Philippians – Pt 1

Philippians 1:1-11 NLT

1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons. 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Joy is a deep confidence that God will finish the good work He started in you.

Proverbs 17:22 NLT

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Proverbs 31:25 NLT

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Mark 1:15 NLT

15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

THE GOSPEL ACCOMPLISHES THREE THINGS IN US:

1. It produces allegiance to Jesus.

2. It forms partnerships with others.

3. It shapes character in us.

– Love

– Discernment

– Integrity

SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: True joy comes from allegiance to Jesus which means all of life is shaped by devotion to Him.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Read Philippians 1:1-11. How do you describe righteous character?

▶ Joy is a deep confidence that God will finish the good work He started in you. How do we establish and maintain our confidence?

▶ How are you choosing to grow in love, discernment, and integrity?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.

Pastor Matt shared that love, discernment, and integrity are all elements of “missional character” and they are a visible form of evangelism. How could you be a difference maker in your community by choosing to walk in these traits?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Ask God to help you develop “missional character” in your daily life as you interact with neighbors, family, and co-workers. Ask Him to help you be missional in your life.