Why?

Philippians 4:2-9

November 12, 2023 • Ben Potloff • Philippians 4:2–9

Philippians 4:2-9 | Ben Potloff | Joy and peace often seem to be a package deal. Like inseparable friends, one is seldom seen without the other. In fact, they even start looking alike after a while. There they are, side by side, in Paul’s list of spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22), and, just as he suggests, they both wave invitingly to us from the lives of those we admire most, as we see in Philippians 4:2-9.

MAIN IDEA

In Christ, we seek unity, rejoice, and know peace.

OUTLINE

I. Christians are to seek unity in the Lord (vv. 2-3, 5)

II. 2. Christians are to rejoice in the Lord (v. 4)

III. Christians are to exchange worry for prayer and pure thoughts, receiving peace in the Lord (vv. 6-9)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. The conflict mentioned in verse 2 was likely affecting more than just those directly involved. How have the conflicts of others in the church impacted you or others? Why is this kind of conflict so impactful?

2. What command from verses 4-7 is most challenging to you? Why?

3. How is prayer an antidote to anxiety in the Christian life? What prevents you from praying more regularly and genuinely?

Better to Give AND to Receive

November 26, 2023 • Max Janusch • Philippians 4:14–23

Philippians 4:14-23 | Max Janusch | By his grace and according to his own design, God has determined that one of the primary means for the sending, supporting, and sustaining of gospel workers is the Church. In part, ‘to be the Church’ means to support the work of gospel ministry, to partner with gospel laborers, and to be an agent of encouragement for those putting their hands to the plow of evangelism and church planting. God is exceedingly gracious for calling every Christian to plan a part in this most glorious of tasks. MAIN IDEA God is glorified in gospel-advancing fellowship. OUTLINE I. Paul commends the Philippians' partnership. (vv. 14-20) II. Paul encourages with gospel connectedness. (vv. 21-23) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. In what way(s) is it easiest for you to contribute to gospel partnerships? In what way(s) is it hardest for you? 2. What are some barriers that you put up, or leave up, when it comes to engaging in gospel mission? How can the encouragement and support of others help you engage more? 3. How does the Philippians’ partnership with Paul weave through the entire letter? What does this teach you about gospel-advancing fellowship with other Christians? 4. How have you seen “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 23) with the spirit of our church?

The Secret

November 19, 2023 • Ben Potloff • Philippians 4:10–13

Philippians 4:10-13 | Ben Potloff | Here, Paul discusses the way that the Lord has provided for him in times of need, both through the church in Philippi and through His nearness. In verse 10, readers see Paul discussing how the church’s concern for him has been revived as they had an opportunity to care for him. He continues to discuss throughout the later three verses how the Lord has provided for him by bringing him the contentment that is only found in Jesus! We may not currently find ourselves in a similar situation to Paul (arrested for sharing the gospel) but we all know the trials and temptations that life in our world can bring. Like Paul, let us learn to cast our eyes to Jesus to whom all our joy and contentment can be found. MAIN IDEA The secret to contentment is the strength Christ provides. OUTLINE I. Concern for others is praiseworthy (v. 10) II. Contentment in Christ is possible (vv. 11-13 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Paul rejoices in the concern the Philippians had for him and his needs. What are some of the needs around you in your church family and community? How does the gospel compel us to want to meet those needs? 2. The secret to contentment is the strength Christ provides. What areas of your life do you feel the most discontentment? How does Christ provide strength to fight that and be content in Him? 3. Why is the “if only” (see below) approach to life a lie? How is Christ better? — “If only I had _____________, I’d be happy/fulfilled/content.”

Y.O.L.O.?

November 5, 2023 • Ben Potloff • Philippians 3:17–21, Philippians 4:1

Philippians 3:17-4:1 | Ben Potloff | Multiple times in the New Testament, Paul refers to the Christian’s citizenship in heaven. Those who are citizens of God’s kingdom are welcomed into his family, given grace, and united together with him. Citizens of the Kingdom of God have different, allegiances, live for a different purpose, and live differently than the citizens of the Kingdom of Darkness. Paul describes those in the Kingdom of Darkness as those who live in sin and unrepentance; they are enslaved to their appetites, celebrating shameful sin, and serving the things of the world. Unlike them, citizens of heaven may reside on earth but their allegiance is to God in heaven. This is the God who is sovereign over all things and in whom we eagerly await his return and redemption of our broken souls and bodies. Until that day, Paul encourages us to stand firm in our faith against the influences of the world remembering to whom we belong. MAIN IDEA We live in light of Christ’s return. OUTLINE I. A mind set on earth brings destruction. (vv. 18-19) II. A mind set on heaven brings hope. (vv. 20-21) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Who is someone you have imitated or ought to imitate in ways related to the Christian life? What qualities make them worth following? 2. When you think about people following your example as a Christian, how do you respond? Does it make you cringe, hesitate, or dodge it entirely? 3. What are areas of your life where you find yourself obliging the appetites of your flesh or tend to have your mind set on earthly things? 4. Paul writes that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). How does remembering this truth bring us comfort when we live differently from the rest of the world? 5. Paul encourages Christians to “stand firm in the Lord.” Examining your own life, where are you currently struggling to stand firm in the Lord? What is the cause? What can your community do to help you stand firm?