Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18
Summary: Joy flows from your salvation and it takes work in order to experience it every day.
Main Thought: Joy takes work
Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here):
- What are some of the things you have done to find joy? How successful were you at finding joy?
- Have you ever had trouble finding joy? What happened?
Going Deeper:
- What does Paul mean in Philippians 2:12 when he says, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling?”
- Pastor Kirk spoke about salvation involving three theological concepts, what are they? How would you define them? Which theological concept most relates to what Paul is saying in Philippians 2:12?
- How does sanctification relate to our search for more joy?
- According to Philippians 2:14-16 how do we become “blameless and pure” and shining “among them like stars in the sky”? How are you doing at putting into practice the things you identified? Do you find these things easy or difficult?
- What does Paul say in Philippians 2:17 brings him joy (causes him to be glad and rejoice)? What does it mean to be “poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith”? Have you experienced something like this and discovered joy? Share your story.
Apply it:
- What are you doing to work out your salvation? Share with the group one thing you will do between now and your next meeting to continue to work out your salvation. When you meet next, report back on how things went and whether you discovered joy in the process.
- As a group discuss serving together somewhere in the community or in the church in order to discover if serving others actually does lead to joy. What could your group do together? Create a plan.
Pray without ceasing:
- Pray for Seamless Link Partners Curtis & Tricia as they serve in Mexico City and on “the Island.”
- Pray for the Interwoven Missions Trip team who are going out from Living Hope to Greece in order to serve the children of International Workers in the Silk Road and Desert Sand regions and help them work out their salvation.
