Going Deeper is designed for use with your small group, a friend or on you own. Its aim is to create time for you to spend with God and his word. Do as much or as little as you like. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact one of our pastoral staff.

1. Pray for the needs of your Life Group, for our church and our leaders, for personal and corporate renewal, and to allow God’s word to transform us.

Share a recent entry from your Life Journal with the group.

2. This week, our Biblical text was Phil. 4:4-8 and Paul instructs us in v.4 to: “rejoice in the Lord always” and in v.6 to “be anxious for nothing.” Considering the “ups and downs” of our lives, what thoughts or questions do these verses raise for you?

3. As Christians, Paul says (in. v.4) that we should be known for our gentleness (Gk.epieikeia = patience, softness, etc.). The implication is that because the Lord is with us, gentleness and patience should describe our character no matter what our life experiences are. When life is a mess, what helps you respond with gentleness and patience? What hinders you? Can we help one another in this?

4. As we commune with God in prayer and with thankful hearts make our needs known, we will experience the peace of God. Have you found this true in your life? Share personal examples with one another.

5. Read Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:5 out loud. Read Philippians 4:8 aloud. It describes how we can “renew our minds” and “bring every thought into captivity to obey Christ.” Have you been able to this? What helped you? When was it challenging? Can we help each other in this?

6. Take a moment of silence to consider how God is speaking to you through these verses. Is He asking you to make changes or to do something new? What concrete steps of response do you want to take? How can your group support you in these steps?