Sermon Discussion Guide - Partners in the Gospel

What was the best part of your week, and what was the hardest?

Pray for one another before moving on. If it fits, read Psalm 133:1 out loud together and thank God for the gift of doing life together.

Accountability

Last week we talked about trusting God with our scars. Did anyone take a step with that? Tell us how it went.

How did it go with the goal you set last week? If it hasn't happened yet, say so. No shame here. We just want to keep moving.

Ask with care and encouragement, not like a quiz. One story of how it went does more for the room than any reminder.

Before anyone opens a Bible, pray together. The leader prays first, out loud. Then invite two or three others to pray too. We are not here for information. God speaks, and we are expecting him to speak tonight.

Here is a simple prayer the leader can pray or say in their own words:

Holy Spirit, come. We want to hear from you tonight. Speak to each of us as we read your Word. Make us partners in what you are doing, not just listeners. Give us courage to do what you show us. We are listening. Amen.

Setting the Scene

(read this to the group before you read the passage)

Paul is writing this letter from prison in Rome, about ten years after he started the church in Philippi. Philippi was a proud Roman city, and the believers there had stood by Paul the whole time with money, prayer, and friendship. He writes to thank them before he teaches them anything. Notice how much joy is in these first eleven verses, even though Paul is writing from chains.

Now read Philippians 1:1-11 aloud together — twice, slowly. The first time, just listen. The second time, note the one word, phrase, or verse that stands out to you.

HIGHLIGHT

What stands out?

Which word or verse stood out to you? Say it out loud, then tell us why you think it caught your attention.

Leader cue: This first question is usually where most of your time goes, and that's okay. Let it run. If the conversation is alive here, you may not need the Explain questions at all.

EXPLAIN

What does it mean?

In verses 3-5, why does Paul give thanks to God for the Philippians?

What does Paul say God started in verse 6, and who does he say will finish it?

In verses 7-8, how does Paul describe the way he feels about the Philippians?

In verses 9-11, what does Paul ask God to grow in them, and what does he say it will produce?

APPLY

What does it mean for me right now?

Give people a moment to process before anyone answers. Re-reading verses 9-11 quietly is fine. Let the quiet sit.

Where in your life right now are you more of a spectator than a partner?

Who was in the room when God started a work in you? If you're ready, tell us about that person.

Is there a place in your life where you have assumed God gave up on you? What would it change to believe verse 6?

What's one decision this week where you need to choose the best thing instead of just a good thing?

RESPOND

What do I say back to God right now?

What is one honest thing you can say back to God right now about your part in what he is doing?

Take a quiet moment and write one honest sentence about where you are right now: attender, or partner? Nobody has to read it out loud.

Setting Goals

Before you leave, write down one step you will take this week to move from the stands to the field. For example: "I will sign up to serve on one team," or "I will start giving," or "I will invite one person into our group." If that feels like too much, take a smaller step: "I will ask one leader where help is needed." Put it somewhere you will see it again this week. Share this with the group so they can hold you accountable the next time your group meets.

Pray together

Confess to God the places where you have been content to sit in the stands.

Ask the Holy Spirit for courage to take the step you wrote down.

Pray for one person in this room by name, for whatever they are carrying this week.

Leader cue: Keep praying for your group by name this week, and check in privately with anyone who got quiet tonight.