Talking Points Philippians 4:4-9

What might change within us or our relationships if we lived lives of continuous gratitude?

What or whom has brought you the most delight over the past few weeks? How so?

Under what circumstances have you been most likely to display selfishness instead of sacrifice?

How would you like to mature in selfless love?

What characteristics best describe the anxiety level of your household?

Which of the following topics produce the most anxiety within you: health, finances, job security, relationships, or (fill in the blank)?

What does anxiety do to you? How does it impact those around you?

In your own words, why does Paul tell us to think on admirable things? To what degree does our thought life matter?

Based on your understanding, in what ways is the Apostle Paul, the author of these verses, an example of humility, joy, and godliness?

Which would you like to grow in most over the next few months: rejoicing, loving, trusting, or godly thinking?

Close by reading the simplicity of The Message’s paraphrase of these verses.

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.