Joyful Living - Week 4: Joy in Obedience
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of Feb. 23rd, 2020
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
• Breaking the ice/Think Time
Is it easier or harder to obey when the teacher (boss/parent) is absent? Why?
• 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 Phil. 2:12-13
In verse 9 we see God’s response to the perfect humble obedience of Christ, now in verse 12, what is Paul saying should be our response?
How is the obedience of the Philippians in Paul’s absence a greater testimony to the reality of Christ in them? Can this be true of you as well?
Is salvation dependent upon your works? Why or why not? (Read. Ephesians 2:8-10)
What does Paul mean to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (v.12)
Read verse 13 again. Who works in you and for what two purposes?
How do “your working” and “God’s working” relate? Does that give you any encouragement to do the work of God in your world? Why?
Read vs 14-18
7. How does Paul command us to do all things? (v.14) What does this mean?
What is the purpose for us to do all things without grumbling or disputing? (v.15)
How do we act in total opposite of God’s command and what are some of the results because of our disobedience?
What does Paul say, to the church in Philippi and to us today, that we need to be to the world in a “crooked and twisted generation”? (v. 15b)
How are Christians able to accomplish this? (v. 16a)
Paul could rejoice in that the church in Philippi was a light to the world (v. 17). How should the church react regardless of Paul’s outcome? (v.18)
Summarize Philippians 2:12-18 as a group
Seeing Our Savior
Read Matthew 5:14-16; John 1:5; 8:12; 12:35-37; 1 John 1:5-9
First, we read in John 8:12 that His followers will never walk in darkness, which is a reference to our eternal life with Him. Second, we are called to reflect the Light of Life. Just as He came as the Light of the world, He commands us to be “lights,” too. In Matthew 5:14-16 we see believers depicted as the light of the world. The Light is evident to others by the good deeds we do in faith and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s be the light to a crooked and twisted generation.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
How is faith alone in Christ alone differ from what you believe, believed or were taught?
What are you currently doing to “work out your salvation”? Describe a way that you will choose to act this week, knowing that God will empower you to accomplish that work.
In what ways are you responding in humble obedience and being a light to the world bringing pleasure to God?
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