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
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
– Philippians 2:12-18
Opening Question
If you could go back ten years and offer yourself one blessing, piece of positive encouragement, or word of reassurance, what would you say? (Note: no predictions, advice, or warnings allowed!)
What is complaining?
In the sermon, we heard that complaining is not a biblical lament, or taking our lack, pain, our suffering, to God. Nor is it naming injustice with an aim to remedy it or addressing a problem and offering a solution to fix it.
Complaining is:
A sign our salvation is not worked out that reveals the degree to which we need to grow. Consider a time when complaint rose up within you. How did your discontent or disapproval make space for growth in your life?
A sign of how much we need people. When our complaints about other people increase, how can they spur us toward deeper understanding, compassion, connection, or conflict resolution with them?
Proof of a prideful stance insisting we know/are better/more than God or others. How do you cultivate greater humility in your life? What or who reminds you that you are still learning and growing?
Why should we stop complaining?
In the sermon we heard that Paul said when we stop complaining we “become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life….” Therefore, we should stop complaining:
For the sake of others. Do you know anyone who seems immune to complaining? What is it like being in their presence?
So that the gospel may be displayed. If we define complaining as discontent with no aim at resolving a problem, how does that make it contrary to the gospel? What does the gospel seek to do in our lives and the world? How is complaining contrary to that work?
For our own sake. Paul asserts that we become blameless when we stop complaining. When you fall into seasons or routines that involve complaining, what are some of the ways it harms you? If refusing to complain makes us blameless, does complaining leave us accountable for the things we’ve complained about?
How can we stop complaining?
In the sermon, we heard that practicing gratitude can end the tyranny of complaining in our lives. Let’s practice it that now as a group. Take turns sharing three things you are thankful for in the following categories:
Something from your day today.
A person in your life.
Something you are looking forward to in the future.
Closing Thought
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
– James 1:17
In your final time together, spend a moment in prayer offering your time of gratitude to him, acknowledging that every good thing comes from him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to grow beyond complaining and lead you to opportunities to light the world with the hope of the gospel.