are the steps we need to take when we are struggling with anxiety?

2. What promise can we hold onto?

3. Take inventory of the list in v8. Do these things take up your headspace?

4. What do you need to do to create this thinking discipline? Why is it important? What happens if you are not disciplined in your thinking?

5. What is the secret of contentment? How do we take v 13 out of context?

Leadership

1. Verse 9 gives us insights into how to choose mentors and leaders for ourselves and the result of choosing wisely. From them we learn about ourselves and others, we receive tools and insights, we hear truth and wisdom, and see godliness modeled. Do you have mentors and leaders in your life and how can you nurture those relationships?

2. What areas do you feel you can grow in to provide leadership for those who look up to you?

3. Choices in following well, choices in leading well: What can be gained - or lost - as a result of your choices?

Generosity

1. The Philippian church found ways to be generous in the midst of intense persecution. What resources (time, talent, treasure) do you have that enable you to be generous? What excuses hold you back? What is the promise we can hold onto in v 19?

2. What account is Paul talking about in v17? see also Lk 12:29-34, 1Ti 6:17-19, Heb 13:5, Mt 6:19

3. Our Father provides richly for us in ways we may easily see and sometimes in ways we don't readily see. A lack of gratitude and persistent feelings of insufficiency and/lack lack can create room for an orphan spirit: the attitude that I have to take care of myself, I have to protect myself, no one is looking out for me, etc. How could a lack of generosity be tied to an orphan spirit?

4. Why is prioritizing comfort dangerous spiritually?

VOM Day 9: Persecution is the Expectation, Not an Accident

**Suffering References

Christ In Our Suffering, Pt 3

He knows rejection Jn 6:66

He knows deep sorrow Mt 26:38

He was Himself a Man of Sorrow Isa 53:3

He bore our sickness and brings healing Isa 53:4-5

He will be there when we think we are the farthest from Him Ps 139:7-10

Prayer: Lord, thank You for all the ways You provide for us. Help us to discover areas in our thinking that prevent us from experiencing peace and show us how to embrace the peace that surpasses understanding, even in the midst of profound challenges. Show us areas we can use our time, talent and treasure to serve You and Your Kingdom. Help us to let go of attitudes that prevent us from experiencing You as a loving, adoring Father. We trust You to hear us and answer us. Amen.

Part 3