Week of 7.24.2022 | Day Three
The Tenth (and final) Commandment makes another shift, this time from focusing on our actions to focusing on our thoughts.
Commandments Six through Nine forbid the actions of murder, committing adultery, stealing, and lying. Don’t do it and don’t say it. We studied how they all begin in the heart. The Tenth Commandment forbids the thought of wanting what others have. Don’t think about and meditate on having what others have. Like those before, this commandment begins in the heart. Having desires, hopes, dreams, or ambitions, is not in itself bad, but allowing ourselves to be controlled by those desires is where we get into trouble.
Jesus fulfills this commandment perfectly by showing us what true contentment in Yahweh looks like, preparing us for an eternity of lasting joy in His presence.
Read
Philippians 4:10-13
Discuss
In this passage, is Paul complaining about being in prison?
Is he coveting his brothers and sisters in Christ for being free to worship God and share the good news about Jesus?
What does Paul say he has learned? (v.11)
How is Paul able to face all things, such as having plenty to eat and going hungry, having abundance and being in need, being free, or being in prison? (v.13)
How do you think Paul is able to have such a good attitude and be content, even in his situation in prison?
How might Paul’s attitude have been different if he had believed the lies, “God doesn’t love you and is holding something back from you?” Or “God isn’t good because how could a good God allow you to suffer?
Pray
Take time to pray, asking God to give you contentment in Him alone, no matter what your circumstances.
Family Challenge
Discuss all that you have to be grateful for. Make a gratitude chart to be a visual reminder of being content in the Lord. Get creative with it, draw pictures, paint words or Bible verses, or make a photo collage to keep your mind focused on the truth that God satisfies us like nothing else can.