Passage: Philippians 2:5-11

Questions:

What are the negative connotations connected with being humble? If Jesus humbled himself then what are the positive aspects of being humble that we ignore?

When you think of Jesus being divine, how do you see him in relation to the Father and the Spirit? How does their relationship inform how we are to relate to one another?

The day will come when every knee will bow to Jesus. What does that mean and how can we bend the knee to Jesus in this life? Why is it hard to do that sometimes?

Discussion:

As a group, what are some ways you can humble yourselves together and serve someone outside the group?

Jesus’ entire life was a sacrifice of giving up glory and coming to earth for us. Talk about a time when someone made a major sacrifice for you. How did you respond to that and how do you respond when called upon to sacrifice for others?

Passage: Philippians 2:1-4

Questions:

In verse 1 Paul asks what is really a rhetorical question about encouragement, comfort, love, the Spirit, affection and sympathy. He knows they have all experienced these things. What are ways in which you have experienced any of these as a part of the Body of Christ?

Why does Paul find joy in the church having the same mind, being united, with the same love? What makes it difficult for us to experience that kind of unity today?

For Roman culture humility was seen as a character flaw, not a virtue. How would you define humility and what makes it difficult for us to be humble?

When have you seen followers of Christ look out not only for their own interests but those of others as well?

How can unity and caring for one another have an impact on reaching people who do not yet follow Jesus?

Passage: Philippians 1:27-30

Questions:

What does a life worthy of the Gospel look like in our culture today?

How can you live a provocative life that actually attracts people to

Jesus?

Paul urges Christians to stand firm, side by side, with one mind, for

the sake of the Gospel. How would you define the gospel for someone who

does not know Jesus?

What impact does unity or disunity in the church have on the ministry

of the Gospel? Are there things we can legitimately disagree on yet still be

united? What are they?

How does Paul’s view of suffering differ from the view of our culture?

How have you unknowingly bought into the cultural view?

Discussion:

Talk about a time when you did suffer and were drawn closer to

Christ.

Passage: Phillipians 1:12-26

Questions

Why do you think Paul is able to view death as something he looks

forward to just as much as living?

How has following Jesus impacted your understanding of death and

the way you approach it?

How would you describe Paul’s mission in life and how did that

impact his approach to life and death?

Do you have a mission statement for your own life or at least a reason

why you are here and what you hope to accomplish before you die?

How much weight does Paul put on the value of prayer? Does prayer

come easy to you or does it require discipline and effort on your part?

Discussion

Share ways in which you have grown in your prayer life and areas

of struggle. The goal is to help one another develop a more robust prayer life.

Questions

What does verse 6 tell you about your relationship with God?

How does that understanding impact the way you live?

In Verse 9, what does Paul pray would be evident in the lives of the Philippians?

What would a church look like that exhibited those qualities?

What can you do differently to promote them?

How does verse 10 strike you, especially the part about being blameless?

What would a blameless life look like?

How do you respond to your own failures at being blameless?

Passage: Jonah 3 and 4

Questions for thought

Why in our culture is it believed that it is incorrect to share our faith in Christ with others? How should we share it?

How do we recognize the depth of our sin and brokenness and our need for Jesus daily?

Why is it incorrect for us to wish retribution on our enemies? What does it look like to extend grace even to someone you think doesn't deserve it?

As Christians, how do we look past the outward appearance of others and address (embrace) their heart towards God?

Passage: Jonah 1:17- 2:10

Questions for thought

What is God doing in your life to get your attention? Are you listening or going to the "bottom of the boat"?

Why do we find it hard to believe that Jonah survived in a fish for 3 days, but we do not question the resurrection of Jesus?

How important is God's grace in your life so that it changes your interactions with others?

Why do we need the ten Commandments even after the crucifiction and resurrection of Jesus?

Passage: Jonah 1:1-16

Questions for thought

Why is Jonah running away? What are the things Gad is calling you to do, but you are running from them?

What is preventing you from doing the things God is calling you to do?

Why is it easy to forget that you are made in God's image? that your neighbor is also? and so is your enemy?

Why are we God's enemy before we are saved?

Passage: Matthew 4:17-22

Questions for thought

In your daily life, what does it mean to be a "fisher of men"?

Why are we afraid to share the gospel with others? How do you share it and what should it look like?

Have we truly grasped what Jesus has done for us that we want to share it with others?

When did the disciples come to a saving faith in Christ? When did they become disciples? How does being a follower of Jesus impact __________? (different area of your life)

How can you intentionally connect with others to share the Love of Jesus?

Passage: Matthew 4:17-22

Questions for thought

How can I be that person living for Jesus and lead another person to a knowing faith in Him?

How do I follow Jesus close enough to be just like Him?

Why does fear cause us to focus on enemies that are not real? Why does Satan want us to live in fear? How can we be courageous in the face of that fear?

What is the proper way to be obedient to God?