Philippians 10: How (not) to worship your stomach

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Ready for Impact (10 minutes)

Catch up on how things have been over the past week. Then ask group members to: Talk about a long journey you embarked upon. Describe the twists and turns of the trip, and how you felt when you finally arrived.

Ask for a volunteer to read Philippians 3:17-4:1 to the group, praying that you’d be deeply impacted by God’s word and then impact others in Jesus’ name.

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 3:17-4:1? What strikes you?
• Why do you think some Christians are drawn to an ‘earthly’ mindset and way of living?
• How does Paul realign our focus?
• In which ways are you still trying to live as if life on earth is where you must fill your stomach and find your happiness?
• When we tie too much of our hope and happiness to life now, what are the consequences? List the areas of life that can be impacted by this false focus.
• Who do you know that models the pattern of joyful perseverance that Paul describes? How might you imitate them?

Impacting Our Hearts (10 minutes)

Paul teaches that, whilst Jesus’ has fully paid the penalty for our sin, the full effects of knowing him will only be seen when Jesus returns to transform us.

In the midst of the here-and-now realities of sin, temptation and suffering, discuss what it will take to keep your hearts set on the hope of our coming Saviour. How can you help one another to stand firm in the Lord? Take time to pray for each other.

Impacting the University (15 minutes)

Today’s video closed with the idea that Christian hope – of a God who beckons us to life with him forever, secured at the cost of his own blood – strengthens us to speak for Jesus.

Our fears can prevent us from sharing this hope, including our fears of offending people, being rejected or being asked a question we can’t answer.

• Do you resonate with any of these fears? How have they impacted your witness?
• What would you like others to pray, such that these fears do not cripple you from sharing your hope in Jesus?

You might also like to pray for the needs of friends. Some of their lives would be dramatically and obviously changed if they felt free of feeling they must find all hope and happiness in life on earth now.

For more on this theme, read Chapter 11 of Stay Salt.

Then confirm the time you’ll meet together next week, and close your time together.