August 1, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:13, Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 34:10, 107:8-9, Matthew 5:6

Scripture says that God is the One who can ultimately satisfy our soul. Why? How does being the Creator relate?

What does that imply about anything else being able to provide lasting satisfaction? How does this help?

Because culture is built on the perpetual discontentment, what steps will you take to avoid the trap?

July 31, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:13, Acts 16:16-26

How did Paul immediately respond to a very challenging situation? How would you have responded?

What was the result of Paul’s response? What do you think would have been the result of your response?

Take some time right now and bring your areas of discontentment to the Lord. Journal your experience.

July 30, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

In what way did Paul demonstrate a Philippians 4:13 approach to a physical struggle? What was the

result?

What does this reveal about where lasting contentment can be found? How is this different than the

world?

How does this ultimately relate to spiritual growth? What will you do today to apply a Philippians 4:13

approach?

July 29, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:13, Matthew 6:25-33, 1 Timothy 6:6

What is Paul’s “secret” to finding contentment? How does this relate to his instruction in 1 Timothy 6:6?

What did Jesus teach regarding the same issue? (c.f. Matthew 6:25-33) How can this easily get overlooked?

List the things you spend most your day pursuing. How is your contentment level? How will you adjust?

July 28, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:12, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Given the different experiences Paul journeyed through, what does that imply about lasting

circumstances?

How can this perspective help prevent discontentment? What can happen if this isn’t recognized?

How does the ‘comma vs. period’ illustration Pastor Mark presented help? How will you apply it this

week?

July 27, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:12, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

What about Paul’s perspective on his many struggles and level of contentment speak to you? Why?

Given that true contentment is “learned” and not earned, how does this adjust your current

perspective?

List one specific situation where you’re struggling with contentment? What is God teaching you?

July 25, 2020

Read: Philippians 4:10-11, Matthew 4:1-11

In what way did Satan try to capitalize on the difficult circumstances Jesus had to face?

How does this highlight the way the enemy will tempt you into discontentment with your

circumstances?

Why is this ultimately a lie? Ask God to reveal your areas of discontentment. What change will you

make?

July 24, 2020

Read:  Exodus 20:17, Genesis 27:1-4, Colossians 3:15

How is the story of Jacob & Esau’s battle rooted in discontentment? How does this relate to Exodus

20:17?

In what way does living in Orange County promote the sin of Exodus 20:17? Give an example.

What is God teaching you about your “if only…” temptations? How can being thankful help?

July 23, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:9-10

When someone wants to get rich, what does that imply about how they view their current

circumstances?

Why won’t this type of perspective change, even if the goal is achieved? Be specific.

What does this also highlight about discontentment? How will you avoid this type of thinking?

July 22, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:10-11, Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-6, Colossians 3:17

Explain the important distinction between wanting to achieve success and being discontent.

How could this possibly be confused? How can a constant future perspective prevent contentment?

In what way do you see culture contributing to this trap? How do you need to adjust your perspective?

July 21, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:11, 2 Corinthians 11:24-29

In what way have Paul’s multiple challenging situations helped him learn to be content?

Why will this perspective be countercultural for Christians living in affluent Orange County today?

What does this highlight about how you will learn contentment? What is God currently teaching you?

July 20, 2020

Read:  Philippians 4:10-11, 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Why is Paul happy about the Philippians’ concern for him? What disclaimer does he provide them?

In what way would this have been a contradiction given his current situation? (i.e. in prison)

What does Paul’s claim that he’s “learned” contentment imply? How does this make you feel?

July 18, 2020

Read:  James 4:6, 10, Matthew 5:21-24, John 18:1-11

In what way will stepping into conflict management require courage? How did Jesus model this truth?

What does this imply about dependence on God rather than yourself? What does conflict avoidance

imply?

How “God dependent” are you when it comes to conflict management? What steps of faith will you

take?

July 17, 2020

Read:  James 4:6, Titus 2:11-12, Romans 8:6-9

Describe the meaning of God’s “grace”. How does it have multiple applications? (i.e. salvation, favor)

How does God’s grace work with humility? What is the alternative based on James 4:6?

Why did James include this perspective in his discussion about conflict? How does this help you?

July 16, 2020

Read:  James 4:5-6, John 18:12-24, Philippians 2:1-11, 1 Peter 5:5-6

Using Christ as your model, describe what it means to be humble. (e.g. use one-word descriptions)

How will others play a part in you becoming more humble? How does this relate to conflict

management?

In what way will “demeaning” others prevent success? What is God teaching you about your attitude?

July 15, 2020

Read:  James 4:4, John 17:6-19, 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

What primary struggle will Christians face in today’s divided world? What does it mean to be worldly?

Why is spiritual adultery the result of being a friend of the world? How does it relate to managing

conflict?

Why is this so important to the Lord? How do you need to be more concerned about conflict with

others?

July 14, 2020

Read:  James 4:4, John 17:6-19, 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

What primary struggle will Christians face in today’s divided world? What does it mean to be worldly?

Why is spiritual adultery the result of being a friend of the world? How does it relate to managing

conflict?

Why is this so important to the Lord? How do you need to be more concerned about conflict with others?

July 13, 2020

Read:  James 4:4, Jeremiah 3:1-14, Ephesians 5:22-33

Describe how God pictures His relationship with Israel. How does God’s covenant with Israel relate?

In what way is a Christian in the same covenant relationship with God? Why is this important? 

How does this elevate the way you have viewed your Christianity? (i.e. commitment, trust, adultery, etc.)

July 11, 2020

Read:  James 4:1-3

How can prayer help you keep your “passions at war” in check? How will this help your relationships?

List the names of two people you currently struggle with. What do you think is the root of the struggle?

Take time to pray about this, asking God to reveal the truth. Journal your experience and what you

learned.

July 10, 2020

Read:  James 4:1-3, Colossians 2:16-23

Explain the issues facing the early church and what was causing Christians to relationally struggle in

Col. 2:16.

In what way do you see similar struggles within the church today? Be specific.

How did James instruct Christians to manage this conflict? How do you need to apply this today?

July 9, 2020

Read:  James 4:3, Luke 18:9-14

What was Jesus teaching about prayer in Luke 18:9ff? How was this also illustrating James 4:3?

What does this imply about an effective prayer life? What will happen if this isn’t properly understood?

 In what way will this also help with conflict management? How will you avoid the James 4:3 trap?

July 8, 2020

Read:  James 1:5-7, 4:2b-3, Matthew 6:9-13, 1 Peter 3:7

Why does God want Christians to pray? What is the purpose? How can your motives impact your

prayers?

How does this relate to conflict management? Give an example of an ineffective prayer.

How do you pray when in conflict with others? Why? How can you apply James 4:3 to your prayer time?

July 7, 2020

Read:  James 4:2b, Ephesians 3:20-21, 1 Corinthians 2:9

What does today’s reading promise about prayer? Why should this be an encouragement?

In what way have you underestimated the power of God in relational conflict? Why?

How has today’s reading provided hope with those you struggle with relationally? Be specific.

July 6, 2020

Read:  James 4:2b, Romans 12:12, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

How often does scripture say Christians should be praying? Why is this important in relational conflict?

What is at risk when this truth is overlooked? How do you typically respond to relational conflict?

In what way will prayer help you manage the conflict? How is God prompting you to start right now?

July 4, 2020

Read:  James 4:1-2a, Ephesians 4:1-6, Romans 12:18

Why is it important for every Christian to take personal responsibility for conflict management?

What happens when this doesn’t take place? What is the natural temptation? Give a personal example.

If unity is the mark of spiritual maturity, what is your spiritual condition? Take some time to pray about it.

July 3, 2020

Read:  James 4:1-2a, Luke 9:46-48

Explain what the disciples were arguing about. How did Jesus respond? Why?

In what way did their “me first” attitude contribute to the conflict? What does this imply about “winning”?

How does James 4:2a reflect this same truth? How can you apply this in today’s conflicted world?

July 2, 2020

Read:  James 4:1-2a, Romans 7:7-25, 12:3

What does today’s reading reveal about every Christian’s internal battle? How does this relate to pride?

How have you seen these internal battles become external and impact others? What was the result?

What is God revealing to you about the need to win? What can you do to adjust your approach?