EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Simplicity – Session 3

Date: September 15, 2019

The Key to Contentment

The Point: True contentment comes through Christ alone.

Get Into the Study

Share the following as an optional introduction to the session.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck shocked fans when he announced his retirement on August 24^th. Only 29 years old, many thought Luck had at least another decade ahead in the NFL. Some estimates show him walking away from $250 million in future earnings, or even up to $500 million.

In a press conference, Luck cited four years of injuries, “For the last four years or so, I’ve been in this cycle of injury, pain, rehab, injury, pain, rehab, and it’s be unceasing, unrelenting, both in-season and offseason, and I felt stuck in it. The only way I see out is to no longer play football.” According to Luck, the injuries and pain had “taken the joy out of the game.” What seemed like a dream job lost its appeal when circumstances changed.

When our satisfaction is contingent on circumstances, we will experience disappointment and periods of discontentment. The apostle Paul shared the secret to contentment that is not based on circumstances or situations.

True contentment comes through Christ alone.

Study the Bible – Option

Afrer discussing question #4, invite

someone from your church’s worship ministry to lead your group in singing the first verse of the hymn, “God Will Take Care of You.” In the lyrics are needed, click here.

Afterwards, invite group members to share ways God has provided for their needs in the past. Remind them He will be faithful to meet your needs in the future. (This optional idea is from the Senior Adult Leader Guide.)

Live It Out

Use the following story as you conclude the session.

Miranda Hollingshead had been searching for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas for about an hour when she decided to take a break. She sat down to watch a YouTube video on how to find diamonds. That’s when she spotted a 3.72 carat yellow diamond sticking out of the ground. The thing she had been searching for was right in front of her. Hollingshead’s gem is the largest registered at the park since March 2017.

Discontentment can keep us searching—searching for relationships, searching for security, searching for peace. While you might think you’d be content if you found a 3 carat diamond, money and possessions will never satisfy. True contentment is right in front of you, though. True contentment comes through Christ alone and He freely offers this gift to you. “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Take a break. Rest from striving. You don’t have to keep searching. He is right here.

Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she remained in Southern California, enjoying a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

What part of the day most often makes you feel content?
How do you distinguish between wants and needs?
When or where do you feel most content?

Philippians 4:10-14

How has God supplied for your needs recently?
What does true contentment look like in your life?
When have you felt peace in the middle of a chaotic situation?

Philippians 4:15-18

How can contentment lead toward a generous spirit?
How do we distinguish between responsible saving and ungenerous hoarding?
How can we cultivate an attitude that appreciates giving as an opportunity instead of a burden?

Philippians 4:19-20

How does our contentment provide glory to God?
What truths about God encourage you in generosity?
Where do you see evidence of God’s “riches” throughout His creation?

Member Extra

Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:

Let’s Stop Misquoting Philippians 4:13

Video

Here’s a brief video giving you an overview of this session: Simplicity, Session 3.