Message Title: Healthy Churches Understand and Protect the Gospel

Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Philippians 3:2-3, 9

 

Sermon Notes:

Peter is saying in Acts 15 that:

1. They/we don’t need to observe the laws of Moses to be saved. (Acts 15:10-11)
2. We are all saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! (Acts 15:10-11)

Paul says in Philippians 3:

3. There is no advantage of spiritual righteousness before God in being Jewish. (Philippians 3:7-9)
4. Only Jesus makes you spiritually healthy. (Philippians 3:9)
5. Healthy churches understand and protect the Gospel. (Philippians 3:2)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

Getting to Know You:

Do you like bacon?  If so, what do you like to eat it with?

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:

 

1. Read Philippians 3:1-14. How would you describe Paul’s tone/emotions in this section of Scripture?  Why do you think this is?
2. Read Philippians 3:1. From a prison in Rome, Paul is telling the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord”!  How often do you think you “rejoice in the Lord”?  What do you think that means?  Who encourages you the most to do this?
3. Read Philippians 3:2-3. Who were the “dogs” that Paul was talking about in his day?  Why were they so dangerous?  Who, in our day, do we have “to watch out for” that distorts the message of Jesus?
4. Read Philippians 3: 4-7. How do you see people today putting “confidence in the flesh”?
5. Read Philippians 3:7-9. What things do you think Paul is talking about that he “lost” in order to gain Jesus?  What did you have to lose to gain Christ?
6. Read Acts 15:6-11, Philippians 3:9. What do Peter and Paul have in common in these verses?
7. Read Philippians 3:10. Why do you think Paul says he wants to “know Christ”?  Doesn’t he already know Christ?  There is a hunger in Paul to know Jesus more.  How do you continually pursue to know Jesus better and have greater fellowship with Him?  Do you think we should ever get bored in this pursuit?  Why or why not.

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

Message Title: Working Your Way to the Bottom:
The Path to True Life in the Midst of Struggles (Phil. 1:27-2:11)

Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Phil 2:1-11

 

Sermon Notes:

 

1. Struggles are a sign that you’re on the right (Philippians 1:27-30)
2. When things are difficult and we face opposition, we need to come together in mutual love and avoid the tendency to focus on ourselves. (Philippians 2:1-4)
3. Our role model is Jesus Christ, who faced struggles, opposition, and suffering and put others before Himself. (Philippians 2:5-8)
4. When we adopt His mindset and not the one of the world around us, we find ourselves on the path to true life, joy, and significance. (Philippians 2:9-11)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

Who do you think was the most selfless person you ever met?

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:

 

1. Read Philippians 1:28-30. When we choose to follow Jesus in this world, we are guaranteed to receive opposition. Paul uses the word “granted” in verse 29 as though it is a privilege to suffer for Jesus.  Do you think it is a privilege to suffer in this world for Jesus?  Why or why not?
2. Read Philippians 2:1-2. Why is it important, when we struggle and face suffering and opposition, that we come together? What kind of encouragement have you received from fellowship with other Christians?
3. Read Philippians 2:3-4. How does this passage challenge society’s definition of success? How do you balance “looking out for the interests of others” with your own interests? How do you think humility differs from being a doormat?
4. Read Philippians 2:5-8. What do these amazing verses reveal to us about the nature and existence of Jesus?
5. In Philippians 2:7, Paul writes that Jesus “made himself nothing” (NIV) or “emptied himself” (NASB). Paul doesn’t explain how God can become a man and still remain God, but Jesus did it. What do you think it means that He “emptied Himself”? What do you think it was like for Jesus to leave heaven and become human?
6. Read Hebrews 2:9-10, John 15:12-13. Why did Jesus become human? How is this the greatest expression of love imaginable? How does it encourage you?
7. Read Philippians 2:9-11. Through humility, self-denial, and obedience, Christ achieved sovereignty over all peoples and things.  As His follower, what do you think you achieve through humility, self-denial, and obedience?
8. When you picture all people kneeling before Christ one day, who do you most look forward to seeing?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one specific way you can imitate Christ’s humility this coming week and how can this group remember you in prayer?

Message Title: Joy and Thankfulness for a Healthy Church

Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Phil 1:1-11, Romans 8:28-29

 

Sermon Notes:

1. Philippians is a personal, joyful letter to a healthy

 

The people of Philippi were:

2. Military families patriotic
3. Wealthy
4. First told about Jesus from Paul.

 

5. Philippians is a thank you

 

What does the church of Philippi teach us?

 

Spiritually healthy people:

6. Understand the Gospel.
7. Stay away from division and pride.
8. Practice
9. Are a joy to others.

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

Share one thing you are thankful for today.

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:

 

1. Read Galatians 1:6-7, 3:1-3. What words would you use to describe Paul’s attitude toward the church of Galatia as he wrote these verses?
2. Read Philippians 1:1-11. What words would you use to describe Paul’s feelings for the Philippians as he wrote these verses?  Have you noticed that there are some people in life that seem to frustrate and drain you and some people that seem to fill you up and bring you joy?  Why do you think that is and how do you deal with them as a follower of Jesus?
3. What words would you use to describe your feelings for your church family at this time?
4. Paul says in vs 3 that whenever he thinks of them, he thanks God for them. Who are the people in your life that when you think of them you praise God?  Please share who they are and why you feel this way about them.
5. How is God at work in the Philippians’ lives according to verses 5, 6, 9, and 11?

What would you say are some of the most dramatic ways you have seen God at work in your life since you began following Jesus?

6. Pastor Frank shared in the message on Sunday that spiritually healthy people understand the Gospel, avoid division and pride, practice generosity, and are a joy to others. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?  Who would you say are some of the most spiritually healthy people you have met?  How do you think they got that way?
7. Who was the “apostle Paul” in your spiritual life? Who introduced you to Jesus and cared about your spiritual growth? Who would you say are some of your spiritual cheerleaders now?

 

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

Message Title: Follow Jesus and Join the Movement

Key verses:

Mark 12:30-31, Matthew 4:18-19, Matthew 28:18-20, John 21:15

 

Sermon Notes:

1. 1. 1. I follow Jesus because He first loved (1 John 4:19)
      2. I follow Jesus in loving other people. (Mark 12:31, John 13:34-35)

 

Someone said, “People who hurt people are hurting people.

The Opposite is true for Christians… “People who love people are loved people.”

 

1. 1. 3. I follow Jesus into the world because He loves the nations. (Matthew 28:18-20)
      4. Love Jesus and follow Him. (John 21:15)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

How many countries have you visited in your life?  Which one was your favorite and why?  What are the people like?

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:

 

1. 1. 1. What do you think are the differences between a movement and a social club?
      2. Read John 21:1-15. Who do you think are the “these” that Jesus was talking about?  Most commentaries believe that the “these” are the fish.  Peter had denied Jesus in Jerusalem and now he is back in Galilee doing what he did before meeting Jesus, fishing.  Have you ever seen people follow Jesus for a season, and then go back to their old lives?  Why do you think they do this and how do you think this makes Jesus feel?
      3. Has this ever happened in your faith Journey with Jesus? What are the “these” in your life before you met Jesus?
      4. Pastor Jonathan used the phrase on Sunday. “People who hurt people are hurting people, and people who love people are loved people”. Do you believe this is true?  How have you seen this played out in other people’s lives and in your own?
      5. How has Christ’s love changed you?
      6. When you reflect back on your life, how do you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
      7. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-10. Generosity is connected in loving.  How has God been generous with you?  How do you love generously in your life?
      8. Read Matthew 28:18-20. In the Great Commission, Christ called us to disciple others.  How do you apply this in your life?  Are you thinking of mentoring someone for the Lord?  Who?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

Message Title: Omnipresence:  The God Who Is There

Series Title: Knowing God

Key verses:

Psalms 139:1-24

 

Sermon Notes:

• 1. God is present everywhere at the same time vs.7-11
  2. God is timeless. v.16, Rev. 22:13
  3. God is accessible to you all the time because He cares for you. vs.1-6, 13-18
  4. Because God is present with you, He will guide you and help you do what’s right. vs. 7-10
  5. We struggle with God’s omnipresence when we can’t feel Him.
  6. Because God is holy and cannot stand evil, man’s relationship with God was severed.
  7. Even though God is omnipresent, man still tries to hide from Him. vs. 11-12
  8. Man not only hides but also hates one another. vs. 19-22
     It’s when we see God’s holiness and Omni-qualities in contrast to our brokenness, do we see our need for redemption
  9. Even if we can’t feel God, we can still trust Him. vs.23-24

   

  Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

  Getting to Know You:
  What was the biggest crisis that you have gone through in recent times? How did you handle it?

  Or – What was the biggest crisis someone had confided in you about? How did you advise and help that person?

  Quick Review:
  Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

   

  Digging Deeper: A study of Psalm 139

   

  1. What do you worry about the most? Why?
  2. Read vs. 1-6. If God knows your every thought, every action, every word, and If God is watching out for you (v.5), why do Christians still experience fear and anxiety? Where does it come from?
  3. When a Christian backslides, the common response is to hide from God, especially if there’s a sin that’s hard to give up. In what ways do Christians try to hide from God? Read vs. 7-12. Why is hiding pointless according to King David?
  4. Read vs. 13-16. King David saw God’s creative design and purpose upon his life, even when he was a fetus in his mother’s womb. How do these verses prove that life begins at conception?
  5. Read vs. 17-18. King David’s worship and meditations on God’s attributes left him in awe and wonder of God greatness. How has this message series on God’s attributes drawn you closer to God?
  6. Read vs. 19-22. King David had an emotional episode that made him vent his most hateful feelings on God, and he did not see that as inappropriate. Why? What happens when we vent on people? Why is God a safe place to vent?
  7. Our emotions can be our biggest enemy when our negative emotions overwhelm us. It can also be our best friend when our positive emotions dominate our lives. The challenge is how to remain positive when bad things happen to us. Read vs. 22-24. How did King David remain positive despite suffering from all the traumas he has experienced? What spiritual disciplines do you practice that helps you to let God into your deepest emotional traumas? How has emotional healing taken place in your life?

  
  Taking it Home: What is one thing you can apply to your life from last Sunday’s message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?