Study Guide for

REBEL with a cause

Be CONTENT when life Stinks

June 21, 2009

Open Up

Rebel Without a Cause was a 1955 movie starring James Dean as a rebellious teenager.  Tell your group about a rebellious moment from your past. TRANSITION: The early Christian leader Paul rebelled against both the rigid tradition of the religious establishment and the materialistic culture of the Roman Empire.  His letter to the Christians in the city of Philippi teaches us ways to go against our normal human reactions to problems.

Dig In

(1) Read Philippians 4:6-13.  In verse 10, Paul thanks the Philippians for their financial support, but he emphasizes that his contentment does not come from the money they sent.  How do the qualities and actions Paul teaches in verses 6-9 contribute to his ability to be content in a terrible life situation? How might dissatisfied people change if they began following Paul’s teaching? BACKGROUND: The Roman government imprisoned Paul because they thought Christian submission to Jesus undermined loyalty to the Roman government, but Paul was not interested in rebelling against the government.  He wrote Philippians and several other Bible letters while in prison.  Read Philippians 1:7 and Acts 28:16 and Acts 28:30-31

(2) Read 1 Timothy 6:6-11.  How would Paul’s words to Timothy be perceived by our culture that seems obsessed with getting more money, fame, and power? OPTIONAL: What are some other movements that have rebelled against materialism?  How similar or different are they to Christianity?

(3) Read Ecclesiastes 4:8-12.  These verses emphasize practical reasons for investing in caring relationships instead of accumulating wealth.  Discuss with your group some examples from history or from your personal experience that show wealth and success do not necessarily bring contentment.  Also, discuss with your group any examples of people who have balanced material prosperity with healthy relationships.

Work On

The active, tangible support we receive from our fellow Christians help us come to contentment when life stinks.  In what ways could your group help in “life stinks” situations (job loss, serious medical illness in family, etc.)?

Lift Up

Read Psalm 40:1-3 to focus your prayers on thanking God for lifting you up when life stinks.

Another Step – Advanced Study

Read Daniel 3:1-28 for the story of some Jewish rebels who defied the idol worship of the Babylonian king.  Discuss with your group: are there modern situations that call for Christians to actively rebel against religious tyranny?