ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

WEEK BEGINNING 5 FEBRUARY 2006

PHILIPPIANS 2:12-18: A NEW FUTURE

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. Think about a Christian you know. In what ways have you seen God changing him/her to be more like Jesus? (Or how has God begun to change you?)

2. Read Philippians 2:12-18

3. In your own words, what does Paul command in verse 12? How does this relate to 1:27? What is the difference between work out/work for your salvation? Why should this be done "with fear and trembling"?

4. With 2:5-11 in mind, why is it important the Philippians "continue to work out their salvation"? What is the significance of the word "therefore" at the start of v12? How do v12-14 link with the preceding sections (1:27-2:11)? What common themes or ideas can you spot?

5. After the challenge of v12, why might Paul's next words inspire confidence in his readers? How does God complement our work (v13)? Why is it encouraging to know that God "works to will and to act"? What final goal is God working towards?

6. Re-Read Philippians 2:14-16

7. Paul says "work out your salvation" to the whole Christian community, not just to individuals. From v14-16, what are the characteristics of a community that has put its faith into practice? How should the Christian community be distinctive from surrounding society? Which qualities should the Christians seek first, and what will these lead on to?

8. What impact should such a group have on society, and why? What does it mean to shine like stars? Depending on which bible version you have it may read "hold firm"/"Hold out" the word of life. Why are both true?

9. Re-Read Philippians 2:16-18

10. How is Paul a living example of the principles he's been teaching? What do we learn here about his relationship to the Philippians? And his concerns for them?

11. What particular difficulties and pressures do we face in "shining like stars" in society today? Do you think others see the church as possessing the qualities Paul lists here? Why or why not? (e.g. are we blameless? What accusations may we face?)

12. How will remembering that God is at work in us alter our perspective on these pressures?

Edward Hobbs
1 February 2006