How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the video and read this week's materials
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passage(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest sermon
background
Joy is often linked to healthy relationships. Without it, conflict and anxiety can easily arise. Philippians 4:2-3 is a special appeal to two women in Philippi who are in conflict. That Paul knows about it suggests the situation has been ongoing for some time. This isn’t unusual; relationships always need attention. Community requires continual care to nurture healthy relationships and repair broken ones. Those who find their joy in Christ often see their relationships grow stronger.
OPEN
1. Can you recall a time when a conflict between Christians was resolved in a positive, healing way? What stood out about that situation?
reflect
2. Read Philippians 4:2-7. What does Paul’s response to the conflict between Euodia and Syntyche reveal about the church’s role in reconciliation? What guidance does Paul offer his “true companion” to help resolve their disagreement?
3. Given the conflict discussed here, what attitudes can threaten unity among Christians? How does the phrase “the Lord is at hand” serve as a foundation for approaching others with gentleness?
4. Read Philippians 4:8-9. Why does Paul urge believers to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy? How would setting these boundaries protect your mind from anxiety and strife?
3. Given the conflict discussed here, what attitudes can threaten unity among Christians? How does the phrase “the Lord is at hand” serve as a foundation for approaching others with gentleness?
4. Read Philippians 4:8-9. Why does Paul urge believers to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy? How would setting these boundaries protect your mind from anxiety and strife?
apply
5. What recurring thoughts do you need to examine in light of what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy? When experiencing anxiety, how can you transform your concerns into prayers of gratitude?
6. Have you distanced yourself from a strained relationship rather than working toward reconciliation? What steps are necessary to find a resolution?
7. Paul asks an unnamed partner to help these women. What does it look like for us to practically step in and help others resolve conflicts in a healthy way? How can we practically apply Paul’s call for unity in our church body?
6. Have you distanced yourself from a strained relationship rather than working toward reconciliation? What steps are necessary to find a resolution?
7. Paul asks an unnamed partner to help these women. What does it look like for us to practically step in and help others resolve conflicts in a healthy way? How can we practically apply Paul’s call for unity in our church body?
resources
Home Groups will resume August 23. If you are interested in joining a group, fill out the interest form below or contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.
We ask every Home Group participant to commit to the Four Essentials of a Healthy Group outlined in our Home Group Commitment. These essentials help ensure that every group stays healthy, welcoming, and spiritually meaningful for everyone involved. You can review those here.