Northwest Gospel Church - Camas/Washougal

Philippians 4:10-13 | Ben Potloff | Here, Paul discusses the way that the Lord has provided for him in times of need, both through the church in Philippi and through His nearness. In verse 10, readers see Paul discussing how the church’s concern for him has been revived as they had an opportunity to care for him. He continues to discuss throughout the later three verses how the Lord has provided for him by bringing him the contentment that is only found in Jesus! We may not currently find ourselves in a similar situation to Paul (arrested for sharing the gospel) but we all know the trials and temptations that life in our world can bring. Like Paul, let us learn to cast our eyes to Jesus to whom all our joy and contentment can be found.

MAIN IDEA

The secret to contentment is the strength Christ provides.

OUTLINE

I. Concern for others is praiseworthy (v. 10)

II. Contentment in Christ is possible (vv. 11-13

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Paul rejoices in the concern the Philippians had for him and his needs. What are some of the needs around you in your church family and community? How does the gospel compel us to want to meet those needs? 

2. The secret to contentment is the strength Christ provides. What areas of your life do you feel the most discontentment? How does Christ provide strength to fight that and be content in Him?

3. Why is the “if only” (see below) approach to life a lie? How is Christ better? 

— “If only I had _____________, I’d be  happy/fulfilled/content.”

Philippians 4:2-9 | Ben Potloff | Joy and peace often seem to be a package deal. Like inseparable friends, one is seldom seen without the other. In fact, they even start looking alike after a while. There they are, side by side, in Paul’s list of spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22), and, just as he suggests, they both wave invitingly to us from the lives of those we admire most, as we see in Philippians 4:2-9.

MAIN IDEA

In Christ, we seek unity, rejoice, and know peace.

OUTLINE

I. Christians are to seek unity in the Lord (vv. 2-3, 5)

II. 2. Christians are to rejoice in the Lord (v. 4)

III. Christians are to exchange worry for prayer and pure thoughts, receiving peace in the Lord (vv. 6-9)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. The conflict mentioned in verse 2 was likely affecting more than just those directly involved. How have the conflicts of others in the church impacted you or others? Why is this kind of conflict so impactful?

2. What command from verses 4-7 is most challenging to you? Why?

3. How is prayer an antidote to anxiety in the Christian life? What prevents you from praying more regularly and genuinely?

Philippians 3:17-4:1 | Ben Potloff | Multiple times in the New Testament, Paul refers to the Christian’s citizenship in heaven. Those who are citizens of God’s kingdom are welcomed into his family, given grace, and united together with him. Citizens of the Kingdom of God have different, allegiances, live for a different purpose, and live differently than the citizens of the Kingdom of Darkness. Paul describes those in the Kingdom of Darkness as those who live in sin and unrepentance; they are enslaved to their appetites, celebrating shameful sin, and serving the things of the world. Unlike them, citizens of heaven may reside on earth but their allegiance is to God in heaven. This is the God who is sovereign over all things and in whom we eagerly await his return and redemption of our broken souls and bodies. Until that day, Paul encourages us to stand firm in our faith against the influences of the world remembering to whom we belong.

MAIN IDEA

We live in light of Christ’s return.

OUTLINE

I. A mind set on earth brings destruction. (vv. 18-19)

II. A mind set on heaven brings hope. (vv. 20-21)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Who is someone you have imitated or ought to imitate in ways related to the Christian life? What qualities make them worth following?

2. When you think about people following your example as a Christian, how do you respond? Does it make you cringe, hesitate, or dodge it entirely?

3. What are areas of your life where you find yourself obliging the appetites of your flesh or tend to have your mind set on earthly things?

4. Paul writes that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). How does remembering this truth bring us comfort when we live differently from the rest of the world?

5. Paul encourages Christians to “stand firm in the Lord.” Examining your own life, where are you currently struggling to stand firm in the Lord? What is the cause? What can your community do to help you stand firm?

Philippians 3:12-16 | Gavin Hesse | Running for the health of it is one thing; running for first place is still another. However, we can look at this passage as one running for their very lives. People facing the fury of a huge storm in a disaster movie don’t go back into their house for the heirloom dining set as the tidal wave approaches their city. They leave all possessions that would weigh them down for the chance at safety. Likewise, soldiers in war do not casually stroll across open spaces hoping that the other side has poor aim. They sprint towards their objective from cover to cover with nerves and senses alert to avoid a fatal shot. Surely, a man chased by wolves in the snowy mountains does not stop to number the jaws barking at his heels. No, he hoofs it with all possible haste towards shelter. The prize is life itself. Giving up the race is to accept death.

MAIN IDEA

Through Jesus, we will reach Jesus.

OUTLINE

I. Press for the prize. (v. 12-14)

II. Your race is not run alone. (v. 15-16)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Discuss what it means that Christ Jesus has made us his own (Philippians 1:12). How then do we "make Christ our own"?

2. What is Paul talking about when he mentions the “prize of the upward call of God”? How has popular Christian culture misunderstood what the “prize” of eternity is?

3. According to this passage, how do we grow in spiritual maturity? What is the mindset of a mature believer?

4. In what kinds of moments do you find it hard to endure or to hold on to the truth?

5. How can lifting our eyes to Jesus change how we "press on"?

Philippians 3:1-11 | Ben Potloff | What do we consider as “surpassing worth” in our lives? According to Paul, following Jesus not only involved giving up our self-earned “righteousness,” but embracing a life of suffering, death, and resurrection. Is it worth it? Paul argues that knowing Jesus is the only thing of “surpassing worth.” Is Jesus worth it to you?

MAIN IDEA

Faith in self is worthless, faith in Christ is worth everything.

OUTLINE

I. Gaining righteousness by the law is loss. (vv. 1-7a)

II. Gaining righteousness by faith is life. (vv.7b-11)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why was Paul’s resumé rubbish compared to Christ? 

2. Why do you think we are prone to seek self-justification? How does this creep into your Christian life? 

3. How would focusing on Christ’s surpassing worth change your daily life? How would it give you more joy? 

4. We are tempted to find our identity in what we do instead of what Christ has done. How does that happen in your life?

5. How can you make it your aim to know Christ more this week?

Philippians 2:19-30 | Ben Potloff | Who doesn’t appreciate a good example? Anyone faced with an important or complicated task can see the value in an example. Elementary-age kids are given examples of good handwriting as they learn. Parents show teenagers how to parallel park before turning them loose on the streets of Clark County. In Philippians 2:19-30, the Apostle Paul offers two good examples for us. After reveling in the humility of Christ (Philippians 2:1-11) and the implications of this humility on the Christian life (Philippians 2:12-18), Paul now presents Timothy and Epaphroditus, two of his gospel co-workers, as examples of service and humility that the Philippians ought to emulate.

MAIN IDEA

Honor in the Lord those you see the Lord in.

OUTLINE

I. Timothy, a son of proven worth who served selflessly. (vv. 19-24)

II. Epaphroditus, a brother worthy of honor who risked his life. (vv. 25-30)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In this passage, we see examples in Timothy and Epaphroditus of the humility and selflessness Paul has been calling the Philippians to. Who is someone in your life who is an example to you of Christlike humility and selflessness? 

2. Paul discipled Timothy. Paul and Epaphroditus discipled and served together. What discipleship relationships do you have in your life? Who is discipling you? Who are you discipling? Why do you think these kinds of relationships are important in the Christian life? 

3. Sam Crabtree, in his book, Practicing Affirmation, says: “God is glorified in us when we affirm the work he has done and is doing in others.” How can you affirm Christlikeness in those around you? Why do you think we don’t do this very often?

Philippians 2:12-18 | Ben Potloff | This week, even when it’s uncomfortable, allow God’s word to reveal the places of grumbling and arguing in your heart. Pray that the Lord will give you contentment and love for the life and people that he’s given you.

MAIN IDEA

We work out the life that God works within.

OUTLINE

I. A Christian’s call is to work out their salvation. (vv. 12, 14-15)

II. A Christian’s confidence is that God is working in them. (v. 13, 16a)

III. A Christian’s costly growth is cause for rejoicing. (vv. 16b-18)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In what ways are we called to “shine as lights in the world”? How do you think not “grumbling or disputing” is a witness to the world around us? How can you grow in this area?

2. What are the errors we can fall into if we do not read verses 12 and 13 together but in isolation? Which error are you prone to fall into? 

3. Paul was willing to do whatever is cost for the faith and joy of the Christians in Philippi. Are you willing to pour yourself out for God and for others? What holds you back? How is ultimate joy found in this kind of life? 

Philippians 2:1-11 | Ben Potloff | God wants his people to be unified, and now more than ever in our current context it seems like we can find a million petty reasons to be divided even in the church. The opening of Philippians 2 challenges our worldly loves, preferences, and opinions, and it confronts us with the work of the God-man.

MAIN IDEA

Unity in Christ leads to humility like Christ which brings glory to Christ.

OUTLINE

I. In Christ we have unity that is expressed in selfless humility. (vv. 1-4)

II. In Christ we have the mind and the motive to live like Him. (vv. 5-11)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Paul calls for the Christians to have unity in conviction (core beliefs of the faith) and in affection (caring for one another). Which of these do you struggle to practice in your own Christian life? Why do you think that is? 

2. In the sermon, Ben shared this quote: “The essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less.” Do you agree? Why or why not? 

3. In what areas of your life is it most difficult to live with humility and selflessness? How might the gospel impact these areas? 

4. How should the reality that Christ is Lord impact your daily life?

Philippians 1:18b-30 | Ben Potloff | Paul’s letter to the Philippians confronts us with this truth as he declares that in life or death, there is only one thing that matters: Jesus Christ. If Paul lives, it will be for Christ. If he dies, it will be for Christ whom he will meet face to face. Nothing else is more supreme. We find this tension in our soul as we wish to declare the same but also have many “loves” that are not Christ. However, knowing and loving Christ at this level is the only antidote for suffering and source of eternal joy.

MAIN IDEA

To live is Christ, to die is gain.

OUTLINE

I. Paul’s life is about honoring Christ and serving others. (vv. 18b-21a, 22, 24-26)

II. Paul’s death doesn’t scare him because it will lead to being with Christ. (21b, 23)

III. Paul’s command is to live fearlessly for Christ, knowing suffering brings assurance. (vv. 27-30)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What did Paul view as the purpose of his life? What is your life’s aim and purpose? How does the gospel move you away from selfishness and toward God and others?

2. Paul viewed life and death as a “win-win” scenario and he was “hard pressed between the two.” How do you view death? Why are we as Christians sometimes fearful of death? 

3. How might the reality of death as gain because of Christ impact your day-to-day life?

4. What would it look like in our group to “strive side by side for the faith of the gospel”? Why do we need each other in order to live fearlessly for Christ?

Philippians 1:12-18a | Ben Potloff | When we look at the work of our hands and the days before us, it’s easy to lose sight of these two things; gospel work and the hope of eternity. It is both a discipline and an act of grace to be able to look up from our “today” and see where the Lord is working. May he give us those eyes today and may it fill us with joy to see and know Christ’s work in and through us right now.

MAIN IDEA

We rejoice in Christ proclaimed, come what may.

OUTLINE

I. Even when there is an attempt to block the gospel, it spreads broadly and is proclaimed boldly. (vv. 12-14)

II. Even when messengers are fake, the message of Christ proclaimed brings joy, (vv. 15-18a)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. As human beings we are all searching for deep and lasting joy. Where are you tempted to find joy outside of Christ and how have those things failed to deliver the joy you long for?

2. Read the passage again. What gave Paul true joy even though he was in prison? How would this change your life and perspective if your source of joy was the same as Paul’s? 

3. Ben shared this quote by Pastor Steve Lawson in the sermon: “No matter what hard place in which we may find ourselves, God can use us to advance his word in that very situation. You are not where you are by accident. You are where you are by divine appointment, for the purposes of sharing the gospel.” How might this perspective change your attitude toward where God has you right now? What opportunities do you have, even in the hard situations you face, to share the gospel with those around you? 

4. In the sermon, Ben asked, “What if we were so secure and satisfied in Christ that we found great joy when He is glorified and proclaimed, no matter who does it or who gets the credit?” Do you ever struggle with envy and selfishness as you serve in the church? What does that reveal about your motives for serving? How is Christ proclaimed a better and more satisfying motive?