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Philippians Week 1: Partners together in the gospel

Philippians 1:1-11

Ready for Impact (15 minutes)

Introduce yourselves to each other, including an answer to the following question: who in your life are you especially thankful for at the moment, and why?

Over the course of the coming term we’re going to work through Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This is one of the books of the New Testament. We’ll find that this ancient letter still speaks clearly to us today, particularly in the strange times we find ourselves in as university students.

Ask for a volunteer to read Philippians 1:1-11 out loud to the group, then pray that together you’d both hear God’s voice and do each other good in today’s Impact session.

Watch

If you’re not gathered in person, the leader should project the video for the group through sharing their screen. If you’re using Zoom, make sure you have optimised your screen share for video.

Impacted by the Word (15 minutes)

Here are some suggested questions to help your discussion:

  • What are your initial responses to Philippians 1:1-11? What strikes you?
  • What can we learn from the way Paul and the Philippian church relate to each other?
  • What might it practically look like for some of your relationships with other Christians to be characterised by ‘partnership in the gospel’ at university this term?
  • What benefit might such relationships bring you? What benefits can you envisage them bringing to others?
  • What does Philippians 1:1-11 encourage us to look for in healthy Christian community? How does it show our need for local church?

Impacting Our Hearts (15 minutes)

Ask group members to share hopes and fears they have for the term ahead, particularly focusing on what they’d like others to pray for them as they get ready for the new term. Ask God that the gospel would shape your relationships with each other in the term ahead. Pray that your love would abound more and more, and that others around you who don’t yet know Jesus might be intrigued by your common faith in Jesus.

Impacting the University (10 minutes)

Many members of your CU Impact group will soon be moving into halls and houses and will meet their new flat mates. These new friends are among those we hope will one day want to explore more about Jesus for themselves. Brainstorm how group members might make the best start in forming genuine friendships with these new flat mates, whether they’re from the same country and culture as you or a different one. Returning students might share their own practical wisdom and suggestions.

When you’ve finished, confirm the time for next week’s Impact session. You might arrange a social catch-up beforehand to get to know each other more (perhaps playing Pictionary?)

Then ask if a group member would be willing to close your time together in prayer.