Week 1

Look Back

How did you attempt to show God's love to someone that was different or you don’t agree with this week?

Connect

Share one way that a significant life event (marriage, birth of a child, death of someone close, etc.) changed your perspective and/or priorities.

Look Up

Read Philippians 1:20-26

1. What are some of the things that Paul expects of himself? What are some of his “desires”? What does this say about him as a person?
2. What do you think Paul means when he says “to live is Christ”? What would he define as “fruitful” work or labor? How well does this align with your priorities in life today?
3. What was Paul’s reason for living? Why do you think he felt this way? How would your life be different if you adopted the same attitude?

Read Philippians 1:27-30

1. Paul focuses on his readers more than himself in these verses. What specific things does he tell them to do? What does it mean for us to follow that today?
2. Try to describe in your own words, the image of the “church” that Paul talks about in these verses. What can you do today to live more like this?
3. What warnings does Paul give to his readers? Why do you think he does this and how should we apply this today?
4. Why do you think Paul ends the chapter the way he does? What does this say about him?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

“ To live is Christ, die is gain” It was clear this was more than a mantra for Paul, but a way of life. Its also a call for us all, in how to live our lives. How are you living as Christ, and what fruitful labor is the result? What is one way this call needs to be applied in your life?

Notes

What would the letter say if Paul was writing to us at Salty? Would he see a gathering of followers so sold out for the Gospel , a gathering of people that 6 days a week were living in fruitful labor? Its one thing to know Jesus, its another to go and make Him known, which is the call fro every follower. Paul was a great model of that and just what God can do with a persons life who just says Yes God use me. The world is not short of opportunity, it just needs those ready to labor for the work of the Gospel. Leadership tip As a leader you get the awesome opportunity to spur your group on. Those that are laboring to encourage and support, those that havent begun you get to sheppard and lead to get started. Following Jesus isnt about growing in knowledge as much as it is growing in obedience. Thank you for hearing that call and leading others.