SERIES: Technicolor Joy: A Study through Philippians
MESSAGE: How to Have Greener Grass NOW
SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:10-13

MESSAGE SUMMARY
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. That saying embodies the philosophy that other people's circumstances are more desirable than our own. This attitude can be extended to where you live, the place you work, the one you're married to, the body type you have, and the income you require. Surely, others have it better than we do! Well, let's uncover three basic principles to debunk that theory and, in so doing, add water and fertilizer to our own grass.

STUDY GUIDE

Connect Recap Notes: December 31, 2017
Teaching: "How to Have Greener Grass NOW"
Text: Philippians 4:10-13

Path

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. That saying embodies the philosophy that other people's circumstances are more desirable than our own. This attitude can be extended to where you live, the place you work, the one you're married to, the body type you have, and the income you require. Surely, others have it better than we do! Pastor Skip uncovered three basic principles to debunk that theory and, in so doing, helped add water and fertilizer to our own grass:

  1. Be Connected to God's People (v. 10)
  2. Be Content with God's Provision (vv. 11-12)
  3. Be Confident in God's Power (v. 13)

Points

Be Connected to God's People

Be Content with God's Provision

Be Confident in God's Power

Practice

Connect Up: As you connect up to Christ in the coming year, remember the things Christ has fulfilled in your life this past year. Share about a time when you experienced God's power this year. How did He meet a need or fulfill a promise to you?

Connect In: Share about how you connected to God's people in the church in 2017. What were some of the benefits and challenges?

Connect Out: Were you able to see someone come to Christ this past year? If so, what were the circumstances? How does salvation show the following qualities: the use of people, God's provision, and His power?

DETAILED NOTES

  1. Introduction
    1. It does not take long for people to learn to be discontent
      1. We always want more than what we have
      2. We want more wealth, bigger houses, better cars, etc.
    2. Paul planted the church in Philippi because he had received a vision telling him to go there
      1. It was difficult, but the church grew into a thriving community
      2. They supported Paul in his ministry
  2. Be Connected to God's People (v. 10)
    1. Ten years had passed since Paul planted the church at Philippi
      1. At first, they were able to support him financially
      2. Something happened to keep them from continuing to help him
      3. They were able to help him again because Epaphroditus found him in jail
    2. When you connect with God's people:
      1. It will produce joy
        1. In the modern church, there are many believers but not many belongers
        2. They miss out on fellowship
      2. It will produce encouragement to go on
        1. Paul never tried to guilt people into giving
        2. Flourish = to grow luxuriantly; thrive
        3. Paul saw their giving as fruit validating his ministry
  3. Be Content with God's Provision (vv. 11-12)
    1. Contentment is not related to necessity
      1. We struggle to differentiate between need and greed
      2. Autarkés = self-sufficient, contented, satisfied
        1. Paul meant that if no one helped him, God would provide
        2. Psalm 23:1; Hebrews 13:5-6
      3. Contentment does not come from what we have but from Whom we have
    2. Contentment does not depend on quantity
      1. Paul grew up having plenty
      2. He had highs and lows in his life
      3. Most people who lose everything get very depressed
        1. The deception is that more cash brings more contentment
        2. Many people who have won the lottery are actually miserable
        3. Luke 12:15
    3. Contentment is a learned ability
      1. Complaining is second nature to us
      2. To be better at contentment:
        1. Avoid comparisons
          1. Comparison robs you of contentment
          2. It promotes covetousness
          3. 2 Corinthians 10:12
        2. Lower expectations
          1. When you live an entitled life, you will never stop to appreciate what you have
          2. 1 Timothy 6:6-8
        3. Adjust to alterations
          1. When you are abounding, know that you could also be abased
          2. Learn to adjust to the highs and lows of your life
        4. Develop convictions
          1. Contentment is related to what you believe about the sovereignty of God
          2. God gives and takes away (see Job 1:21)
  4. Be Confident in God's Power (v. 13)
    1. Spiritual success comes in cans
      1. You may feel like you can't, but you can do all things through Christ
      2. The same Christ Paul had is the same Christ you have (see Galatians 2:20)
      3. We can do nothing apart from Christ (see John 15:5)
    2. It depends on where your resources lie
      1. Do your resources lie in yourself or in your Savior?
      2. Jesus should not be just part of your life; He should be your life
    3. Your doctor may add years to your life, but Jesus will add life to your years
Figures referenced: Charles Dickens, Corrie ten Boom

Works referenced: "Materialism and Discontent in a Prosperous America," Oliver Twist

Greek words: autarkés

Cross references: Job 1:21; Psalm 23:1; Luke 12:15; John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 2:20; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5-6

Topic: Contentment

Keywords: contentment, generosity, fellowship, encouragement, complaining, entitlement


How to Have Greener Grass NOW - Philippians 4:10-13 | SkipHeitzig.com/4264
Page |