Before doing this Bible study, please read the 1-minute devotion Don't Give Me What I Deserve.
It encourages us to realize that knowing Christ should help us view life with gratitude. Forgiveness and salvation are the greatest gifts we can receive, and they are gifts we don't deserve.
These passages can help us gain perspective:
Luke 12:15: Then [Jesus] said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
In the verses following this passage (Luke 12:16-31), Christ shares a parable found only in Luke. It talks about a man who stores up all his riches only to die before he can enjoy them. The parable ends with this important warning: “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
How can we be "rich toward God"?
Philippians 2:3-8: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:3-8: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
When we focus on ourselves, it's natural to struggle with self-pity, pride, or entitlement. Thinking of others helps us overcome these sinful attitudes. And Jesus is the most wonderful example of humility and sacrifice.
Philippians 4:12-13: 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
True contentment comes through Christ.
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