Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Introduction Video
Gospel Joy Changes Our Greeting
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,to all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
– Philippians 1:1-2
In the sermon, we heard how in Paul’s time, a letter was often begun by establishing the writer’s status. However, Paul begins this letter by classifying himself and Timothy as humble servants of Christ. The gospel insists our shared need for redemption removes cultural status and class.
How do you typically greet people when writing an email or seeing someone in public?
Did you grow up in a culture that honored or valued particular people above others? What was that like?
In your opinion, how should we greet one another if we truly see ourselves as servants of Christ Jesus?
Gospel Joy Changes Our Giving
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 1:3-6
Paul insists the church in Philippi will continue to flourish because of its generosity.
How does the gospel reveal God’s generosity toward us? What practices or perspectives help you remember that God is generous?
We can practice generosity by giving finances, time, energy, or possessions. When you have made efforts to give sacrificially in the past, what have you learned about joy?
How has the generosity of others shaped your faith or revealed more of God’s joy to you?
Gospel Joy Changes Our Thanksgiving
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 1:7-8
Paul expresses deep feelings of thanksgiving and love for the church in Philippi, saying that they mirror God’s own affection for them.
Why do you think God loves people so much?
How could meditating on God’s affection for others help us to experience more of his joy?
Closing Thought
Before ending your time together this week, take turns giving thanks for the person sitting to your left, by naming one thing that you like about them, such as their smile, outfit, kindness toward others, sense of humor, an insight they shared, or something else. Just take a moment to enjoy the person God has out next to you and bless them.