A Crown That Seldom Kings Enjoy

In one paragraph

Ray finished the letter to the Philippians on Sunday, working through the closing section where Paul thanks the church for their financial support and lands on one of his most misunderstood verses. The message centered on what contentment actually means and where it comes from. It was a practical sermon with some honest self-examination built in. Ray opened by picking up where the previous week...

Read together

1. Romans 8:38-39 opening encouragement that nothing can separate us from the love of God
2. 1 Corinthians 10:31 prayer that whatever we eat or drink or do, we do it for God's glory
3. Hebrews 3:3 prayer noting Jesus deserves more glory than Moses as a builder deserves more praise than the house
4. Psalm 23:4 even walking through the darkest valley we need not fear because God is with us
5. Colossians 3:16 call to let the message of Christ fill our lives, said before the offering
6. Ephesians 4:12 stated as the purpose of the men's Bible study, to equip the saints for the work of ministry
7. Philippians 4:8 matrix of things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise
8. Philippians 4:9 what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things and the God of peace will be with you
9. Philippians 4:11 Paul says he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances
10. Philippians 4:12 knowing how to get along with little and how to live in prosperity, filled or hungry
11. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me, located in context of contentment
12. Philippians 4:14 you have done well to share with me in my difficulty
13. Philippians 4:15-16 no other church shared with Paul in giving and receiving except the Philippians, even sending to Thessalonica
14. Philippians 4:17 not seeking the gift itself but the profit that increases to your account
15. Philippians 4:18 received everything in full, a fragrant aroma, acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God
16. Philippians 4:19 my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus
17. Philippians 4:20 to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever
18. Philippians 4:21-22 greet every saint, especially those of Caesar's household
19. Philippians 1:12-13 Paul's imprisonment had turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, known throughout the Praetorian Guard
20. Philippians 4:23 the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, closing benediction
21. Philippians 4:4 rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice, used as benediction
22. Philippians 4:5-7 let your gentle spirit be known, do not be anxious, pray with thanksgiving, peace of God guards hearts and minds

Talk about it

1. Paul says he learned contentment rather than being born with it. What do you think that learning process looked like for him, and where are you in your own process of learning it?
2. Ray pointed out that 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' is about contentment in all circumstances, not about feats of strength or achievement. How have you seen that verse misapplied, and how does its actual context change what it means to you?
3. Ray used Philippians 4:8 as a kind of matrix for how to think through a difficult relationship or situation. Think of something you are currently anxious about. How hard is it to find what is true, honorable, pure, or praiseworthy in that situation, and what gets in the way?
4. The Philippian church gave spontaneously and sacrificially to support Paul's work, and Paul called that gift a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God. What does it look like in your own life when giving comes from that kind of spirit rather than from obligation?
5. Ray closed by talking about bringing our anxieties to God in prayer with thanksgiving, trusting that He sees the end from the beginning when we cannot. Is there a situation in your life right now where you are trying to stay in control of something that is actually outside your control, and what would it mean to hand that over?