October 4, 2009, Philippians 2:1-4

Ice Breaker:

When have you done something pleasing for someone, and received a very positive response?

Scripture:

1Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Study:

Definitions from Google of words in verse 1 that can bring joy:

*encouragement:  the expression of approval and support; the act of giving hope or support to someone.

*consolation:  giving relief in affliction

*fellowship:  an association of people who share common beliefs or activities

*affection: a positive feeling of liking

*compassion: a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering;  the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it

  1.  What kind of relationship does Paul have with the Philippians? Why would  seeing these attitudes and actions in them fill him with joy?  (See the first part of chapter 1)

   2.  Look at verses 3 & 4.  According to Col. 3: 12, who are we that we should we be doing these things? 

 3.  What does it look like to regard "one another as more important than (yourself)?"   What actions must we take to do this?  What do we need to give up?  Make  list under each heading.

                  What I need to do                                                                                          What I need to give up

Pray about these things in order to "Have this attitude in yourselves which is also in Christ Jesus."