Element Christian Church
Philippians - Joy In All Seasons Week 17: The Joy of Being an Example
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Element Christian Church
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Shake the Dust Off - Sean Curran
Jesus!
Hold Him High - Citizens
Forever Reign - Hillsong Worship
Shake the Dust Off - Sean Curran
Jesus!
Hold Him High - Citizens
Forever Reign - Hillsong Worship
Philippians - Joy In All Seasons
Week 17 - The Joy of Being an Example
Paul presents Timothy and Epaphroditus as living examples of the Christian humility he has been teaching. After discussing concepts like humility, unity, and pouring out our lives for Christ, Paul now provides concrete examples of what these principles look like in action.
• Timothy demonstrates genuine concern for others’ welfare rather than self-interest.
• Epaphroditus literally risked his life in service to Paul and the Gospel.
Week 17 - The Joy of Being an Example
Paul presents Timothy and Epaphroditus as living examples of the Christian humility he has been teaching. After discussing concepts like humility, unity, and pouring out our lives for Christ, Paul now provides concrete examples of what these principles look like in action.
• Timothy demonstrates genuine concern for others’ welfare rather than self-interest.
• Epaphroditus literally risked his life in service to Paul and the Gospel.
We want to be challenged, regardless of their our situation, to display Jesus to those around us. This can be likened writing “letters” with our lives that demonstrate God’s goodness.
Steven Lawson speaks about humility, service, and example by saying:
1. Humility Is Loyal - Paul is in prison in Rome, and Timothy and Epaphroditus are right there with him.
2. Humility Makes Us Like-Minded in Christ – As we work in ministry and life we will be surrounded by co-workers in the gospel.
3. Humility Is Big Hearted – Timothy and Epaphroditus are “genuinely” concerned for Paul’s welfare and the Philippian church’s welfare.
4. Humility Is Seen By How We Live – The Philippians have seen and heard how both of these young men live.
5. Humility Works Hard – Timothy and Epaphroditus both work hard in ministry.
Paul uses the word labored or “served” to show that both of these men were willing to perform menial tasks, put in long hours, rise early, stay up late, and do whatever was required for the ministry to go forward.
Paul has been showing and reminding us of the value that sees beyond ourselves in order to serve others in various ways.
Steven Lawson speaks about humility, service, and example by saying:
1. Humility Is Loyal - Paul is in prison in Rome, and Timothy and Epaphroditus are right there with him.
2. Humility Makes Us Like-Minded in Christ – As we work in ministry and life we will be surrounded by co-workers in the gospel.
3. Humility Is Big Hearted – Timothy and Epaphroditus are “genuinely” concerned for Paul’s welfare and the Philippian church’s welfare.
4. Humility Is Seen By How We Live – The Philippians have seen and heard how both of these young men live.
5. Humility Works Hard – Timothy and Epaphroditus both work hard in ministry.
Paul uses the word labored or “served” to show that both of these men were willing to perform menial tasks, put in long hours, rise early, stay up late, and do whatever was required for the ministry to go forward.
Paul has been showing and reminding us of the value that sees beyond ourselves in order to serve others in various ways.
CONVERSATION GUIDE:
Opening Questions:
• Who has been a meaningful Christian example in your life? What specific qualities made them stand out to you?
Discussion Questions:
• The sermon outlined five characteristics of humility seen in Timothy and Epaphroditus. Which one resonates with you most and why?
• In what ways does true humility require both strength and sacrifice?
• “Ministry that costs nothing usually accomplishes nothing.” What does this mean, and have you found it to be true?
• How can we honor and encourage people who are good examples without creating unhealthy hero worship?
Personal Application:
• Identify one specific context in your life (work, family, neighborhood, etc.) where you feel particularly challenged to be a Christ-like example. What is one concrete way you could better reflect Christ in that setting this week?
Group Focus:
• Consider how we might collectively be an example of a Christlike
community to those around us.
• What distinguishes our group from just another social gathering?
• How might people outside our group describe the way we care for one another?
Opening Questions:
• Who has been a meaningful Christian example in your life? What specific qualities made them stand out to you?
Discussion Questions:
• The sermon outlined five characteristics of humility seen in Timothy and Epaphroditus. Which one resonates with you most and why?
• In what ways does true humility require both strength and sacrifice?
• “Ministry that costs nothing usually accomplishes nothing.” What does this mean, and have you found it to be true?
• How can we honor and encourage people who are good examples without creating unhealthy hero worship?
Personal Application:
• Identify one specific context in your life (work, family, neighborhood, etc.) where you feel particularly challenged to be a Christ-like example. What is one concrete way you could better reflect Christ in that setting this week?
Group Focus:
• Consider how we might collectively be an example of a Christlike
community to those around us.
• What distinguishes our group from just another social gathering?
• How might people outside our group describe the way we care for one another?