SESSION
6
GIVE WITH JOY
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
For years, our national leaders have hotly debated how the
government can help people—and how much to help.
Blogs and news shows have joined the discussion, and
people are often polarized into opposing camps. Within
the body of Christ, though, believers are called to give and
help others. Even as God provides for us, He calls us to be a
conduit of His generosity and provision to others.
WHAT DOES
THE BIBLE SAY?
Philippians 4:10-20
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.
10
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in
whatever situation I am to be content.
11
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.
12
13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
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.
15
Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once
and again.
16
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to
your credit.
17
THE POINT
We are called to join God in giving for the good of others.
THE PASSAGE
Philippians 4:10-20
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.
18
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his
riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
19
20
THE SETTING
Although Paul was facing an uncertain future,
he modeled and taught the secret of learned
contentment. A tangible expression of love and
support in the form of a gift from the Philippians
encouraged him and provided a valuable example
for us of Christ-honoring giving. Without using
the phrase “thank you” Paul’s words are filled
with gratitude and blessing, and culminate with
praise to God.
148 SESSION 6
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
For free online training on how to
lead a group visit
MinistryGrid.com/web/
BibleStudiesForLife
For free Midweek Options
for your group, visit
lifeway.com/BSFLWIN17Spoken
PREPARE
LEADER LIVE IT OUT
Content Through Christ | Philippians 4:10-20
LEADER
LIVE IT OUT
1
Prepare: While
you prepare for
this session, it is
critical to allow the
truth of Scripture
to challenge your
heart. God works
in our hearts as
we teach others
His Word.
2
Follow Up: Don’t
forget to text a
picture of the One
Conversation
section to parents
or post it on
Facebook and tag
them after the
session. This will
equip them for
further
family discussion.
Contentment carries a different definition depending on who you ask. Is it the perfect family, home, or job? You can
honestly have anyone fill in the blank and there will be no end to the answers you may receive. Because of sin and
| Philippians
Content
Christ
4:10-20
brokenness,Through
we seek to find
our contentment
in things
other than Christ. Our sin tells us that God could never fully satisfy
our
hearts,
but
that
money,
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possessions,
or
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can
fillask.
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Paul knew
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you
it the perfect
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and
he
knew
what
it
was
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to
live
with
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at
all.
Paul
found
that
no thing,
honestly have anyone fill in the blank and there will be no end to the answers you may receive. Because of sin and
position,
or
person
could
ever
bring
him
contentment
outside
of
his
relationship
with
Christ.
brokenness, we seek to find our contentment in things other than Christ. Our sin tells us that God could never fully satisfy
ourYhearts,
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Sessioncan
6. Pray
that
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youitawas
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to live
findwith all
of the things that our sinful hearts desire, and he knew what it was like to live with nothing at all. Paul found that no thing,
contentment in your relationship with Him, not in the temporary things of this world.
position, or person could ever bring him contentment outside of his relationship with Christ.
Y Complete the Culture section at the end of Session 6. Pray that God would give you a desire to find
contentment in your relationship with Him, not in the temporary things of this world.
ONE CONVERSATION™
ONE CONVERSATION™
Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20
Topic: Give with Joy
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: For years, our national leaders have hotly debated how the government can help people—
and how much to help. Blogs and news shows have joined the discussion, and people are often polarized into opposing
Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20 Topic: Give with Joy
camps. Within the body of Christ, though, believers are called to give and help others. Even as God provides for us, He
calls us to be a conduit of His generosity and provision to others.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: For years, our national leaders have hotly debated how the government can help people—
and how much to help. Blogs and news shows have joined the discussion, and people are often polarized into opposing
camps.
Within
though,
believers
are calledLIVE
to give
and help
as God
providestofor
us, He
THE POINT:
Wethe
arebody
calledof
to Christ,
join God
in giving
for the good
IT OUT:
Your others.
student Even
has been
encouraged
take
calls
us to be a conduit of His generosity and provision to others.
practical steps to take his or her faith and Live It Out in the
of others.
• When have you enjoyed giving something away?
• What does it mean to be content?
THE
POINT: We are called to join God in giving for the good
• Why do you think so many people misunderstand
of others.
Philippians 4:13?
•• When
you seen
enjoyed
When have
you have
fruitgiving
come something
from beingaway?
generous?
•• What
does
it
mean
to
be
content?
How can we tell the difference between wants and needs?
• Why do you think so many people misunderstand
Philippians 4:13?
Discuss
the following quote: “I do not believe one can settle how
•much
When
have
seenI fruit
comethe
from
being
generous?
weyou
ought
to give.
am afraid
only
safe rule
is to give
•more
How
can
we
tell
the
difference
between
wants
and needs?
1
than we can spare.” —C. S. Lewis
1. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: HarperCollins, 2001) 86.
Discuss the following quote: “I do not believe one can settle how
much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give
more than we can spare.”1—C. S. Lewis
1. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: HarperCollins, 2001) 86.
Personal Study Guide.
Here are some ways you can encourage your students to live
LIVE
IT faith
OUT:with
Your
student
has been
encouragedand
to take
out
their
Christ
personally,
in community,
in
practical steps to take his or her faith and Live It Out in the
their culture:
Personal Study Guide.
• CHRIST: We have all been given different gifts and talents.
Here are some ways you can encourage your students to live
Help your student to understand that his or her gifts will be
out
their faith with Christ personally, in community, and in
different from the gifts of friends.
their culture:
• COMMUNITY: Look for opportunities where you and
• your
CHRIST:
Wecan
have
allyour
beengifts
given
different
gifts and talents.
student
use
to help
the community
and
Help your student to understand that his or her gifts will be
bless others.
different from the gifts of friends.
• CULTURE: Spend time with your student going over his or
• her
COMMUNITY:
Lookyour
for opportunities
you and
gifts. Encourage
student to usewhere
these gifts
to further
your student
can use your gifts to help the community and
God’s
kingdom.
bless others.
• CULTURE: Spend time with your student going over his or
her gifts. Encourage your student to use these gifts to further
God’s kingdom.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 149
ENGAGE
(15 MINUTES)
THE POINT WE ARE CALLED TO JOIN GOD IN GIVING FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS.
1
Engage: Begin
the session with
one or more of the
Engage Options
on the next
page (optional).
2
Discuss: Ask
students, “When
have you
enjoyed giving
something away?”
3
Guide: Call
attention to The
Point. Keep
coming back to it
throughout
the session.
4
Read: Summarize
the Bible Meets
Life for your group.
5
Pray: Transition
into the session by
praying that your
students would see
their gifts, talents,
and possessions
as God’s and use
them generously to
serve others.
150 SESSION 6
ENGAGE OPTIONS
LEAD WITH ACTION
Search the Internet for “Spiritual Gifts Survey-LifeWay.” Have each student in
your group take the survey to see what spiritual gifts are indicated for each of
them. As you all talk about your spiritual gifts, say, “We hear about giving
and generosity and our minds normally go to money, but God has given
us so many other gifts beyond money that we can be generous with.”
LEAD WITH ATMOSPHERE
Have Operation Christmas Child items all around the room. You can find
materials for this on the official Samaritan’s Purse website. When students
come in and sit down, say, “It’s amazing how many ways God has given us
to be generous, that we take for granted every day.”
LEAD WITH MEDIA
Search the Internet for “3-½ Minutes on Generosity with Francis Chan.” This
video has multiple sections. Preview the video in order to decide whether you
want to watch the entire video or simply one section of it. After watching it
with your group, say, “What does generosity say to the world about our
lives and where we find our joy?”
NOTE: Always make sure you preview any video clip you show students and
ensure that it is appropriate for your church and ministry.
FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS
Search the Internet for “Five
Minute Personality Test.” Have
your students take the test and
follow the instructions for scoring
it. This test ascribes animals
with personality types to help
each person understand their
personality in relation to others.
After everyone has determined
their personality type, say, “God
has created every one of us with
unique gifts and personalities,
so that we can generously
serve others.”
SECOND OPTION
Search the Internet for
“Operation Christmas Child
2015” and watch the reaction
of children around the
world opening shoe boxes
as Christmas presents. After
watching the video, say, “What
if our group made a project of
packing shoe boxes for kids
around the world this year?”
LEADER PACK ELEMENTS
If you have the optional Leader Pack, consider one of the following:
DVD: Play the Unit 2 Session 5 DVD opener to introduce the session and
get everyone on the same page.
Item 12: Utilize the C. S. Lewis Poster to engage students with the
session and brainstorm ways of serving others.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 151
IMPART
(10 MINUTES)
THE POINT WE ARE CALLED TO JOIN GOD IN GIVING FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS.
1
2
3
4
5
Discuss: Begin
this section by
discussing the
opening question
with your group.
Read: Invite a
student to read
the passage aloud.
Read: Summarize
this section for
your group taking
time to discuss
the three pieces
of contentment
highlighted.
Discuss: Lead
your students
to discuss our
misunderstanding
of Philippians 4:13.
Do: Take a
moment to
discuss how the
world around us
battles to steal
our contentment.
152 SESSION 6
COMMENTARY
PHILIPPIANS 4:10-14
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. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share
my trouble. PHILIPPIANS 4:10-14
Verse 10. Be content in the power and provision of God. The gifts Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25) delivered continued a long history
of support by the Philippian church (see 4:16; 2 Cor. 11:8‑9). Paul did not rejoice merely over the gift; he rejoiced in the Lord over
the spiritual maturity revealed as the Philippian believers renewed their generous support. Their care and concern for Paul and
the ministry of the gospel blossomed into activity once again. Paul did not reveal why the Philippians lacked the opportunity to
send support for an undetermined amount of time, and it is irrelevant. He was convinced of their ongoing love and concern.
Verse 11. Paul was not fishing for another gift. He was content, not because of new resources, but because of a new
perspective. Twice he wrote he had learned contentment (see also Phil. 4:12). The phrase “have learned” translates a Greek
construction reflecting a new condition, of having gained a new understanding. He had not always known this great
truth, but had learned it over time through experience. Maturity is never more obvious than when a person evidences
settled contentment.
Tip: Help your students
stand in the shoes of Paul
and realize what it is to be
truly content with nothing.
Verse 12. Paul had experienced surplus and poverty. He gave three contrasts that led
to his learned contentment. The words “a little” translate to a Greek word also rendered
“humbled” (2:8) and “humble condition” (3:21), and means “to make low, humiliate.”
The expression refers to Paul’s low-maintenance lifestyle. A lot renders a term meaning
“to overflow.” The other contrasts reiterate Paul’s point: his spiritual equilibrium was
unaffected by either poverty or riches.
The phrase have learned the secret can be “I have been instructed” and uses a
technical word from pagan mystery religion initiation rites. It speaks of something
once obscure or hidden but now revealed. “Have learned” here differs from that
phrase in verse 11, where it means to arrive at an understanding. Here, one has
been instructed in a new truth. Paul continued an ongoing process of initiation into
this secret.
Verse 13. This secret truth was (and is) reliance on Christ a through relationship with
Him. Christ strengthens the believer through relation with and complete dependence
upon Him by faith. Christ is our never-ending source of power for contented living.
Context is supremely important here. Power from God comes within the will of God.
He depended on God’s power to sustain him while in the will of God.
Tip: Staying in contact
with your students and
knowing what is going
on in their lives will help
you make God’s Word
applicable. Discipleship
happens in real life.
Verse 14. Paul again emphasized the Philippian believers’ joint participation in his ministry. Often the Lord meets needs
through His people. Paul received the blessing of God’s provision; the Philippians received God’s blessing as they participated
in His work by blessing Paul. Contentment is found when we admit we cannot do anything in ourselves and instead rest in
Christ’s sufficiency. To be content in the power and provision of God we must look to the power of God’s Spirit and share His
gifts with others.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 153
IMPART
(10 MINUTES)
THE POINT WE ARE CALLED TO JOIN GOD IN GIVING FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS.
1
Discuss: Start
by discussing
the benefits
that come from
being generous.
2
Read: Invite a
student to read
the passage.
3
Engage: Remind
students their
social media
can provide
opportunities to
share their faith.
4
Summarize:
Explain this
section to your
students and
have them mark
each verse in
their Bibles.
154 SESSION 6
COMMENTARY
PHILIPPIANS 4:15-18
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. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and
again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 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.
PHILIPPIANS 4:15-18
Verses 15-16. Freely give for the benefit of others. God loved us to such an incalculable degree, that He was compelled
to give to an overwhelming degree for our benefit (John 3:16). Here Paul revealed that this same evidence of God’s
generous love was present in the Philippian believers. They had supported Paul in the early days of his ministry in
Europe (Acts 16:11‑40). In fact, Philippi was the only Macedonian church to support Paul with financial resources. When
the gospel first came to them, they recognized its universal implications and shared in spreading it.
The Philippians had followed Paul and his ministry when he left Macedonia and continued
his travels. Giving and receiving are technical terms referring to the credit and debit sides
of a ledger. Paul had credits on many ledgers from his work of introducing people to the
gospel. Only the Philippians sought to honor this spiritual debt (see 1 Cor. 9:11). Even in
Thessalonica, a prosperous city of wealthy traders, only the Philippians gave to support
Paul’s gospel work (Phil. 4:16). Other churches had received but not given. The Philippians
understood the promise of sharing what they had received and enjoyed the spiritual
blessings. Such a consumeristic outlook is evidenced today by those who attend church,
draw from its benefits, even partake in the blessings of a relationship with Christ, yet leave
week after week without contributing to the ongoing work.
When you
focus on
Jesus, you
can be
content.
#FullerLife
Verse 17. Again Paul reiterated he was not seeking another gift. The Philippians had deposited treasures in heaven;
their dividends would indeed be rich (see Matt. 6:19‑21). What mattered most to Paul was not the gift, but the profit that
accrued to their spiritual account. By giving they had invested in God’s work as well as in their own future.
Verse 18. Paul’s letter, carried by Epaphroditus, was documentation the Philippians’ debt had been met. I have received
everything in full served as a receipt in the first century. Their gift provided Paul with an abundance so that he was fully
supplied. This word is in the perfect tense, emphasizing the generosity of the gift. Paul aptly described their gift as a
fragrant offering (see also Eph. 5:2). These words appear in the Greek translation of the Old Testament for the aroma of
Levitical sacrifices. He further characterized it as an acceptable sacrifice, thereby investing in the Philippians’ gift the
sacredness of the Hebrew sacrifices. Such sacrifices, when offered in the prescribed manner and with the purest intents,
were pleasing to God.
Giving pleases God (Rom. 12:1‑2; Heb. 13:16). It is a spiritual exercise and a Christian grace demonstrating the ongoing
maturity of grace in the heart. Because it is true to the example of Jesus it expresses the concept of Christian community
to the fullest (Matt. 25:40). God calls us to be a conduit of His generosity and blessing to others. Giving with joy
necessitates giving freely for the benefit of others. To enjoy the fullest blessings of giving, we must recognize the needs
and opportunities around us and joyfully respond to them with generosity.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 155
IMPART
(10 MINUTES)
THE POINT WE ARE CALLED TO JOIN GOD IN GIVING FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS.
1
Do: Allow students
time to finish the
optional Action
Point (p. 134) in
the PSG.
2
Discuss: Review
this question with
your students.
3
Read: Ask a
student to read
the passage for
the group.
4
5
6
Summarize:
Explain this
section for
your students.
Read: Ask a
couple of students
to read this section
for the group.
Do: Direct
students to
complete the
Action Point.
Discuss your
answers as
a group.
156 SESSION 6
COMMENTARY
PHILIPPIANS 4:19-20
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory
forever and ever. Amen. PHILIPPIANS 4:19-20
Verse 19. God gives to us even as we give to others. The verb translated “I am fully supplied” in verse 18 is translated
will supply here. The God who rejoiced in meeting Paul’s needs is the same God who Paul confidently predicted would
also provide for His people’s needs. God’s treatment of the Philippian saints would correspond to their treatment of Paul.
They met Paul’s every need to the point he said he had an abundance. God would do the same for them.
God’s supply is according to, not “out of” His riches in Christ Jesus. It is not in some way depleting those riches. Rather
it is suited to or after the manner of those riches. God bountifully blesses with supply appropriate to His Son, His glory,
His riches, and His purposes. God gives, and in turn expects us to give, with generosity and joy, not reluctance. Context
is again supremely important here. This promise came to those already honoring God with their finances by actively
supporting His work. God meets the needs of those who are generous to
His work.
Verse 20. Our God and Father is a familiar doxological phrase Paul used, stressing
his brotherhood with the Philippian believers in the family of God. The use
of “my God” in verse 19 and “our God” here does not draw a difference in the
true caretaker/provider of all who are “in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). It is to this
magnificent God that all true worship, glory, and honor belong for all the ages
to come.
Tip: Get the most out of
the questions in each
session. Ask them in a
different way if students
are not responding.
Since giving is a great source of joy, it comes as no surprise that Paul ended this letter talking about money. While some
seek riches to gain their own happiness, the Bible teaches the pursuit of joy over mere circumstantial happiness. Paul
contended that joy is the by-product of what believers give, not what they receive. Joy is not something you receive
when you go out and get. It is what you get when you go out and give.
God is the Creator of all that exists. He creates and distributes all wealth. A direct indicator of how we relate to God is
how we handle wealth or the lack of it. In other words, a very real indicator of our spiritual maturity is our bankbook
(Matt. 6:21; 16:26). Your attitude toward money reveals the depths of your commitment to the work of God (Phil. 4:10);
the source of your contentment (vv. 11‑13); the wisdom of your investments (vv. 14‑17); the sincerity of your worship
(v. 18); and the quality of your faith (v. 19).1 God gives to us even as we give to others. With such a joyous way to give
and live that rests on the unfailing promises and unending generosity of our God, let’s determine to join God in His
work of giving for the benefit of others. Only then will we, along with Paul, learn the secret of settled contentment and
experience true joy.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 157
IMPACT
(10 MINUTES)
THE POINT WE ARE CALLED TO JOIN GOD IN GIVING FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS.
1
Discuss: Read and
discuss the quote
with students.
2
Guide: The Christ
portion of the Live
It Out section
encourages
students to dig
deeply into God’s
Word and see
their giftedness in
Christ. Remember
the Bible Reading
Plan provides
students with a
custom reading
plan to stay in
God’s Word and
follows along with
each session.
3
Guide: As you
guide your
students through
the Community
section, remember
to emphasize the
importance of
being a partner,
not simply a
believer in
the gospel.
158 SESSION 6
IMPACT
4
Guide: The Culture
section equips
students to apply
this session to their
lives every week.
Help your students
see themselves and
others through the
lens of God’s Word
to develop a lifestyle
of investing in others
for the gospel.
5
Pray: Close in
prayer asking God
to redefine what
contentment means
to us according to
the gospel. Pray
for hearts to be
convicted and lives
changed because
students who once
found their worth in
things, now find it
in Christ.
6
Follow Up: This
week connect with
your students by
texting them each
morning to let
them know you are
praying for them. If
they have prayer
requests, make sure
to let them know
you haven’t
forgotten them.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 159
God’s Plan of Salvation
h Your heart tends to run from God and rebel against Him. The Bible calls this “sin.”
Romans 3:23
h Yet God loves you and wants to save you from sin, to offer you a new life of hope. John 10:10
h To give you this gift of salvation, God made a way through His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8
h You receive this gift by faith alone. Ephesians 2:8
h Faith is a decision of your heart demonstrated by the actions of your life. Romans 10:9
h If you trust that Jesus died for your sins and to receive new life through Him, pray a
prayer similar to this to express your repentance and faith in Him: “God, I know I am a
sinner. I believe Jesus died to forgive me of my sins. I now accept Your offer of eternal life. Thank
You for forgiving me of all my sin. Thank You for my new life. From this day forward, I will choose
to follow You.”
h If you have trusted Jesus for salvation, share your decision with a Christian friend or
pastor. If you are not already attending church, find one in which you can worship and grow in
your faith. Following Christ’s example, ask to be baptized by immersion as a public expression
of your faith.
160 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE