Monday, June 07, 2021

Philippians | Week 8 | Small Group Questions




Coastline Bible Church is doing an eight-week sermon series called: "Defined by Joy." The Apostle Paul helped plant the church in Philippi (see Acts 16) but never forget about them. They played a key role in supporting him as God called him to plant other churches. From this series we want to learn how to have our lives defined by joy and not circumstances. Paul modeled this well to the early church. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | The Church God Uses | Philippians 4:10-23

The letter to the church in Philippi has strengthened believers for centuries. It has been a source of encouragement for Godly people living in crooked times. The letter has encouraged the church to find contentment in Christ in all areas of our lives. That means leaving jealousy, covetousness, and greed. It sets a model for us to be generous with our resources and focus on Kingdom advancement. The church in Philippi modeled being generous. As Paul concludes the letter we are drawn back to the introduction about being a people full of grace. Grace is a natural effect of the goodness God has shown to us and what we can show to others. 

1) Neal opened the sermon and talked about how the church has stepped up to help people out in difficult times. Share about how the church has helped you out or how God has used you to help others. 

2) Read Philippians 4:10-13. Paul has learned how to be content in all situations. Read Proverbs 19:23, Luke 3:14, and 1 Timothy 6:6. Are you content in your current life situation? Share the reasons for why or why not you feel how you currently do. 

3) Paul and Joseph learned to be content because their past experiences shaped them (read Genesis 37:26-27, 39:19-23, and 2 Corinthians 2:21-30). How has your past taught you to be content in your current situation? 

4) The church in Philippi shared in Paul’s troubles (read Philippians 4:14). What are practical ways we can share in the troubles with each other? What does it look like to support each other in trouble? (Psalm 68:19, Matthew 11:28-30, Galatians 6:2). 

5) Generosity was a primary characteristic of the church (read Philippians 4:15-20). Do you enjoying giving of your time, talent, and resources to the advancement of the Kingdom? (see Luke 6:38) 

6) Paul understood that God would meet all our needs when we give generously. How can we got about living a generous life while continuing to take care of our personal needs? (see Matthew 6:2-4, 19-24, 17:27, and Mark 12:41-44) 

7) Read Philippians 4:20-23. The last year has made some people hesitant to greet others. How can we excel at being a church body who knows each other while maintaining respect for everyone’s personal space needs? 

Close your time in prayer by praying for: The Martinez Family in San Francisco. 

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