One Hebrew word, dayenu, it would have been enough for us, has echoed for a thousand years in the Jewish Passover song as a litany of God’s goodness. A guest from Ohio takes it as the key to a talk about gratitude and about what Paul wrote to the Philippians and to Timothy (Philippians 2, 1 Timothy 6) on living without complaint. The sermon moves from small gifts we overlook to a harder question: what do you do when God calls you to something you feel completely unprepared for? Listen and hear why, since Jesus is enough, you are enough too.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Philippians 2 Paul calls us to do everything without grumbling and to shine like stars in a crooked generation. How do gratitude and a lack of complaining become a witness to the people around us?
- In John 14 Philip asks, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us," and Jesus gives the disciples much more, including the promise of the Holy Spirit. What does this conversation reveal about who Jesus is and how God answers our requests?
- The Jewish Passover song "Dayenu" repeats, "it would have been enough." What would your own "Dayenu" sound like: which seemingly small gifts from God on your spiritual journey are you grateful for?
- Paul writes that godliness with contentment is great gain, and that with food and clothing we can be content. What most often steals your contentment and makes you want more and better?
- Moses and Jeremiah told God they were not up to the task, and Paul heard, "My grace is sufficient for you." In what area of life do you feel inadequate right now, and what changes when you remember that your competence comes from God?
- The speaker encouraged us to write a one sentence personal mission statement and choose a life verse. What might yours be, and what first step toward it can you take this week?
