• Philippians 2:12-18 – “Work Out Your Salvation With Fear and Trembling”

    1. Working From Salvation

    Paul says to “work out your salvation” not for it, but from it—participating in what is already true.


    Where in your life do you sense the Spirit inviting you to actively participate in your healing or transformation rather than staying passive? What might partnering with God look like this week?

    2. Formation Through Real Life

    The sermon emphasized that our real lives—the joys, inconveniences, and pains—are the “classroom” of our salvation.


    Can you identify a current circumstance that feels uncomfortable or exposing? Instead of asking God to remove it, what might God be trying to form in you through it?

    3. Fear & Trembling as Awe

    “Fear and trembling” was described not as anxiety, but as reverent awe that the living God is at work in you.


    When you consider that the Creator of the universe is actively working in you to will and act according to His good purpose, what emotions rise in you—resistance, gratitude, trust, fear? Why do you think that is?

    4. Grumbling vs. Trust

    Paul calls us to do everything without grumbling or arguing, pointing back to Israel’s longing for Egypt.


    Where are you tempted to grumble, complain, or go back to old coping mechanisms? What would it look like to hold firm to the word of life in that area instead of reaching for your old “bricks”?

    5. Shine Like Stars

    Paul’s vision is that those who practice the way of Jesus will “shine among them like stars in the sky.”


    Have you seen someone who shines with this kind of Spirit-formed joy or trust? What practices or postures in their life do you think led to that? What is one practice you feel called to commit to as you work out your own salvation?

  • Philippians 2:1–11 – “Imitate Christ: Be a Giver, Not a Taker”

    1. Recognizing Our Reality in Christ
    Paul lists five realities we experience in Jesus — encouragement, comfort, participation in the Spirit, affection, and sympathy.

    Which of these five realities feels most alive in your relationship with God right now — and which one feels harder to notice or receive?
    How might God be inviting you to experience that part of His heart more fully this week?

    2. Receiving Before Giving
    You said in the message: “The Christian life isn’t about performing for God; it’s about partnering with Him.”

    Where are you tempted to “perform” for God instead of partner with Him?
    What might it look like for you to slow down and instead of setting performance expectations - to ask the Spirit how you participate together in that area of life this week?

    3. The Posture of Unity
    Paul says to be of the same mind, same love, one spirit, and one purpose.

    In what relationship, setting, or situation do you sense God calling you to pursue unity — even if agreement isn’t possible?
    What practical step could you take this week to move toward that person or group with humility and love?

    4. The Practice of Humility
    C.S. Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.”

    Where is God inviting you to think of yourself less right now — in your family, work, or church life?
    What might change if you intentionally sought to lift someone else up in that space this week?

    5. The Way of the Servant
    Jesus “did not use His power for His own advantage, but emptied Himself” to serve.

    What “power” or “influence” do you hold — in your home, workplace, friendships, or community — that you could use for the good of others?
    How could you embody Jesus’ servant-heart in a tangible way this week?

    6. Worship and Response
    At the end of the passage, “every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

    What area of your life is hardest to surrender to His Lordship right now?
    How might this community pray with you and walk with you as you bring that area under His leadership?

    Group Prayer Prompt:

    Invite the group to close by thanking Jesus for His humility and asking for His mind and heart to shape theirs. I want to encourage you to pray specifically for one place in your week where you can “be a giver, not a taker.”

  • Philippians 1:12–30 | “For Me, To Live Is Christ”

    1. The Blank Check

    If your life were a blank check, what do you think you’ve been “spending it on” lately?
    What would it look like to hand that check back to God and say, “You fill it in”?

    2. Redefining Freedom

    Paul wrote these words from prison—and yet he was the freest man alive.
    How would you describe the difference between the world’s version of freedom and Paul’s kind of freedom?
    Where do you long to experience that kind of freedom?

    3. Seeing God in the Hard Places

    Paul saw that “what has happened to me has served to advance the gospel.”
    Can you name a situation in your life—past or present—where you can now see God at work even in hardship?
    How might that shape how you respond to current challenges?

    4. Fruitful Labor

    Paul saw his life as “fruitful labor” for Christ.
    Where do you sense God might be inviting you to invest your energy for His kingdom right now—at home, work, school, or in our community?
    Tangible step: identify one small act of obedience you could take this week that would make Christ known through your words, attitude, or service.

    5. Choosing Joy

    Instead of focusing on what was wrong, Paul chose to rejoice.
    What helps you fan the flame of joy when life feels hard?
    What might it look like for you to practice rejoicing this week—especially in a circumstance you’d normally complain about?

    6. Surrender & Prayer

    Paul’s declaration “For me, to live is Christ” was deeply personal.
    As you reflect today, is there something you sense God inviting you to lay down—a fear, comfort, or desire for control?
    Or is there a deep longing for freedom that you need prayer for?
    Take time to share what God is stirring and pray for one another—asking God to help each of us live with open hands and hearts that say, “My life is Yours; spend it however You want.”

    7. BONUS

    Did anyone in your group have a deep sense of invitation from the Spirit for some type of response? To go, to send, to invite, to share, to serve, to give - or anything else unique for your 'fruitful labor in Christ'?

    Have your group spend time prayer for that thing.

    If not, would you group spend time praying for one another that God would speak - and then see if He's got anything to say!

  • Philippians 1:3-11 – Relationships Matter

    Opening:


    Take a few moments to read Philippians 1:3-11 together. Then open with prayer, asking God to give insight and courage to live out what you discuss.

    1. Thankful Remembrance

    “I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3

    • Who are the people in your life that stir gratitude in your heart when you think of them?

    • How often do you tell them you’re grateful for them?

    • Practical: This week, consider sending a note, text, or call to one of these people—not just to thank God for them, but to bless them by telling them personally.

    2. Praying with Joy

    “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” – Philippians 1:4

    • Paul prays with joy despite being in a Roman jail. What does this tell you about the source of his joy?

    • How does your joy in prayer connect to your walk with Jesus rather than your circumstances?

    • Practical: Identify someone you can commit to pray for regularly this week. Share with the group how you plan to do this.

    3. Gospel Partnership

    “Because of your partnership in the gospel…” – Philippians 1:5

    • What does gospel partnership look like in your life? Are your closest relationships rooted in Christ?

    • Who are your “refrigerator rights” people—those who have access to your heart and are willing to speak truth in love?

    • Practical: Reflect on one relationship where you could deepen gospel partnership. What step can you take this week?

    4. Receiving the Gospel

    • Have you personally received the gospel? How would you explain it to someone else?

    • How does being a follower of Jesus shape your friendships and community life?

    • Practical: Think of someone who may not yet have received the gospel. How could you naturally share your story with them this week?

    5. Being Connected to the Body

    • Are you connected to a community of believers that encourages spiritual growth?

    • Have you ever experienced a “bad church moment” and been tempted to disconnect? How did you respond?

    • Practical: Identify one way you can invest more deeply in your church family or small group this week.

    6. Partnering in the Gospel through Action

    • Beyond prayer, in what ways can you actively partner in spreading the gospel—through invitation, testimony, or generosity?

    • How does your life reflect that you are not just a “receiver” but a “partner” in God’s work?

    • Practical: Choose one concrete action this week to participate in gospel work.

    7. Clinging to God’s Work in You

    “…he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…” – Philippians 1:6

    • Where have you seen God at work in your life, even if it’s incomplete?

    • How does remembering that God finishes what He starts encourage you in your sanctification?

    • Practical: Share one area where you need to trust God to finish His work, and ask your group to pray for you.

    8. Experiencing the Affection of Christ

    • How do you experience the love of Christ today in prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship?

    • Who in your life helps you see God’s love through their actions?

    • Practical: This week, intentionally encourage someone with words or actions that reflect God’s affection toward them.

    Closing:
    Encourage the group to pray together, either in pairs or as a whole. Remind them of Paul’s example: pray with joy, for one another, and in partnership. Emphasize practical follow-through—sending a message, sharing a story, inviting someone to a gospel opportunity, or simply praying for them.

  • Grace and Peace (Philippians 1:1-2)

    Discussion Questions :

    1. Reflecting on Paul’s Transformation: Saul was known for “law and terror,” yet after encountering Jesus, he became a man of “grace and peace.” What patterns in your own life might Jesus want to transform? How have you seen Him take something from your past and use it for His purposes?

    2. Experiencing Grace: Paul’s greeting of grace wasn’t just a formality—it was a prayer for God’s unmerited kindness in people’s lives. What does receiving God’s grace look like for you personally? Are there areas where you struggle to accept grace?

    3. Experiencing Peace: Peace, in Paul’s understanding, is more than calm—it’s “the way things ought to be” in God’s kingdom. Where in your life do you need God’s peace right now? How might that peace change your relationships, work, or decision-making?

    4. Living as a Servant (Doulos): Paul identifies himself as a servant of Christ, not defined by past successes or failures. In what ways are you tempted to define yourself by achievements or mistakes? How might embracing your identity as a servant of Christ reshape your choices this week?

    5. God’s Work in Others: Paul couldn’t have predicted that sharing the gospel with just a few people in Philippi would result in a thriving church years later. How does this challenge you to think about the small acts of obedience in your life? How might God be using you in ways you can’t yet see?

    Ideas for some Group Responses to do during your time together:

    1. Letter of Blessing: Have each person write a short letter of grace and peace to someone in the group, expressing encouragement, affirmation, or prayer for them. Read them aloud or exchange them at the end of the session.

    2. Grace Reflection Activity: Sit in pairs or small groups and share a moment where you experienced God’s grace transforming your life. Invite prayer for continued openness to God’s work.

    3. Peace Mapping: On paper, draw a “map” of areas in your life that feel unsettled or anxious. Together, pray over those areas, asking God to bring His peace to each situation.

    Ideas for the week ahead:

    1. Daily Grace & Peace Check-In: Each day, pause for a few minutes to intentionally ask God to give you His grace and peace in your life. Journal how you see Him working in you and through you.

    2. Obedience in Small Things: Identify one small act of obedience you can do this week that might impact someone else—whether it’s a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a tangible act of service. Track it and reflect on how God might use it beyond what you see.