How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13 NLT

Focus on what money can’t do

Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. LUKE 12:21 NLT

Love • Friends • Meaning • Integrity • Eternity

Money can make me richer but it cannot make me better

Think about what your money should do

Don’t let the world use your money to change you, let God use your money to change the world.

God wants me to take care of my needs

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:19 NLT

God wants me to help build his church

As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. PHILIPPIANS 4:15-17 NLT

God does not bless what is kept but what is given

God wants me to help others in need

Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. PHILIPPIANS 4:14 NLT

God wants me to enjoy what I earn

At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. PHILIPPIANS 4:18 NLT

Trust that I am more valuable to God than money

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? …So don’t worry about these things, saying, “What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?” These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. MATTHEW 6:25-27, 31-33 NLT
We invest to make money on earth. God is investing in us to make us ready for heaven.

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. How has your view of money affected you level of happiness?
2. Read through Philippians 4:10-13 a few times. What would it look like for you to find contentment in your current financial situation?
3. How can you trust God more in the use of the money you currently have?
4. What do you currently do financially to help others in need or build God’s church? Is there anything you need to change or adjust? If so, what? If you are a parent how can you teach your kids to be generous to the church and to people in need?
5. Has there been a time in your life where God clearly met a financial need for you? How did that affect you trust in God? How can God use that story to bless someone else?
6. As you think about Matthew 6, what would it actually look like for you to put God first in your finances? What practical steps will it take to get you from your real situation today to that ideal?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Thank God for being present with you, even if it’s hard to feel his presence. Consider the idea that you are more valuable to God than money. Ask God to show you what he values in you that can’t be bought or sold. This may come easily or you may fear that nothing will come-up at all. Share all of these things with God and choose to trust that he has made you purposefully. As you go through your week, consider how you can value that which God values in you.