Finding Joy in Your Relationships
Pastor Kirk, October 14, 2018
Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11
Summary: When you live a Christ-centered life you can see yourself clearly, you can see others clearly and you can see the path to forward to unity clearly. Joy flows from unity.
Main Thought: A Christ-centered life leads to unity and joy.
Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here):
Pastor Kirk said that he believes Christians should be the most joy-filled people in the world. Do you believe this is true? Why or why not? Is there any biblical support of this idea, either for or against?
Going Deeper:
- Paul writes, “if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ.” Have you ever felt encouraged because of your union with Christ? If so, describe your experience.
- What does Paul mean when he speaks in verse 1 of having a “common sharing in the Spirit”? In another letter (Romans 8:11) Paul writes that the same Spirit that was in Jesus is in you. What are the implications of this on your relationships?
- What does “being like-minded” mean? How does “being like-minded” lead to unity and joy?
- Philippians 2:3-4 speaks of looking out for the interests of others as well as yourself, what Pastor Kirk referred to as mutual submission. Define mutual submission. What would it look like in this group if each of you practiced mutual submission? What would be different?
- Philippians 2:6-11 is a hymn about Jesus. Pastor Kirk asked us to consider why Paul included this hymn. Why did he include the hymn in the letter in general? Why did he include the hymn immediately after speaking about unity? Share your thoughts.
- Philippians 2:5 introduces the hymn by saying “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” What does the hymn reveal about Jesus’s mindset in relationships? What are the implications for you and your relationships?
Apply it:
- What has Holy Spirit been speaking to you about from this week’s sermon? What does he want you to do?
- Is there an area of your life that is not Christ-centered? What do you need to do to change that this week?
- Do you have a relationship that is troubled? What do you need to do this week to begin to move things toward unity?
Pray without ceasing:
- Pray for the upcoming Global Leadership Summit, that those who are far from God will hear the Gospel for the first time and respond and those who are near to God will be inspired to lead and influence those around them.
