Monday, November 18, 2013

11/17: "The Gift of One Another" (Philippians 2:1-4)

1. What are the gifts that we receive from our "participation in the Spirit?" How does our participation with one another also share these gifts and encouragement?




2. According to v. 3, how are we to think about others? How do we foster this mindset?




3. Paul says, "in humility count others more significant than yourselves." What does this look like? How do we meet our own needs and desires while also trying to meet the needs of others?




4. According to Penny, what is the "paradox of sacrifice?" How is Jesus' sacrifice a paradox? How does Christ's sacrifice compel us to serve one another and instill in us a mindset that is willing to sacrifice for one another?

Monday, November 11, 2013

11/10: "Gospel Civics 101" (Philippians 1:27-30)

1.  What message is at the heart of Paul's teaching in Philippians? Why is it so vital that we remember our identity in Christ?





2.  How have we become citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven? How should our status as citizens of Heaven motivate us and drive our behavior?





3.  What are two ways that we can know that we are living as citizens of God's Kingdom? What obstacles frequently stand in the way of thinking of ourselves as united with one another?





4.  What is the common goal of all believers? How do we "striv[e] side by side for the faith of the gospel"?





5.  Are there things that have previously, or currently, distracted you or prevented you from seeing this union with other believers who were different in some way? How have the Gospel and the Church transformed you and helped you to overcome these distractions?