Philippians 4: Unity under pressure

Philippians 1:27-2:4

Ready for Impact (10 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 discuss this question: What do you think is the most counter-cultural thing about being a Christian today?

Ask for a volunteer to read Philippians 1:27-2:4 to the group, praying that you can help each other to 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

Impacted by the Word (15 minutes)

Here are some suggested questions to help your discussion:

• What are your initial responses to Philippians 1:27-2:4? What strikes you?
• Why might being under pressure and experiencing difficulty lead to disunity amongst Christians?
• What kinds of selfish behaviour are you personally drawn to when things are hard?
• According to these verses, how does our relationship with Jesus free us to look to the interests of others, even in the face of difficulty?
• What could it look like for you to share the blessings of your union with Christ? How could this reinforce Christian unity?
• How might we pray for our churches as a result of this study?

Impacting the University (15 minutes)

Like the Philippians, evangelist Becky Pippert tells of how she has sometimes been frightened by opposition. As a student, she was threatened with expulsion for hosting a Bible study in her hall. As the threats became more serious, she tried to keep her Bible study small – yet more and more students seemed to want to attend.

Reflecting on the experience, she writes:

Not only is God delighted when we make the gospel known, he will multiply our efforts – even when we don’t really want him to! Being threatened with expulsion was terrifying. Even though I chose to obey, I was still hoping that I could “manage” the danger by keeping the Bible study small. Instead, God open the floodgates! Every tactic that Satan used to suppress the gospel God used to make the gospel more widely known.

Discuss together:

• How do you feel when you hear stories like Becky’s?
• How does this idea (that God loves to multiply our efforts especially when we are opposed) shape the way you think about the term ahead?
• Are there other instances – within your own life, or others you’ve heard from elsewhere – that illustrate this idea?

For more, read Chapter 1 of Becky’s excellent Stay Salt.

Impacting Our Hearts (10 minutes)

Some of your Impact Group may be feeling frightened by those opposing them even now. Others will be anxious about the reception they may receive in the future from fellow students for being followers of Jesus. Discuss how you can stand together, striving together for the faith of the gospel. Aim to be as practical as you can.

Then ask for specific prayer requests from group members and turn your thoughts to prayer before closing the session.