Talk It Over

1. Review the message and first read Philippians chapter 2. What stood out to you the most about the chapter and the message? What was God saying to you? What confirmed your walk with God? What challenged your walk with God

2. Respond to the following statement. Pastor Sean said, “a lot of people simply want God’s blessing, but don’t want God himself it’s shown through how often they read the Bible.”

3. In the midst of suffering we are to be united in our mindset. Philippians 2:4 says it best, “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” What are some examples of putting others interest in front of yours? Pastor Sean said the org chart for a Jesus follower is: God, others, self. How would you rate yourself according this org chart and why?

4. Jesus choose to humble himself in the greatest act of obedience and set the example for us to put others interest above ourselves. Philippians 2:8 says it best, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” Jesus lowered himself not only to humanity, and suffering, but the most degrading, excruciating death in history. Describe how this passage shapes your personal humility? Why is this so significant?

5. John 20:21 says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Read Philippians 2:5-11 and make a list of words that describe how Jesus was sent. What words describe how Jesus is now sending us? Ultimately we are called to be submissive to the Father just like Jesus was submissive and obedient to the Father. How would you rate your obedience and current level of living of living as one being “sent by Jesus.”

6. Philippians 2:14-16a says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16as you hold firmly to the word of life.” In other words, we don't complain or argue so our spiritual character will shine like stars to a warped and crooked world so we can pass out the Gospel. How much of your spiritual character do you personally let shine to the world? If you were to share with a new believer how to “hold forth” the gospel and pass it out to others what would you say to him and why?

7. Philippians 2:20-21 speaks of Timothy and says, “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Timothy was the only one who put the spiritual condition of others first. Would you consider yourself to be the one in this generation? Why or why not? What would have to change to be the one? If you are the one, what things did Christ strip from you to make you the one?

8. Philippians 2:29-30 says about Epaphroditus, “So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” Epaphroditus was sent to Paul and risk his life for the Gospel. It's the same word used for a gladiator in an arena risking their life. Would you use the word “risk” to describe your walk with God why or why not? How bold do you believe God is asking you to be? What steps can you today to shine your light in our culture?