Jailhouse Joy: Content Whatever The Circumstances
November 15, 2021
Jailhouse Joy: Content Whatever The Circumstances

Philippians is Paul’s most joyful letter even though he’s in jail, he’s old, people are behaving poorly and it’s not clear if things will get any better. Can there be real joy when circumstances are awful?

Listen to an audio version of the message

Songs for this week: Spotify

Philippians 4:10-13

Message Questions:

  1. On a scale of 1-10 how content are you? Explain.
  2. What does it mean to be content? (Does it include not caring about people and things? Does it mean having no ambition?) Explain.
  3. Paul says he’s learned to be content. How are you learning contentment these days? Is there one area in life that is more difficult for you to be content?
  4. Paul says he’s learned to be content with little and with lots. Most of us think we understand contentment in little. What does contentment with lots look like?
  5. The secret to contentment seems to include the power of God at work (v.13). That means that being content is more than just a matter of modelling or practice. Have you felt His power shaping you to be more content?

Extend your small group discussion with the expanded guide for today’s message. It includes more questions and soul training practices for you and your small group.

Share with a friend

Recent Sermons

August 24, 2025
Psalm 131 - The Psalms of Ascent have it all: anguish, anger, encouragement, and wild joy. Psalm 131 is all about contentment. Where does contentment come from? What ruins it? What does it feel like? How can I be content in an age where marketing, social media and mirrors breed discontent?
August 17, 2025
Psalm 133 - The Psalms of Ascent were songs for the journey—worshippers sang them as they travelled together toward Jerusalem and the Temple. These Psalms give voice to the sorts of things that go through worshippers' hearts as they prepare to worship.
August 11, 2025
Psalm 104 is a song of praise that marvels at the beauty and order of God’s creation. From mountains to seas, seasons to creatures great and small, it reveals a world sustained by His power and care. This psalm invites us to stand in awe, give thanks, and consider our role as stewards of His handiwork.
August 3, 2025
Psalm 121 - We humans need help! The question is, where will we turn for it? Psalm 121 invites us to look to God for true help.
July 27, 2025
Psalm 127 - Psalm 127 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, our efforts are in vain. It's a call to trust—learning to rest in God's provision while recognizing that every good gift, including our work, our homes, and our children, ultimately rests in His hands.
July 20, 2025
James 5:13-20 - A life of faith is a life of prayer. It’s also a life lived with others. When we follow Jesus, we belong to Him and to one another as brothers and sisters. As a family, we care for one another in weakness, confess our sins to each other, and gently confront one another.
All Sermons