It’s All Good | Week 3
Note to the Leaders:
This discussion guide is a help for you to engage and steer the conversation within your group.
You do not have to read every question; this is just resources for you to move the main idea forward.
Do your best to make the story come to life by asking questions that will spur your group conversations that make this story play come alive and become applicable to their lives.
Week 3 Mind Your Manners
Key Verse: Philippines 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.
Getting Started:
Where are some specific places that we are supposed to be on our best behavior?
What makes these places “special” in regard to how we act?
Diving in:
Read: Philippians 1:27a
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
How is our behavior affected by our circumstances?
What behavior is worthy of the gospel?
As the pastor said sometimes it is difficult to see the beauty of where we are because the chaos of life (a Winnebago) is blocking our view.
Read: Philippians 1:27b-2:2
Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
What unifies us and gives us the ability to stand firm?
We are united in Christ by the Holy Spirit in us. God’s spirit in us fills us with love, tenderness and compassion.
That same Spirit unites us by unifying our purpose.
Read Philippians 2:3-a
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
What is the difference between ambition and selfish ambition? What motivates your action.
What is the difference between confident and conceited?
Our behavior is dictated by our motivation. If we are motivated only by our personal gain, then that behavior is not worthy of the gospel and destroys unity.
Humility is not putting yourself down. Humility is lifting God and others up.
Read Philippians 2:5-8
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
What sticks out about Christ attitude in this verse?
How do these words clarify how our behavior should be that would make it worthy of the Gospel?
How would a relationship between two people benefit if both people have the attitude of Christ?
What’s Your Next Step?
When is the last time you checked your motives for what you are doing?
Is there any necessary adjustments you need to make?
Does your behavior and motives bring other believers together or push them apart?