Central Illinois Pinnacle Forum Study/Spring ‘14

Next Dimension Leadership: Finding Joy
or
The Joy of Leading. How to know if you’ve lost it...And how to get it back!

Philippians 4:10-23 Joy in God’s Provision

Warming up to God: Have you thanked God for his many gifts to you lately? Take time to do so before you begin.

Read Philippians 4:10-23.

DISCOVERING THE WORD

1. Paul thanks the Philippians not for the money but for the concern they have shown (v.10).Why would this have been important to Paul?
2. Many people believe they can only be content once they have reached a certain level of economic prosperity. How does their view differ from Paul’s secret of contentment (vv. 11-13)?
3. How had the Philippians helped Paul both in the past and in the present(vv. 14-18)?
4. What benefits does Paul expect the Philippians to receive from their giving (vv. 17-19)?

APPLYING THE WORD

1. Many people complain that ministry leaders are always asking for money. How does this passage provide a model for both ministry leaders and those who support them?
2. Paul contends that Jesus changes everything when it comes to giving and receiving. How does Jesus change our view of ourselves in matters of giving and receiving? Our view of Himself I matters of giving and receiving? Our view of the gift itself?
3. How will this passage affect your giving?

CONCLUSION

Christianity’s success never has been, and never can be, accounted for by any other supposition than that God did it![1]

When Christ appears, everything changes . . .

RESPONDING IN PRAYER

Pray for Christian workers you know , that they would have the emotional and financial support they need.

[1] Adapted from Albert Barnes, Notes Explanatory and Practical on the Acts of the Apostles (New York, 1851), page vi.