We live in a social media saturated culture where we can instantly see other people’s amazing vacation pictures, spectacular celebrations, fancy meals, and new toys. The thing about social media – it’s mostly others’ highlight reels. We usually only see the good things others have, which can make us wonder why we don’t have them too, or why we’re stuck in difficult challenges while their lives are carefree. It’s in these times we have to remember who God is and that He is our provider. He has given us what we need for whatever situation we are in, namely the promise that He is with us. So, we can find contentment by being satisfied with God. He loves us more than we can imagine and promises to walk with us through both the highs and the lows of life.
CONTENTMENT: Being satisfied with God.
MEMORY VERSE: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
This Week’s Finish Line: Jesus Was Content Knowing God Was His Provider
After Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness.
In Luke 4:1-13, the enemy, Satan, showed up and tried to get Jesus to be discontent by offering three different temptations. He first tried to get Jesus, who hadn’t eaten for 40 days, to turn stones into bread. While Jesus could have done that, He knew God would provide for all of His needs. He knew that it was more important to rely on God’s Word than on things that would make Him feel good only in the moment. When that didn’t work, Satan tried to get Jesus to worship him by offering all the kingdoms of the world. However, Jesus was content with God the Father’s plan and knew He already owned everything in the world anyway. Finally, Satan tempted Jesus to prove to others who He was, but Jesus didn’t need that. Jesus knew who He was and was confident in His relationship with His Father. He didn’t need to prove it to anyone else. He trusted in the Father’s perfect timing and plan knowing that one day everyone will see God for who He truly is. Jesus is our ultimate example of being content, knowing that God was His provider in every way.
Family Questions:
- Read Luke 4:1-13. How did Satan try to tempt Jesus? How did Jesus respond every time?
- What can you remember is true about God when you’re tempted to not be content with how He made you, not believe He gives you what you need, or when things seem out of control? How can you practice being satisfied with God?
- How did Jesus trust that God was His provider? How has God provided for you?
- Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: Meal Time
Grab a package of sticky notes and practice memorizing Philippians 4:12-13. Write one word from the verse on each sticky note. Practice memorizing the verse together by mixing the words up and putting them back in order. Then put the verse somewhere in the house where everyone can see it and keep working on it throughout the week. Be sure to check back in and see how everyone is doing at the end of the week.
Friend: Drive Time
While driving your kids to school or around town ask them to think of things they need, not want (Examples: food, medicine, family, etc.). How has God taken care of your specific needs? Take time to specifically thank God for each need that God has provided for today.
Counselor: Bedtime
As your family is getting ready for bed, take some time to go over the memory verse for this month, Philippians 4:12-13. Talk about a time in your life with your kids that goes with the different situations Paul mentions. Was there a time you were in need? When did you have plenty? Were you able to be content in both of those times? Why or why not? What would you do differently now? Remind your kids that you can be content in all of these times because of Jesus who give you strength.
Coach: Anytime
As you are getting your family ready for the day, read them Philippians 4:19. Remind them of the ways God has taken care of your family in the past and that he also promises to give us what we need for today. Challenge your whole family to look for ways God provides for them that day and remember to ask everyone about it when you get home that night!
Prayer
Thank God for being everything you need. Ask Him to help you find your contentment in Him this week and not in yourself, your stuff, or your circumstances.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue in our trait for March, CONTENTMENT!