LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Today we’ll be discussing how we as followers of Jesus should be valuing and serving others, looking specifically at how we use our time and what our use of time shows us about our priorities.

Passages we’ll review:
Pilippians 1:29-2:10; Exodus 17:8-15

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

You may have heard the popular saying, “There’s no “I” in TEAM.” Can you think of an example in your life where it took a variety of people to accomplish a task?

READ

Today we’ll be in Philippians 2, and before we read the passage, here is a bit of context. In chapter 1, Paul is encouraging the Philippians by assuring them that God will complete the work He began amongst them and that the Gospel is going out and advancing despite the hardships they are facing. He reminds them of the fruitful and meaningful work of the Gospel and that hard and challenging circumstances in life can not only be overcome, but will be used by God for your good, the good of others, and for His glory.

Read Philippians 1:29 - 2:10

Has anyone ever taken the time to do something for you that you felt was encouraging or comforting?

We are called to a hard task in sharing the Gospel and living a godly life. According to verses 1 and 2 of chapter 2, how are we supposed to find encouragement and comfort in living a life following Christ?

How does this idea of counting others as more significant than yourself relate to your time? How do you feel you use your time now?

Read Psalm 67

Why do you think Paul calls the days evil? Why does he bring this up here?

What are some ways we could be making the best use of our time in light of eternity?

If we are going to be the type of people that pour ourselves out for others, what are some things we absolutely need to be doing?

Do you allow others to pour into you spiritually, or are you trying to do it on your own?

Often we as people can get caught up spending a lot of time doing good things like working, enjoying stories, or resting, but when anything chronically keeps us away from loving the people we should be loving through service or time, we need to reevaluate how we are spending our time. The days are “evil” and people are too valuable for us to waste our lives on being constantly self indulgent. We as a church should be reflecting and meditating on the call in Philippians 2:3-4, which says “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Exodus 17:8-15

During this battle, the Israelites only prevailed when Moses held up his hands. What was God’s purpose in this? Could Moses do it on his own?

What can we learn from this for our own spiritual journey?

God chose to use His faithful servants as leaders and warriors in this battle, but He did not want the people to forget Who was fighting for them! After their victory, Moses built an altar and named it “The Lord Is My Banner” in remembrance of what God had done for His people. In response to the victory, they worshiped God, giving Him all of the glory for the victory. In the same way, we can bring glory to God as we work together to accomplish His plans! —Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. God has called us to work together to do His work. When you think of Christian community, do you view it as being for a time of fellowship only or for the sake of advancing the Gospel?
   

2. Think about what our world would look like if we regarded one another as more important than ourselves. Take time this week to come up with specific ways that you can look out for the interests of others. What can you do this week to put others first?
   

3. In what areas of your life can you use some support right now? Where can you turn to find that support? Who among your friends and family members could use your support right now?