ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

WEEK BEGINNING 29 JANUARY 2006

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11: A NEW ATTITUDE

For home groups that would like them, here are some questions based on the talk at Sunday's 6:30 pm service. There's no need to answer them all - just tackle the ones you have time for. You don't need to stick to the areas mentioned here - feel free to discuss any other issues that arise for you.

1. Unity is something that we hear a lot about in Christian circles. But, before we turn to the passage, what do we think is the essence of true unity?

2. Read Philippians 2:1-4

3. What does Paul say is the basis of our unity as Christians? (v1) Where does it spring from?

4. What four truths link all believers? (all united with Christ, all experienced comfort from his love, all have fellowship with the Spirit, all experienced tenderness and compassion). Explore these things further.

5. From this passage, would you say that unity is the same as uniformity? Why or why not?

6. What should believers have in common? (v2)
- like-minded… about what?
- the same love… for who?
- one in spirit and purpose… what? (1:27?)
Not all clones but all pulling in the same direction.

7. How should Christians relate to one another? (v3-4) What should characterise interactions between believers?

8. How should we view ourselves?

9. How does Paul define humility?

10. How do we view ourselves all to readily?

11. Where does true humility begin?

12. Is humility seen as a virtue in society today? Explain your answer.

13. How does the Christian challenge to "look out for the interests of other" compare to what we hear in other circles such as the media/TV? (e.g. humility might be seen as weakness, common wisdom tells us to look out for number one).

14. Read Philippians 2:5-11

15. What do we learn here about Jesus' attitude to His own status? (v6-8) How does his status change through these verses? Plot the progression. How does this relate to humility?

16. But what happened then? (v9-11)

17. How do Jesus' actions illustrate for us what it means to "look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"? (v4)

18. Why did he die? What did it achieve for others?

19. How can we learn from his example?

20. How much are we wiling to forego for the sake of others?

21. Why is it sometimes hard for us to humbly seek the good of other Christians?

22. From today's passage, what would you like to praise and thank God for?

23. How can you pray for each other as you seek to put this into practice?

Edward Hobbs
25 January 2006