“Cultivating Christ”
Philippians 4:1-9
This week’s questions:
1. In this week’s message we talked about the Gospel being of primary concern to Paul; more specifically, the advance of the Gospel in Philippi. Start off this week’s Journey Groups by answering these questions: 1) What is the Gospel? And, 2) how is it active in your life?
2. Paul desires for the Philippians and us as well, to live as greater expressions of the Gospel by cultivating Christ in and around us. What does that look like in your life? Share areas of struggle or success.
3. Re-read this week’s passage of scripture (Philippians 4:1-9). Paul shares 5 Commands to cultivate Christ in the key aspects of our lives (internally, with each other, among all people, and in the culture). Paul commands us to:
- 1. Cultivate a GOSPEL REALITY (internally)
- 2. Cultivate TRUE UNITY (with each other)
- 3. Cultivate a JOYFUL WITNESS (among all people)
4. Cultivate a BASTION of PEACE (among all people)
5. Cultivate redeeming THOUGHTS & ACTIONS (in the culture)
-Reflect as a group on the internal and external aspects of these “Commands”.
-Looking at this list, which do you find the most challenging?
-Why are Paul’s commands outward focused? What’s the point?
4. Discuss as a group the importance of having TRUE UNITY within our relationships, within the church. Why is achieving reconciliation so important?
5. In an anxious world we are to respond with joy and confidence. Share areas of your life where you struggle with anxiety and fear. How does prayer change the way you respond?
6. The church is in the culture to shape it, to redeem it, to bring the Gospel to it. At times, this can seem like a tremendous challenge. Where has God placed you in the ‘social dialogue’? Identify where God has specifically placed you to be an influence in our culture? Discuss how you can be an expression of the Gospel within that opportunity?
7. In preparation for next week read (Philippians 4:10-23).
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