Sunday Discussion
Giving Joy: Week 4 – Grace
Transition: In last week’s text, Paul reminded the Philippians that God would supply their every need. He then wrapped up with a doxology, glorifying God.
Check Point: Would anyone like to share something they worked on from last week’s discussion?
Context: In this week’s text Paul wraps up his letter to the Philippians with final greetings and a blessing.
Opening Questions:
• Describe a time when someone demonstrated grace toward you and the impact it made.
• What makes demonstrating grace toward others easy or challenging for you?
Scripture/Storying: Philippians 4:21-23
Discipleship Questions:
• What is striking to you about Paul asking the Philippians to greet every believer? Why do you think that personal connection with the Philippians mattered to Paul? How can you intentionally acknowledge other believers in your sphere?
• What does the term “saints” tell you about the unity of the church? Why do you think it is important to remember that the Christian faith is about community with other believers? How might seeing believers in the church as saints impact how you view those you feel are harder to connect with?
• What stands out to you about Paul mentioning believers from Caesar’s household? Why do you think Paul points out God’s work within power structures like Caesar’s household? How does this impact the way you think about God’s work in power structures today?
• Why is “grace” the perfect ending for this letter? How can you demonstrate grace to someone facing stress this week?
• What does this letter reveal to you about how connected the early church was over vast distances? Why is it important to remember that our faith connects us to other Christians outside of our own context/culture? How can you stay more alert to your faith connection to other Christians outside of your own context?
• What is the Holy Spirit teaching you through this story? How does it impact the way you think and live?
Prayer time: Hope Resource Center:
• Pray for their partnering churches during this busy holiday season.
• Pray for their patients facing unexpected pregnancies.