Read 1 Timothy 6:19. Do you agree that the enemy of generosity is often fear and/or a lack of trust and not stinginess?
What do you think is the basis of fear and of lack of trust?
How can great generosity in time, talent and treasure lead us into greater contentment?
Read 1 Timothy 6:18. How does Paul describe what it means to “be rich”? Think about this practical application this weekend:
Who might be delighted to possess something that is unused in your home?
Who might you give it to specifically?
Or perhaps you need to make a run to Goodwill or another great organization with a practical donation of stuff.
Read 1 Timothy 6:17. One great way to battle comparison is to build with gratitude. What are 10 items that lead you to praise God today?
You can go deeper by reading “Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption” by Jeff Manion.
Read 1 Timothy 6:9-10. When was there a time when your gratefulness for God’s blessings was crippled when you compared your situation with someone else’s?
What are the dangers to our faith that come from a life marked by comparison?
Where do you need to seek forgiveness in dealing with covetousness and missing out on contentment?
You can go deeper by reading “Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption” by Jeff Manion.
Read Philippians 4:12. What has been your secret to contentment in your life?
How does that align with what Paul writes?
Where might you need some realignment to move from coveting to contentment?
You can go deeper by reading “Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption” by Jeff Manion.
Read Ecclesiastes 5:10. What are your coveting temptation zones?
What seems unsatisfied in your life right now that has you wanting more?
Spend time in prayer turn those wants into prayers that provide for needs and build contentment.
You can go deeper by reading “Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption” by Jeff Manion.
Read Ephesians 4:29. Think of a challenging conversation you are facing and personalize this verse with your name and their name.
Take time to pray this verse to God, pausing at each phrase to ask God to guide what you say, what you hear, and how you speak and live grace filled words.
Read Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6. In both these verses Paul calls us to give grace in our conversations.
How have you received grace in conversations?
How might you spice your conversation up with more grace in the weeks ahead?
Read Ephesians 4:29 and Proverbs 18:21. When you talk with others, how often do you focus on their needs?
What might help you do to be more aware of the needs of those you speak with?
Have you had to “eat your words” recently? Why did that happen?
Take time to ask God’s forgiveness and to feast on Jesus, His ultimate life building Word.
Read Ephesians 4:29 and Ephesians 4:15-16. Why is love essential when speaking the truth?
How is Jesus influencing how you communicate with others?
Who has spoken life building words into your life?
When do you find yourself speaking life building words into the lives of others?