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Philippians: Winter Workout Week 4, January 25,, 2015 Scripture Questions: (Read Philippians 2:14) 1. Paul explains what it means to be united with Christ and the fruit that this relationship bears: encouragement, comfort, compassion, etc. a. Share one way that you have experienced encouragement or received compassion through faith in Christ? 2. Paul is very clear that unity among the Philippians is only possible because of Christ and through the Holy Spirit. Through them we can experience the deepest experiences of love, joy and fellowship (v 12). a. What is one simple way you can express gratitude for gifts like fellowship and the joy you experience from Christ and the Spirit? 3. Paul directly warns the Philippians to act humbly and consider others better than themselves (v 34). Jesus was a servant even though he himself was God. Members of the community are not called to be exclusively concerned with themselves, but rather with the well being of others. a. What is the state of things when we try to rely only on ourselves and seek our own interests? b. Has humility been something that you have struggled with in the past? Is there an area you struggle with that may be in conflict with experiencing unity with Christ and fellowship with other Christians? Sermon Questions 1. Pastor Dave shared that any Church you visit may seem wonderful at first, but it will only be a matter of time until the shine wears off. He pointed out that there are many people who have been looking for the “right church” that meets all of their needs. Although the intention seems good, it can often lead to disappointment and cause rifts where there should be love and forgiveness. a. Have you experienced a church that has split? b. How can you handle failed expectations within the church in a way that reflects the grace given to you through Jesus? 2. Pastor Dave pointed out that we are all sinful people who need to “die to ourselves so that Christ may live in us more and more.” Commitment to the church means working through difficult relationships in love so that unity is strengthened. a. Within your community or within the church, is there a relationship where you need to reconcile by offering grace or asking forgiveness?
3. As you are looking towards the needs of others and serving God through the gifts he has given you, you become an active part of strengthening the unity of the church and “Satan can’t stop a church like that,” Pastor Dave declared. a. Consider the needs of those who you know. How might you be able to serve or provide support to someone in your family, your friends, your community, your church?