In this week's message Lead Pastor John Carrano continues our series with teaching from Philippians 3:12-21 on running with purpose.
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Reflection Questions
- What lies have you been listening to?
- Where have your eyes been fixed?
- How is Christ inviting you to run?
Challenge
- Run!
- Look for an opportunity to intentionally shoe the love of Christ!
Scripture
- Philippians 3:12-14
- Philippians 3:17
- Philippians 3:20-21
- John 8:44
- 1 Corinthians 9:25-26
- Hebrews 12:1-2
Guide for Reflection
- Reread Philippians 3:12-21.
- How does the race metaphor help us understand life in Jesus Christ?
- What is the prize at the end of this race? Hint: consider the context of the passage by reading verses 8-11.
- Why does Paul contrast worldliness and Christlikeness in verses 19-20?
- How does God keep us on track (v. 15)?
- Think through the things you tend to run toward, considering how the everyday consequences of those pursuits might be drawing your attention away from Christ (even if they aren’t inherently bad).
- Come up with at least one way to re-adjust your focus this week, to “press on toward the goal.”
#8. Running with Purpose
Philippians: A Journey Through Philippians
November 25, 2018 • John Carrano
#10. Living Content
December 16, 2018 • John Carrano
In this week's message Lead Pastor John Carrano closes out our series on Philippians with teaching from Philippians 4:10-13 on living content. . . . Reflection - What has been your condition(s) for contentment? - What have you been trying to do in your own strength, and how is Christ inviting you to trust Him? Challenge - Make the choice to find contentment in Christ! Scripture - Philippians 4:10-13
#9. Rejoice, Always!
December 9, 2018 • Nick Seders
*** This week's message encourages a scriptural response to the sensitive topics of anxiety and depression. If you are within the ICB family and struggle with these issues, we welcome you to write http://pastoralcare@icbspain.com at any time for further guidance. If you are a part of a global audience and feel the need to meet with someone for biblical or professional counselling, we strongly encourage you to do so.*** In this week's message Discipleship pastor Nick Seders continues our series in Philippians with teaching from Philippians 4:4-9 on how to rejoice, always! . . . Reflection Questions - How do I usually handle worry and despair? - What keeps me from casting my cares on the Lord? - How has God already granted me peace? Challenge - Work through any worry that arises this week by taking it to God in prayer and leaving it there. Scripture - Philippians 4:4-9 Guide for Reflection - Reread Philippians 4:4-9. - How does Paul connect feelings, thoughts, and actions (lifestyle)? - What commands do you see here? What are the promises attached to those commands? - How does God handle our anxiety? - What happens when we replace anxiety with “whatever is…”? - Take out a journal or scrap of paper. For two minutes, write down the things that are causing worry, fear, or despair. Once the two minutes have passed, go back and write a prayer of supplication (“Help, Lord!”) for each of those concerns. - Identify one way to bring peace into your sphere of influence. What are the anxieties of your community, and how can you point others toward peace in Christ?
#7. Our Identity in Christ
November 18, 2018 • John Carrano
In this week's message Lead Pastor John Carrano continues our series with teaching from Philippians 3:4-11 on our identity in Christ. . . . Reflection Questions - How have you been boasting? - How is Christ inviting you to live in light of the free gift of grace you have been given? Challenge - Look for one opportunity to boast in Christ this week! Scripture - Philippians 3:4-11 - Matthew 7:22-23 - John 10:27-28 - Galatians 2:20 - Ephesians 2:8-9 Guide for Reflection - Reread Philippians 3:4-11. - Why is it important to see that Paul considered his “achievements” loss? From where does righteousness come, and how is it received? (cf. Eph. 2:8-9) - What matters more to God – our work for him or our relationship with him? - Read Matthew 7:22-23. How might we be tempted to live for Jesus without actually knowing him? - How does a genuine relationship with Jesus affect our sense of identity? - Start boasting in Christ right now! Complete the following sentence, based on what you’ve seen him do: “I know Jesus is ______, because he _______.”