ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

WEEK BEGINNING 12 FEBRUARY 2006

PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30: NEW FRIENDSHIPS

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. (Incidentally, please note that we're now using Today's New International Version in Evening Worship and that some of the Bible quotations may be slightly different from other versions.)

1. Read the passage, Philippians 2:19-30.

2. To set it in context, check back to verses 5-7. Verse 19-30 reveal something of how Paul puts the theory into practice.

3. A helpful focus for our study is Paul's three-fold description of Epaphroditus in verse 25. Is this how you see your fellow Christians?

4. What indications are there in this passage of what it is that leads Paul call Epaphroditus his 'brother'?

5. Why is it important to insist that the primary relationship between Christians is that of brother/sister?

6. Have a look at Matthew 13:9. What reasons does Jesus give for what he says here? In what ways is this relevant for us today?

7. Paul describes Timothy as being 'like a son' to him. What does he mean? Does this contradict what Jesus says?

8. Paul goes on to describe Epaphroditus as his 'co-worker'. What exactly is the work that they are engaged in together?

9. What precise role does Epaphroditus have in the 'work of the gospel'? What about you - what do you bring to the work of the gospel in Newbury?

10. Thirdly, Paul describes Epaphroditus as a 'fellow soldier'. Why? What is the difference between a 'worker' and a 'soldier'? Why is it so important for us to hold on to this?

11. What evidence is there in this passage of the reality of the struggle Christians are in?

12. Try to identify some of the aspects of the struggle we're involved in today as those who are committed to the work of the gospel in Newbury. Make these the basis for your prayer together.

David Stone
13 February 2006