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Study Guide: Joy, Love, Discernment, and Trust

Key Themes:

• The Source of Joy: True, lasting, triumphant joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a fruit of the Spirit and derived from a relationship with God. It is possible to experience joy even in difficult or despairing situations.
• God's Work in Believers: Salvation is a divine work of grace started by God. He is committed to completing this work in believers, helping them grow to be more like Jesus through a gradual process.
• The Centrality of Love: Love is presented as the most comprehensive and central element of Christian life. Christian actions and activities, while potentially useful, lack true depth and power without being driven by love. Paul's love for the Philippians is described as deep, genuine, inclusive, and rooted in Christ.
• Growing in Knowledge and Discernment: Alongside growing in love, believers are encouraged to grow in knowledge and depth of insight. This growth helps them understand God's values and discern what is best, enabling them to make good choices and avoid repeating mistakes. Discernment is also crucial for effectively loving and ministering to others.
• Living a God-Glorifying Life: Growing in love, knowledge, and discernment leads to living a life that is pure, blameless, and glorifies God consistently, not just on Sundays. This way of living serves as a "north star" for navigating the world.
• Trust in God: The source material emphasizes the importance of trusting God, not only for personal needs but also by observing how He works in the lives of others. This builds confidence in His ability to act. God is trustworthy and always hears and answers when sought.
• Preparation for Christ's Return: Believers are encouraged to prepare themselves for Christ's return, not through personal effort alone, but by allowing God to make them their "very best" through Him. This readiness is likened to a bride waiting for her groom.

Quiz:

1. According to the source material, where does the most lasting and satisfying joy come from?
2. What is the speaker's view on experiencing joy when circumstances are difficult?
3. How is God's work of completion in a believer described?
4. What is identified as the most comprehensive and central element in Christian life?
5. Why is love considered essential for Christian actions to be truly meaningful?
6. Paul's love for the Philippians is described as being rooted in what?
7. Besides love, what two other things are believers encouraged to grow in for discernment?
8. How does growing in knowledge and insight help a believer?
9. How does living a life of discernment and righteousness affect how a believer is found at the "day of Christ"?
10. What is emphasized as a way to build trust in God, besides His actions in one's own life?

Discussion Questions:

1. Analyze the relationship between joy and circumstances as presented in the source material, citing specific examples or descriptions.
2. Discuss the concept of God's ongoing work in believers after salvation, explaining the metaphor used and the implications for personal growth.
3. Evaluate the significance of love in Christian life according to the speaker, contrasting actions done with and without love.
4. Explain how growing in knowledge and discernment, as described in the source, contributes to both a believer's personal life and their ability to minister to others.
5. Articulate the ways in which the source material encourages believers to prepare for Christ's return and how this preparation relates to God's work in them.

This sermon series focuses on the interesting and exciting concept of having the mind of Christ.

Pastor Chuck introduces Paul, the author of the letter to the Philippians, who began as Saul, a brutal Jewish Pharisee who persecuted followers of Jesus. His transformation to humility and faith came after a powerful encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. During his second missionary journey, Paul helped establish a church in Philippi, where his first converts notably included a woman, a slave girl, and a Gentile, a contrast to his former prayers; despite being jailed with Silas after healing the slave girl, their singing led to a miraculous release and the conversion of the jailer.

Writing from a Roman jail 800 miles away, Paul deeply loved the Philippian church and found joy in remembering them due to their partnership in the gospel. Paul, described as a dynamic missionary, church planter, preacher, evangelist, theologian, teacher, speaker, and prolific author, believedthe truth about Jesus is all-inclusive, offering freedom and eternal life to everyone, and that accepting Jesus brings the Holy Spirit, providing new power, understanding, sensitivity to sin, joy, and confidence .

A central theme highlighted is Paul's confidence in Philippians 1:6, stating "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus," emphasizing that God doesn't quit or give upon the work He starts in believers, and the spiritual life is a journey of growing more like Jesus, requiring a willingness to take the next step .

Believers are seen as partners with Paul in God's work, called to reach out to the community through acts of kindness, love, generosity, and selflessness, which glorify God . The sermon concludes by stressing the importance of praying for the church and one another, noting that praying for others can increase personal joy, and provides the application to pray for this church and pray for one another .

Growing Towards Christlike Completion: Study Guide Quiz

Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.

1. Who was Paul before he became a follower of Jesus, and what was his initial attitude towards Christians?
2. Describe the event that led to Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.
3. Who were the first three people Paul converted in Philippi, and why is this significant according to the source?
4. Where was Paul when he wrote the letter to the Philippians, and what was his emotional state regarding the church?
5. What is meant by the phrase "having the mind of Christ"?
6. What did Paul pray for daily as a Pharisee, according to the source?
7. How does the source describe the partnership ("koinonia") that Paul shared with the Philippian church?
8. What does Paul mean when he writes, "I long for all of you with the affection of Jesus Christ"?
9. According to the source, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life?
10. What is the main point of the passage in Philippians 1:6, according to the sermon?

Discussion Questions

1. Analyze the transformation of Paul from Saul and its implications for personal change and spiritual growth, drawing specific examples from the source.
2. Discuss the significance of the Philippian church's beginnings with a woman, a slave, and a Gentile, and how this challenges traditional religious perspectives as presented in the source.
3. Explore the concept of "partnership in the gospel" (koinonia) as described in the source, detailing its various dimensions and why it was so important to Paul.
4. Examine the source's interpretation of Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus," and discuss its implications for a believer's confidence and ongoing spiritual development.
5. Discuss the various roles and accomplishments attributed to Paul in the source (missionary, church planter, preacher, etc.) and how these demonstrate his commitment to Christ after his conversion.

• Mind of Christ: Thinking the way Jesus thinks, reflecting his thoughts and perspectives.
• Pharisee: A member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of traditional and written law. Saul (Paul) was a Pharisee.
• Damascus: The city Paul was traveling to when he had his encounter with the resurrected Jesus.
• Philippi: A city Paul visited during his second missionary journey, where he planted a church.
• Lydia: The first woman Paul converted in Philippi, who was meeting with other women for prayer by the river.
• Divination: The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. The enslaved girl in Philippi had this power.
• Human Trafficking: The illegal movement of people, typically for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation. The enslaved girl in Philippi was a victim of this.
• Jailer: The person responsible for overseeing the prison. The jailer in Philippi was converted after the earthquake that freed Paul and Silas.
• Gentile: A person who is not Jewish.
• Overseers and Deacons: Leaders and servants within a church who help manage its affairs and ministries.
• Roman Jail: Where Paul was imprisoned when he wrote the letter to the Philippians.
• Prolific Author: Someone who produces a large amount of written work. Paul is described as this.
• Itinerate Speaker: Someone who travels around giving speeches. Paul is described as this.
• Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity, described in the source as providing new power, ability to understand, sensitivity to sin, accountability, joy, confidence, and ability to trust in Jesus.

• Partnership in the Gospel (Koinonia): Working together with others on the mission of sharing the good news of Christ, described as being "in the same boat."
• Christlike Completion: The process of growing to become more like Jesus, which God will see through to the end in a believer's life.

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Worship at Born: Study Guide

This study guide covers the provided excerpts from "Worship at Born," focusing on key themes, figures, and biblical references discussed during the service.

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. What is the significance of the reference to the "Lion of Judah" in the initial worship portion?
2. Explain the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and its connection to the song "Trust in God."
3. How is the concept of God never failing demonstrated through the story of the "fourth man in the fire"?
4. What is the name of the book of the Bible the sermon series focuses on, and who wrote it?
5. According to the speaker, what is happening in culture regarding God's word, and what is the danger of this trend?
6. Where was the apostle Paul (Saul) born, and what was the academic reputation of this city?
7. What was Saul's familial background, particularly his father's profession and their religious identity?
8. Who was Gamaliel, and what was Saul's relationship with him?
9. Describe Saul's initial attitude and actions towards the early followers of Jesus.
10. How does the speaker contrast the "Paul of retribution and law" with the "Paul of grace and peace"?

Consider the following questions and prepare a detailed response for each. Do not provide answers.

1. Analyze the shift in Paul's identity and mission as described in the sermon. How does his transformation from Saul to Paul, including his newfound pride in being a "servant," illustrate key theological concepts discussed in the sermon?
2. Examine the role of suffering and difficulty in the Christian life as presented in the sermon, using Paul's experiences as examples. How does the speaker address the common misconception that hardship indicates a lack of God's favor?
3. Discuss the importance of the book of Philippians and Paul's writings to the understanding of Jesus Christ, as articulated by the speaker. How does Paul's detailed recording of Jesus' work contribute to the Christian faith?
4. Explore the significance of grace and peace as central themes in the message, particularly in contrast to Paul's earlier focus on law and retribution. How are grace and peace connected to receiving Jesus and living a life that honors God?
5. Analyze the speaker's use of biblical narratives (e.g., Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Stephen, the Philippian jailer) to illustrate broader points about faith, trust, and God's power. How do these stories support the sermon's overall message?

Study Guide: The Mind of Christ (Part 1)

Ice Breaker (10-15 minutes)•Share about a time you had a significant change in perspective about something you were once very passionate about (it could be about a hobby, a belief, a job, etc.). What caused that shift?

Sermon Discussion (45-60 minutes)Introduction to the Series: Why Study the Mind of Christ?

1.According to the sermon, what is the primary goal of studying the Mind of Christ?

2.How can understanding the Mind of Christ help us live lives with "meaning and value and purpose"?

3.The sermon suggests that even small actions done while living for Jesus can have a "big impact" and "lasting change". Can you think of an example of this from your own life or someone you know?

The Author: From Saul to Paul

1.Before his conversion, what aspects of Saul's background and status were highlighted as being very important to him? (Consider his family, education, and position).

2.Why was Saul initially so opposed to and "furious" about the followers of Jesus? What term did he use for them?

3.What was Saul's role in and reaction to the stoning of Stephen? How did this event seem to affect his future actions?

The Damascus Road Encounter & Transformation

1.Describe what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus based on the sermon.

2.When Jesus asked, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?", what did He reveal about His connection to His followers? What does it mean for us today that believers are considered "Christ's body"?

3.The sermon mentions that Jesus "doesn't take kindly to people messing with us". How does this understanding affect how you view the challenges or difficulties that Christians might face?

Ministry, Hardship, and the Philippian Context

1.The sermon notes that Paul faced significant hardships (shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, etc.) after his conversion. What caution does the speaker give regarding how we sometimes judge Christian leaders or others going through difficult times?

2.What is significant about the first three people recorded as being saved in Philippi (Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer)? How does the sermon contrast this with an ancient Jewish prayer?

Philippians 1:1-2: Servants, Grace, and Peace

1.In Philippians 1:1, Paul introduces himself and Timothy as "servants". Why is this title presented as Paul's "most proud" title? How does this compare to his previous status and accomplishments?

2.Paul offers "grace and peace". How does the sermon describe "grace"?

3.How does the sermon describe "peace" ("shalom") in this context?

4.How does the sermon explain the connection between receiving grace and being able to receive peace?

5.The sermon highlights Paul's transformation from someone primarily focused on "law and retribution" to someone focused on "grace and peace". What does this transformation teach us about the power of encountering Jesus?

Application (5-10 minutes)1.Reflect on Paul's dramatic transformation. How can his story encourage you in areas of your own life where God might be calling you to change your perspective or beliefs?

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00:00 - A message about forever being changed

01:14 - We Lift Our Banner to God

05:41 - Psalm 1070

9:31 - Prayer for the Sick

16:24 - An Anchor for Others

19:12 - SERMON The Story of the Tomb

30:25 - Peace on Earth

40:34 - Wash Each Other's Feet

41:48 - Thomas the Disbeliever

48:36 - SONG Hosanna

53:46 - Post-sermon

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In his sermon, Chuck reflects on the miraculous resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing it as the greatest miracle that underscores all other miracles. He describes the significance of this event, noting that even Jesus’ closest followers were initially caught off guard by His resurrection. Through personal testimony, Chuck shares how the transformative power of Jesus has had a profound impact on his life, lifting the weight of sin and filling him with hope and joy. He urges the congregation to recognize not only the miracles but also the miracle worker — Jesus Himself — and encourages believers to understand the depth of God's love for them.Chuck goes on to examine the encounter of Mary Magdalene with the risen Jesus, depicting her initial grief and confusion transformed into joy upon recognizing Him. He draws a parallel between their interaction and the idea of God's love manifesting in challenging times. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of community and love among believers, urging them to support one another in a world that often seeks to isolate and break people apart. The sermon culminates in an invitation for individuals who have not yet accepted Jesus to reconsider, offering a message of redemption and the promise of new life through faith in Him.

Five Day Devotional https://page.church.tech/2bccf825

Study Guide https://page.church.tech/0d8d7ae4

In his sermon, Chuck reflects on the miraculous resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing it as the greatest miracle that underscores all other miracles. He describes the significance of this event, noting that even Jesus’ closest followers were initially caught off guard by His resurrection. Through personal testimony, Chuck shares how the transformative power of Jesus has had a profound impact on his life, lifting the weight of sin and filling him with hope and joy. He urges the congregation to recognize not only the miracles but also the miracle worker — Jesus Himself — and encourages believers to understand the depth of God's love for them.Chuck goes on to examine the encounter of Mary Magdalene with the risen Jesus, depicting her initial grief and confusion transformed into joy upon recognizing Him. He draws a parallel between their interaction and the idea of God's love manifesting in challenging times. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of community and love among believers, urging them to support one another in a world that often seeks to isolate and break people apart. The sermon culminates in an invitation for individuals who have not yet accepted Jesus to reconsider, offering a message of redemption and the promise of new life through faith in Him.

This podcast is created using AI. Our AI Policy is found at www.born.church

This episode discusses and summarizes the April 13, 2025 sermon which explains the significance of the cross in Born Church tradition, noting its periodic removal to prevent it from becoming commonplace. It emphasizes that the cross serves as a vital symbol of Jesus' sacrifice and saving act, particularly highlighted during Good Friday when it is returned to a prominent position. The sermon connects this symbolism to Jesus' difficult journey towards the cross, illustrated by the raising of Lazarus, which accelerated opposition from religious leaders. Furthermore, it broadens the theme to God's power to bring about "reversal" in people's lives, offering hope and restoration in times of struggle, and concludes by reflecting on Jesus' own "rough ride" into Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing his humble and peaceful kingship despite the hardships he faced.

This podcast is created using AI. Our AI Policy is found at www.born.church