1. If you think of your life as a story, what chapters are most significantly marked by suffering? What did or do those look like for you?
2. In what areas of your life do you feel weakest in this season?
3. Read Philippians 4:10–13. The Philippians were concerned with Paul and his sufferings. But they were unable to meet his needs until Epaphroditus traveled to Rome on their behalf. Think about the people God has placed around you. Are there any needs they have that you might be able to meet?
4. Who are some of the people God has sent you at key moments of intense suffering in your life?
5. Read Philippians 4:11–13 again. Notice the word “content” in verse 4:11. What do you think Paul means by contentment? What does it look like to be content?
6. Think over the time since you first began following Jesus. In what areas of your life have you grown in experiencing deeper contentment in Christ? What has that learning process looked like for you? In what areas are you still learning how to
be content?
7. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus says, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Apply that principle to other areas of your life besides physical food. How are you currently being sustained by God and His Word?
8. Think again about the areas of your life where you feel weakest in this season. What does Jesus freely offer you today that will strengthen and sustain you through whatever hardships you’re facing? Paul found contentment in Christ in the face of unimaginable circumstances. What could it look like for you today to do the same? After sharing, spend some time praying for one another.
