Philippians 3:17-22 Sermon Discussion Questions
Too often we long for others in the church to look and act more like us. Why is this a problem? Why is is better for us that folks would look and act more like Jesus? In what specific ways do you see patterns of sacrifice in the lives of others at our church? Be specific. To add anything to the cross is to become an enemy of the cross. Why is this? What things are you tempted to require of others beyond the cross? Why is this so dangerous for their soul? How does this affect your [...]
Luke 12:32 Sermon Discussion Questions
Our worst fears reveal our greatest idols. (ie. We fear poverty bc we’ve made money and idol. We fear sickness bc we’ve made health an idol.) What are your worst fears? What idols do they reveal in your life? What should our worst fear be? How should it lead to trust in God over and above anything else? Jesus reminds us that we are in reality small insignificant sheep who have a strong mighty warrior shepherd. Trusting in our significance and power keeps us from following the shepherd. Thus making us more fearful. Coming to terms with our sheep-ness [...]
Psalm 96 Sermon Discussion Questions
The gospel compels us to to declare God’s praise and tell of his salvation in Jesus Christ to all nations, to all peoples, and even people who aren’t like us and who we naturally wouldn’t choose to be around. Who are you avoiding that you need to talk to about God’s glory and/or the gospel? How does the gospel encourage you to go to them and praise Jesus in your conversation with them? How will you recognize and praise the Lord’s glory to others in the various spheres of your life (at home, in your neighborhood, at school [...]
Philippians 3:12-16
Following Christ more closely means suffering for others more consistently. How might you press into Christlikeness by strategically serving outside my comfort zone? What relationships at this time are really inconvenient for you? How will you pursue joy in serving these specific people? What kind of things might you embrace that are scary and could even be risky for the sake of the gospel? Finishing well means refusing to look back. How are you tempted to look back on past accomplishments? How are you tempted to commiserate in past sin? How does this steal your joy in the present? [...]
Philippians 3:1-11 Sermon Discussion Questions
Making ‘good’ things necessary for salvation is cruel and unusual punishment. We weigh others down with requirements making them miserable here and now just so they can spend eternity in Hell. What good things do churches communicate are necessary to be accepted by God? What kinda things are more obvious? What things have you seen as more subtle requirements? Compared to Christ our righteousness before God is described as dung. Paul uses this phrase to graphically explain what a loss it would be to invest our eternity in our righteousness rather than Christ’s. In contrast with Paul how do [...]
Philippians 2:12-18 Sermon Discussion Questions
Paul defines God’s will for our life as - Christ - like humility displayed in sacrificial service for others. How are you tempted to define God’s will for your? Does the way you defined God’s will for your life hinder your sacrificial service of others? (Happiness / Comfort / Safety / Health) What things or circumstances do you believe God ‘wants’ for you that are more about you than others? Grumbling and complaining in the church should be seen as profanity. What does this mean? How are you tempted to grumble and complain? How is this “empty of God”? [...]