Philippians
The book of Philippians gives us an unusually intimate look into the life, ministry, and heart of of the man who impacted the world more than any person since Jesus Himself. In this letter, we see the profile of a winner and discover the pattern that shapes such a life, the passion that drives it, and the attitude that protects it. These words are as relevant for helping us build a high-impact life as they were 2,000 years ago.
13. For the Joy of It
MAY 23--What makes you joyful? When is joy evident in your heart and in your life? Is it in the good times? How about the lean times? In this passage, Paul uncovers a key to a joy that is for all times!
- Do you receive or do you take when others try to bless you?
- How would you measure yourself against the standard of contentment?
- Where does the battle for contentment show up in your life?
- Does your faith system build a sense of confidence and contentment? Why or why not?
12. Thought and Deed
MAY 16--Sometimes the power of positive thinking sounds like nothing more than the power of self delusion! At the same time, assuming the worst, while it may feel realistic, robs hope and joy from life. So how can we win the battle for our minds and establish a foundation for peace in our lives? Check it out!
- Do you agree or disagree that the battle for how we live begins with a battle for the mind?
- How would you describe the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the battle for the mind?
- What things keep us from living out what we know?
- What results are evident in our life if we do not “put what we know into practice”?
11. Giving It Up
MAY 9--Almost everyone would like their life to be a little more peaceful, right? The problem is, we also want to hang on to all the things that make peace so elusive in our lives. The fact is, if we want the peace, we have to be willing to give it up!
- What do you depend on for joy?
- How willing are you to allow your rights to be affronted so another’s interests can be protected?
- How would you define worry?
- What keeps you from handing your worries to Jesus?
10. A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
MAY 2--Passionate people—you know them when you see them. And where there is one, there seem to be more. Why is that? Could it be that passion begets passion? Or on the other hand, does complacency and coldness toward God also replicate itself in those exposed to it? In the last part of chapter 3, Paul gives us a challenge that plays a key role in
determining the level of passion we live out in our lives.
determining the level of passion we live out in our lives.
- Who are the contagious people around you?
- Who are you infecting with your life? What are they catching?
- In what ways is your life the kind that Paul would warn others about?
- How can you live like a citizen of the Twin Ports and a citizen of heaven at the same time?
9. Picture Perfect?
APRIL 25--Picture perfect--what a depressing concept to try to attain. Strive as you might, you always come up short. Still, it is a good and worthy goal to aim high, give your best, and shoot for the stars. God wants nothing less than our best, so how can we press on in the midst of our failures?
- What are the advantages and risks of seeing spiritual life as a process and not an event?
- What is the difference between passive spiritual growth and intentional spiritual growth?
- Which of the three steps of deciding to grow do you find most likely to derail your spiritual growth?
- How can we be authentic when we still make mistakes?
8. Inside Out
APRIL 18--Go through the motions, or act with passion? It is not too hard to tell the difference in ourselves or in others, especially when things get a little rough. A passionate follower of Jesus can sustain and overcome; a religious "Christian" will quickly fade. In this message, Paul encourages a group of Christ-followers to greatness in the face of certain opposition. What about you? Want something more than "go though motions" religion? Check it out!
- What are some of the ways that we depend on ourselves to gain God’s approval?
- What do you find hardest about the concept of being saved by grace through faith?
- How would spirituality that is only “knowledge” be different from one that is “experienced?”
- How can we evaluate our lives and see if we really want to “know” Jesus?
7. Just Do It!
APRIL 11-- More walk and less talk! Ideas, theories, and opinions are all valuable, but they don't really solve the problems we face. Jesus calls us to a life that is lived out, unified, and transforming. Join us as we get a look at the"just do it" life we are called to experience!
- How are you “doing”?
- Do you want to act on what God asks? Why or why not?
- Would you describe yourself as a person of unity?
- What could we do as a church to shine more brightly?
6. Come from Behind
APRIL 4--Those great "come from behind" stories are some of our favorites. They are imortalized in literature, movies and sporting events of all types. We love to see the underdog win. . . because secretly we long for hope in our own dark corners and life-losses. Perhaps the greatest win of all is captured in the Easter events that we explore together in this message.
- Do you believe that anyone who tries to win the game of eternity or God’s approval will lose based on their own efforts?
- What is natural about the way God views you...and what seems unnatural?
- Can you accept God’s grace or is it hard to accept? Why?
- How certain are you of your ultimate victory in life and in death?
5. Stand Up and Be Counted
MARCH 21--It is easy to get confused about how we should live and look to others. Who sets the direction for our lives and establishes the boundaries of what is good or right? Perhaps even more significant, how can we fit in so that we don't draw too much attention to ourselves? Whether we are asserting our need to be different or striving to stay safely in the pack so we don't stick out, a life that is defined by the culture around us—or simply in opposition to it—misses the mark of God's best for us. Join us as we explore a winner's approach to becoming everything God intends for our lives.
Principle #4: A winner practices kingdom citizenship as a signpost and privilege.
Principle #4: A winner practices kingdom citizenship as a signpost and privilege.
- What does it mean to you to be a citizen of the kingdom of God?
- What are the risks of trying to live with a dual citizenship?
- If you are a Christ follower, how much of a signpost are you/we? If you do not follow Christ, how much of a signpost are Christians, and what do they point to?
- Will you honestly view suffering as a privilege? Why or why not?
4. What If You Couldn't Lose?
MARCH 14--Principle #3: A winner depends on God’s power for ”can’t-lose” success.
- What fuels your life? How does it relate (or not relate) to others praying for you, the presence of the Spirit, and a clear purpose for your life?
- What would need to change for you to be powered by God rather than depending on yourself?
- What would a WIN–WIN faith look like in our culture? Is that attractive to you?
- What is your life about? What are your priorities and measures for success?
3. When Opportunity Knocks
MARCH 7--What is that knocking at the door? Is it opportunity or just fate looking to give you a noogie? The apostle Paul developed a unquie ability to turn every knock at the door into an opportunity. How did he begin to see the almost unlimited potential for life's events to open doors for the Gospel? Listen in and find out! Principle #2: A winner sees all of life through the lens of opportunity.
- How do you view your own circumstances right now?
- Describe some ways that you could begin to see opportunity in your present situation.
- How can you keep your personal hurts and insecurities from eclipsing your mission?
- What shifts in your thinking, attitudes, or actions will you need to make to seize the opportunities in front of you?
2. Etipaph to Excellence
FEBRUARY 28--Principle #1: A winner partners in love to build a growing life.
- “I have a sense of partnership with other Christ-followers.” Do you agree or disagree?
- How would you describe the importance of Jesus to your partnership?
- Share an example of seeing someone act as a conduit of Jesus’ love. What blocks that conduit in your life?
- What is our responsibility in making a love that grows? Would you say that your love is growing in knowledge and insight?
1. Introduction to Philippians
FEBRUARY 21--
