Paul's Appeal - Philippians 2:1-4

Introduction

- Philippians 2:1-4

- Philippians 3:14

- Philippians 4:4

- Philippians 4:13

- John 15:11

Four Appeals to Live out Joy of Relationship with Jesus

1. Encouragement in Christ

- Philippians 2:1

- John 14:16

2. Comfort from Love

- Philippians 2:1

- Acts 4:36

- 2 Corinthians 5:14

3. Participation in the Spirit

- Philippians 2:1

- John 21:21

- Acts 3:1

- Acts 4:13

- Acts 8:14

4. Affection and Sympathy

- Philippians 2:1

- Philippians 2:2

- 1 Peter 1:8

Fruit of a Joy-Filled Walk with Jesus

- Likeminded follower of Jesus

- Humility

- Philippians 2:2

- Philippians 1:27

- Philippians 2:3-4

- Numbers 16:3

CONNECTION GROUP QUESTIONS

Connection Builders

• Share something that you would like to praise or thank God for.

• Share with your group someone who impacted your life through encouragement. How did they encourage you?

Sermon Questions

Read Philippians 2:1-4

Let's walk back through the four Appeals found in these verses and discuss them together.

Appeal 1: Encouragement in Christ

• Think about a time when you felt encouraged by Christ. What was that experience like for you?

• How do you perceive the role of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) in providing encouragement in your relationship with Jesus?

Appeal 2: Comfort from Love

• Share a moment when you found comfort in God's love during a difficult situation.

• Discuss the impact of individuals like Barnabas (Acts 4:36) who embody Christ's love and bring comfort to those around them.

• How does Christ's love (2 Corinthians 5:14) transform your life and provide comfort in challenging times?

Appeal 3: Participation in the Spirit

• Reflect on a time when you sensed the Holy Spirit guiding and leading you in your faith journey.

• How can we actively participate in the Spirit's work in our lives, as seen in the passages mentioned?

• Share any experiences or insights on the role of the Holy Spirit in our daily walk with Jesus.

Appeal 4: Affection and Sympathy

• How can we show affection and sympathy to one another as followers of Jesus within our group and the broader community?

• Explore the concept of having a like-minded attitude (Philippians 2:2) and how it fosters joy within the body of believers.

• Share how genuine, caring relationships within the church reflect the joy and love described in 1 Peter 1:8.

Further Application:

• Take a moment to reflect on how these appeals can be lived out in your own life. Share personal commitments on how you can encourage one another in our walk with Christ.