Joyful Living - Week 5: Worthy Manner of Life
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of March 1st, 2020
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
Breaking the Ice/Think Time
• Discuss the saying “character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow”. Why is character important?
• 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. 2:19-30
What does Paul hope to do for the believers in Philippi according to verse 19? Why does he hope to send him (vs 19-22)?
Paul wanted to encourage the Philippian believers by his letter and Timothy’s visit, and also to be “cheered” from hearing news about them (vs 19). As disciplemakers like Jesus and Paul, why does it cheer us to hear of the joy and growth of believers we are investing in? Do you have any recent stories how you’ve experienced this?
How does Paul describe Timothy’s character (verses 20-22)?
One of Paul’s descriptions of Timothy is that he followed Christ’s example in being selfless (vs 20-21). What does it look like to live selflessly?
Paul was Timothy’s spiritual father and Timothy worked with him as his son (vs. 22). His character and reputation (Acts 16:1-2) had been proven over 10 years as he served with Paul since his second missionary journey. Paul was sending him to the Philippians with full trust he would be able to strengthen and encourage them.
How does strong character and a godly reputation enable us to strengthen and serve others? Or in contrast, how will poor character and a bad reputation prevent us from being able to strengthen and build others up?
Read verses 23-24. Writing from prison, Paul believed he would receive freedom and be able to return to Philippi again. “However, he qualified his hope with the realization that justice does not always prevail in legal courts.” (Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible, 2003.)
How can we remain faithful in the Lord like Paul when the result of our circumstances is unknown? (History shows that Nero did release Paul and he was able to continue his missionary work.)
Read verses 25-30 again. Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippians to bring Paul gifts and care for him (see 4:18), however he had become ill. Epaphroditus was selfless to be the one to go to Paul (becoming ill along the way) and Paul was selflessness in sending him home. Paul asks the Philippians to honor Epaphroditus upon his return for serving Christ. (vs 29-30) How can we show honor to those who serve the Lord?
Summarize Philippians 2:19-30 as a group.
Seeing Our Savior
Read 1 Cor 10:24; Gal 5:14; Phil 2:4, Luke 9:24; 1 Tim 3:2, 1 Cor 5:33
The path of Christ is one of selflessness and care for others. Jesus is our model for serving others selflessly with unwavering character. Morality is defined by His life and teachings. What a testimony our lives can be to others if we walk in the footsteps of Jesus – embodying his character and concern for others.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
1. Jesus is our supreme example of a worthy manner of life. How can we follow in his footsteps in our character and conduct?
What is an area of your character you are proud of? What is an area of your character that could use some growth?
Who is someone in your life who has faithfully served Christ and you? How can you honor this person?
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