Small Group Guide: The Tenth Commandment - Contentment in Christ
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
1. The 10th Commandment is unique as it focuses on the attitude of our hearts, not outward actions.
2. Coveting isn't always bad - coveting God's presence and blessings is good.
3. Improper coveting is desiring what belongs to others or what God hasn't blessed us with.
4. Contentment is the antidote to improper coveting.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor shared a personal story about coveting as a child. Can you share an experience from your own life where you struggled with coveting something that belonged to someone else?
2. How does our society encourage or discourage contentment? What messages do we receive about possessions and status?
3. The sermon mentioned that coveting God's presence is good. What does it mean to you to "covet God's presence"? How can we cultivate this desire?
4. Reflect on Philippians 4:11 - "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." How can we learn contentment in both good and challenging times?
5. The story of Ian and Larissa was shared as an example of contentment in difficult circumstances. How does their story challenge or inspire you?
6. How might our lives and relationships change if we truly embraced contentment with what God has given us?
Practical Applications:
1. Gratitude Journal: Each day this week, write down 3 things you're grateful for that God has blessed you with.
2. Media Fast: Take a break from social media or advertising for a set period (e.g., 3 days) to reduce exposure to messages that may fuel discontentment.
3. Pray for Contentment: Spend time each day asking God to help you find contentment in Him and His provisions.
4. Bless Others: Look for ways to bless others with what you have, reinforcing that God gives to us so we can be a blessing to others.
5. Heart Check: When you feel the urge to covet something, pause and ask yourself, "Is this something God wants for me right now, or am I desiring something that belongs to someone else?"
Closing Prayer:
Lord, help us to find our contentment in You. Give us hearts that are satisfied with Your blessings and provisions. Help us to covet Your presence above all else. May we use what You've given us to bless others and glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
1. The 10th Commandment is unique as it focuses on the attitude of our hearts, not outward actions.
2. Coveting isn't always bad - coveting God's presence and blessings is good.
3. Improper coveting is desiring what belongs to others or what God hasn't blessed us with.
4. Contentment is the antidote to improper coveting.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor shared a personal story about coveting as a child. Can you share an experience from your own life where you struggled with coveting something that belonged to someone else?
2. How does our society encourage or discourage contentment? What messages do we receive about possessions and status?
3. The sermon mentioned that coveting God's presence is good. What does it mean to you to "covet God's presence"? How can we cultivate this desire?
4. Reflect on Philippians 4:11 - "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." How can we learn contentment in both good and challenging times?
5. The story of Ian and Larissa was shared as an example of contentment in difficult circumstances. How does their story challenge or inspire you?
6. How might our lives and relationships change if we truly embraced contentment with what God has given us?
Practical Applications:
1. Gratitude Journal: Each day this week, write down 3 things you're grateful for that God has blessed you with.
2. Media Fast: Take a break from social media or advertising for a set period (e.g., 3 days) to reduce exposure to messages that may fuel discontentment.
3. Pray for Contentment: Spend time each day asking God to help you find contentment in Him and His provisions.
4. Bless Others: Look for ways to bless others with what you have, reinforcing that God gives to us so we can be a blessing to others.
5. Heart Check: When you feel the urge to covet something, pause and ask yourself, "Is this something God wants for me right now, or am I desiring something that belongs to someone else?"
Closing Prayer:
Lord, help us to find our contentment in You. Give us hearts that are satisfied with Your blessings and provisions. Help us to covet Your presence above all else. May we use what You've given us to bless others and glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.