Philippians #2 – The gospel’s surprising advance - Impact Groups

Philippians 1:12-18a

Ready for Impact (15 minutes)

Catch up on how things have been over the past week, taking time to let any new group members introduce themselves. Then ask group members to answer the following question: who were the key people in your life who first told you about Jesus?

This term, we’re working through Paul’s letter to the Philippians. We’ll find that this ancient letter has much to say to us as today, not least in the strange times we find ourselves in as university students.

Ask for a volunteer to read Philippians 1:12-18a to the group. Then pray that in this session you’ll all meet with God and be helpful to one another as you prepare for the new term.

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 1:12-18a? What strikes you?
In order to write these words, what do you think Paul must have believed about Jesus?
In your group, you’ll probably have a range of emotions about the term ahead. How do you think Paul might encourage you all to find joy even in your anxiety, frustration and confusion?
In what surprising ways have you seen God at work during the Covid-19 period?
How do you think God might use this situation to advance the gospel in our universities? How might he use you, as a CU Impact Group or as individual Christians?

Impacting Our Hearts (10 minutes)

Most students find heading to university exciting. But many also find it nerve-racking. Some will be finding it harder still in the current climate of uncertainty, where there are more unknowns to fear. Encourage group members – both new students and returners – to share their feelings for the term ahead. Then pray that you’d know the same confidence in Jesus as Paul and that, as a result, you’d know deep joy in the weeks ahead.

Impacting the University (15 minutes)

Pauls imprisonment gave him the opportunity to form relationships with Roman guards that he otherwise would never have met. In a similar way, today’s students may well find that social distancing restrictions bring them close to others they might otherwise have only known superficially.

Where are these opportunities for members of your CU Impact Group? Who are the people they are meeting and developing relationships with? Flat-mates, house-mates, those in seminar groups? How might we make the most of this situation? Returning students could share some of their own practical wisdom and suggestions.

When you’ve finished, ask group members if they’ve yet had the opportunity to order Stay Salt (see below). Encourage group members to read the Introduction before your next CU Impact Group gathering, as this will enrich your time together.

Confirm the time for next week’s Impact session. You might also like to arrange a social catch-up beforehand. Then ask for a volunteer to close your time together in prayer.