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BRIDGE CLASSES
Sunday, May 22 @ 11:45a
The Bridge - Learning Center w/lunch
In Starting Point, learn why The Bridge Church exists, where we're headed, what we believe, and how you can be a part of it. In Discovering My Ministry, we’ll help you realize your spiritual gifts and talents to serve God and serve his people. Light lunch will be served. Sign up today for our next class using the Connection Card at https://thebridgereno.com/connect

KIDS KINGDOM VOLUNTEERS
Your Help is Needed Now
Kids Kingdom sees more children every week, and we need volunteers! We want to bring our 9:00a kids program back, but we need enough people to make that happen. We need Greeters, Teachers, Room Helpers, and more. For more info, fill out our Connection Card here, https://thebridgereno.com/connect. Kids Kingdom sees more children every week, and we need volunteers! We want to bring our 9:00a kids program back, but we need enough people to make that happen. We need Greeters, Teachers, Room Helpers, and more. For more info, fill out our Connection Card here, https://thebridgereno.com/connect

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Message Notes

If Money Talked: Learn the Secret

Pastor Bill West
May 22, 2022

The Cycle of Discontent
  1. Awareness: What I don't have. 
  2. Ingratitude: what I do have.
  3. Entitlement:  I should have it.
  4. Ownership:  I figure out how to get it.
  5. Repetition: The Cycle Starts Over.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:10–13 

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:6–8

Learn the Secret
Choose Satisfaction, Regardless
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 4:11-12

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.  
Hebrews 13:5

Rest in God’s Provision
 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” 
Philippians 4:19

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Focus on Godly Character
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 
1 Timothy 6:6–8


His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1:3–4

Bottom Line: Contentment: Choosing to Be Satisfied with What God Chooses to Provide.
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

Money is a very emotional topic to talk about, especially in light of what is happening in our world today.  Please be sensitive to where those in your group are as you lead these discussions.

  1. What’s one thing that you became convinced that you had to have that you finally purchased that soon lost its appeal to you?  

  2. How would you define discontent? Where do you struggle the most with being discontent or restless in your life?

  3. Read Philippians 4:10-12:  Paul was in prison in Rome when he wrote this letter.  What stands out to you in these verses? How did Paul learn contentment? What have you learned about contentment and circumstances in your life?  

  4. Read Hebrews 13: 5: Why does the writer connect the issue of money and God’s presence with contentment?

  5. Read Philippians 4:13 and 19: Share how our needs God has met your needs recently?  Where are you trusting Him to meet your needs this week?

  6. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-8: What is godliness and why does Paul tie contentment to godliness?

  7. Bill defined contentment as Choosing to Be Satisfied with what God Chooses to Provide. On a scale of 1-10 what is your contentment level today?

  8. This is the last message in the Money Series:  Share one thing that you have learned that has made a direct impact in your life.

  9. Pray that we will become a people who are wise stewards of the resources God provides. 
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here