Talk It Over

1. What stood out to you most about the message and testimonies? What stood out and affirmed the things of Christ in your life? What stood out and challenged you the most?

2. John 20:21 says, “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” It’s important to remember that Jesus was sent by the Father and now we also are being sent by Jesus. Why is Jesus sending us out?

3. Look how Jesus was sent. Philippians 2:5-8 say, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature a God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature b of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” What words from the passage describe how Jesus was sent? What overall would would you use to summarize Jesus attitude towards His Father? What’s one characteristic that you need to improve to be more like how Jesus was sent?

4. Being sent by Jesus means we serve others. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 says, “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” What 2-3 practical ways you can serve those around you with the purpose of sharing the Gospel?

5. Philippians 1:29-30 says, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” We talked about “fictitious suffering” - fears we have in our heads that aren’t founded in reality. The fear of being fired for sharing our faith and so on. What are some other examples of fictitious suffering? Do you find that these fears exist in your heart? What would it look like to be obedient to Christ in one of these areas?

6. We all are called to play a part of global missions. Philippians 2:25 says, “But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.” What words did Paul use to describe Epaphroditus? Why did the Church at Philippi send Epaphroditus. The needs of global missions is great. We have ministry partners and ministries waiting for help from churches like ours. How willing are you to pray for them? How willing are you to give to them? How willing are you to go to them?

7. Read Philippians 4:15-20. Who was the only church to help Paul on his missionary journey while in prison? What kind of church do you want to be? How did Paul describe the financial gift that he received? How can you play apart of blessing missionaries and ministries overseas?