Philippians 2:12-30
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This is the forth week in our series Joy in Christ: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This sermon is called "Gospel Service"
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect What is one way—this week—you can contribute to our local community being a community of joy?
Warm-Up
- Do you enjoy watching celebrity chef cooking shows?
- After watching the chef prepare the dish, do you feel more confident to give it a go?
Read Philippians 2:12-16
- What does it mean to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? How does this apply to our daily lives as Christians?
- How do we balance personal responsibility in our faith with knowing that God is the one who works in us?
- In what ways have you seen God work in your life to fulfil his good purpose?
- Why do you think Paul emphasizes the importance of doing everything without grumbling or arguing?
- How do you think our behaviour as Christians impacts those around us?
- What does it mean to "shine like stars in the sky"? How can we practically live as lights in the world?
Read Philippians 2:19-24
- How can we develop a genuine concern for the welfare of the people in our community?
- Why do you think Paul contrasts Timothy's selflessness with those who are more concerned about their own interests?
- Who in your life models the selflessness and devotion to Christ that Timothy displayed?
- How had Timothy proven that he was a trustworthy gospel servant? Why is this still important today?
Read Philippians 2:25-30, 17-18
- How does the example of Epaphroditus challenge our views on service, especially when it involves risk or suffering?
- How does Epaphroditus teach us about the cost of true Christian service?
- How can we honour and support those who serve in our church or community?
- What sacrifices can we make for the benefit of others in our lives?
Apply How can you shine like a light in your community this week?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to be selfless and genuinely concerned for the welfare of others, give us the courage to persevere in the face of difficulty and sacrifice and fill us with passion and zeal for the gospel. May we faithfully proclaim the gospel, love others deeply, and bring honour to Your name.. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Front Line this Week
Who are you are going to invite to the Alpha Launch party?
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen: “Incarnation” by Tim Keller:
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/incarnation/ - Listen: “Gospel Mindset” by Pete Wilkinson:
https://stebbes.org/sermons/gospel-mindset/ - Listen: “Gospel Thinking” by William Taylor:
https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/56121/
Series Resources
- Book: “Reading Philippians: A Theological Introduction” by Nijah Kupta
(Available in the Church Library) - Commentary: “Philippians (New Combridge Bible Commentary Series)”: by Mike Bird and Nijay Gupta. (Available in the Church Library)
- Video: “Joy” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/chara-joy/
- Video: “Book of Philippians Overview” by The Bible Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9qqW1-BkU
- Audio: “The Joy of Jesus” from St Bart’s series on the Fruit of the Spirit: https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermons/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-the-joy-of-jesus
