Life Group study content

THIS WEEK’S MAIN IDEA:

Jesus was once asked, ‘who is my neighbour?’ The question was meant to help identify who we are expected to love. Jesus answered in a way that turned the question upside down. The question Jesus answered instead was, ‘how do we live as a neighbour?’, and we were told, “go and do likewise.”

When people think of finding true love, many are looking for someone who will meet all their needs and fill them with life. The Bible tells us that our true love is found in God through Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can supply what we truly need. When we have a deep relationship with Christ, we will not be desperate to find someone to give us meaning and purpose and security. We can be free to truly love others, whether it is our spouse, family, church or neighbour.

SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:1-16; 4:11-13

If this is a study week in the rhythm of your group, discuss the questions below from this week’s teaching. Be sure to reserve time at the end of to pray.

CONNECT

Did you ever make a list of what you were looking for in a church family? What were some of the characteristics?

EXPLORE

1. Read Philippians 2:1

a. Have you ever found yourself expecting someone to meet all your needs? How did that work out for you?
b. Who does Paul say can meet all our needs? Have you found this to be true in your life?

2. Read Philippians 2:2-4

a. What direction does Paul tell the Philippians to take in their relationships?
b. How do you feel when you have made someone else happy by meeting his or her needs –
especially if it involved sacrifice on your part?
c. Where do we get the desire, strength and courage to care for others as Christ wants us to?
d. What are the characteristics we are to display?

3. Read Philippians 2:5-11; 4:11-13

a. What should our attitudes and behaviours be like if we behave like Jesus?
b. Share an example of when someone has behaved like Jesus toward you?
c. Do you find it difficult to consistently act in the way that Paul describes in these verses?
d. How can we encourage one another to do this?

4. Read Philippians 2:12-16

a. When you think about Christianity, what are the first few things you think of?
b. Where does our Christ-like behaviour come on the list?
c. Would you say that your usual behaviour brings glory to God?
d. What can you do to increase that love?

STRETCH

What is God calling you to do? What will you do about it this week?