JOY IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Philippians 2:1-4 NASB

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

OUTLINE

• How we _________________ _________________ is often more important than what we __________________. _________________ is always _________________ and seldom _____________________.
• If…then 2:1-2
• Our Attitude 2:3
• Our Focus 2:4

QUESTIONS

1. (v. 2:1-2) Paul’s assumption is that our lives reflect the reality of the Gospel. In what ways does your life reflect that reality? In what ways do you most struggle with living a life that reflects the Gospel?
2. (v. 2:1-2) Paul ask the church in Philippi to “complete his joy.” What does this mean?
3. (v. 2:1-2) Paul commands us to be unified. What does unity in the midst of diversity look like? Why is it so hard to be unified with other Christians today? What does unity look like with those closest to you?
4. (v. 2:3) What is humility? What is the greatest example of humility you have personally experienced? How did it impact and change you?
5. (v. 2:4) What do you spend most of your life focused on? How can we grow and mature in adjusting our focus to be on the mattering things?