Joyful Living - Week 1: Confidence Produces Joy
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of Sep. 1st
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
• Breaking the ice/Think Time
• Who was the last person you shared the gospel with?
Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30-40 minutes)
Read Philippians 1:1-11
What is so unique about the way Paul describes himself and Timothy in v. 1a?
What stands out to you about the way Paul describes his audience? V.1b
Paul’s greeting in v. 2 is commonly used by Paul thoughout his epistles. Why does Paul write it in the order it is written “Grace and Peace”? v. 2a
Who is the source of our “grace and peace”? v. 2b
What about the Philippian saints, gives Paul joy in his prayers? Vv. 3-5
Why did Paul seem to be an unlikely person to write about joy?
What one thing is Paul assured about in the lives of the Philippian saints? 6a
When does he say it will be completed? V. 6b
Paul was happy with the participation of the Philippian saints in the gospel despite his imprisonment. This meant that they were continuing to spread the Gospel with others. Looking at your own life, do you feel that your spiritual leader could say the same about your participation in spreading the Gospel? Why or why not
What three things is Paul praying for in the lives fo the Philippian saints? Vv. 8-9 Do you find yourself praying for your church family as Paul did? Why or why not?
What reason does Paul give in vv.10-11 for his prayer in vv.8-9
As a group summarize vv. 1-11.
Seeing Our Savior
Read Hebrews 2:12; Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus endured the most difficult punishment on the cross so that if anyone would put their trust in Him for the forgiveness of their sins they would be saved. Yet scripture tells us that he did so with joy and that He became our high priest, one who could empathize with our weakness in times of need. Now we can approach Him with full confidence in our difficult times and receive grace and mercy for those moments.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
During Paul’s time in prison he continually wrote that he was joyful no matter his circumstances and that joy was centered on the work the gospel. What has been your source for joy in your difficult moments? Has your joy in these times ever been centered on Christ and his Gospel? Why or why not?
What needs to happen in your prayer life, that will help you pray for our church body and the expansion of the gospel through our community? (i.e. Prayer journal, calendar, begin to have a prayer time.)
The “participation” of the Philippian saints was in their sharing of the gospel, serving one another and their financial giving to Paul’s missionary work. Talk about two of these areas of “participation” that you could grow in. Take some time and pray for one another according to these answers.
God not only hears, but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is