Joy and Thankfulness for a Healthy Church

Sermon Notes:

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

The people of Philippi were:

1. Military families patriotic to Rome.
2. Wealthy people.
3. First told about Jesus from Paul.

1. Philippians is a thank you letter.

What does the church of Philippi teach us?

Spiritually healthy people:

1. Understand the Gospel.
2. Stay away from division and pride.
3. Practice generosity.
4. 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?

1. 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?
2. 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?