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Home Group Notes - Philippians

What mail do you open first: Bills? Official looking stuff? Personal mail?

What one word best describes Paul’s feelings for the Philippians?

What word would describe the feelings you have for St Barnabas?

Who are our partners in the gospel? How can we show our partnership in practical ways?

How is God at work in a Christian’s life (v6, 9-11)?

How do Paul’s prayers match up to the needs of our church? What other things should we be praying for our church?

What has happened as result of Paul’s imprisonment?

What effects has Paul’s situation had on his fellow believers (v14-18)?

Where has God been able to use bad for good in our lives or the life of our church?

What is Paul’s dilemma (v21-24)?

Why does Paul feel it is necessary for him to ‘remain in the body’ (v24-26)?

How would you explain your personal outlook on life and death to a non-Christian?

The great Scottish theologian, James Denney once said: ‘We cannot at one and the same time show that we are clever and that Christ is wonderful.’ What can we learn from Paul’s example about making much of Jesus?

To think about at home perhaps:

‘For me to live is…’ Given your priorities and schedule this week, how would you honestly finish this sentence? What would change if you said ‘Christ’?

Which household job do you hate the most?

In what ways do Christians in this country, and particularly in Middlesbrough, face opposition?

Do we suffer as Christians?

Is suffering a confirmation that we are ‘getting it right’ as Christians?

Reading between the lines, what problems do you think there were in the Philippian church?

How does Paul suggest the church deal with these problems?

What does it mean to ‘consider someone better than yourself’? How is humility different from being a doormat?

Is it always wrong to be ambitious in our church life or careers?

How do you balance meeting the needs of others with meeting your own needs?

Have you ever been in a fellowship (inside or outside the church) that cared for one another in the way Paul describes?

What is one specific way you can imitate Christ’s humility this coming week?

Perhaps the group could take a few minutes to meditate on verses 6-11, as a lead in to worship.

Questions from Philippians Crossway Bible Guide by Ian Coffey and NIV Serendipity Bible.

Discovering Philippians 4^th October

Are you a morning person?

What is the aim of the Christian life?

What does it mean to ‘work out your salvation’?

What part does ‘fear and trembling’ play in our Christian lives?

How much is God’s responsibility and how much is ours for the way we live our lives?

What job is it most difficult to do ‘without complaining or arguing’?

What kind of person was Timothy?

What kind of a person was Epaphroditus?

What service do you think God has called you to do for his kingdom?

Do you give praise easily or do you find this hard to do?

In what areas of our lives are we struggling to be holy? Have we asked God for his help?

Discovering Philippians 18^th October

What skill do you have that you could boast about?

Why is Paul so critical of the men he calls ‘those dogs’?

There are people today who want to add to the gospel and preach Jesus plus something else. What should be our attitude to such people and their message?

How can a church stay on message and avoid the danger of being sidetracked?

Are there things that you place your confidence in that are wrong?

Paul had great religious credentials. What did he think they were ultimately worth and why?

According to Paul, what is the secret of a successful life?

What prize is Paul racing for?

Who do you look to as an example of Christian living?

Who are the ‘enemies of the cross’ today?

What does it mean to be a citizen of heaven?

What do you look forward to most when you think of heaven?

If you had to compare your life in Christ to a track race, where would you be: Sitting on the sidelines? Warming up? At the starting blocks? Giving it your all

Discovering Philippians 1^st November

What is the best thing that happened to you this week?

How does Paul advise the Philippians to deal with conflict and disagreement?

How can we work with people with whom we disagree?

What do you do to relieve stress from worry in your life?

Does Paul have different advice?

How does what we think about affect how we feel?

How does what we think about affect our relationship with God?

Looking at verse 8, what can you think about that fits these characteristics?

What is Paul’s secret of contentment (v10-13)?

How does Paul’s view compare with that of the modern world?

What is Paul’s attitude to giving and receiving (v15-19)?

Can Paul’s attitude help us to be better givers and receivers?

Does St Barnabas talk about money and financial giving enough and in a helpful way?

Is there one thing from these studies in Philippians that you especially want to apply in your life

or in our church?

What situations in your life are you feeling insecure about? Can verses 13 and 19 help you?

What need to do you have right now that you would like God to meet?

Questions from Philippians Crossway Bible Guide by Ian Coffey and NIV Serendipity Bible.