Philippians 1:1-11
3
Find Your Story in God’s Story
This week we’re learning about unity. We’re learning how God can bring different people together for a common purpose. And we’re learning how God’s unity knits us together as a team — as the family of God.
If you feel God is nudging you to go deeper, take some time between now and our next discussion to dig into His Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. Want to go deeper? Select a few verses and try paraphrasing them: writing them in your own words. If you like, share them with the group the next time you meet.
The Giant Secret of Joy
Share Your Story
Where has God united you with others despite your differences?
A Journey with the Philippians
A Community That Prevails
• When is a time you’ve felt as if you were part of a team? • How can some things be easier when you’re part of a well-functioning team? WATCH THE VIDEO
NorthlandChurch.net/Studies Afterward have someone read the discussion questions in the “Hear God’s Story” section and start the conversation.
Hear God’s Story and Create a New Story ACTS 2:41-47 (NIV) Read the passages together, and then discuss the following questions. • Acts 2 tells us the story of the beginning of the church, after the Holy Spirit arrives on Pentecost. What did the early church devote itself to? What gave the early church a sense of unity? • What are some of the things those in the first church did when they were together, having things in common? • How did the broader community around them view that first church? Why do you think the larger community saw them that way? • Are you part of a community now that feels like what’s described in Acts 2:42-47? Do you see any communities that look like that around you? • Why do you think most communities and churches today look different from what we see in this story? • What are some of the practices of this early church that we should be more intentional about embracing? • How could you build a community like this? With whom could you and your group build that community? • What is it about real community like this that attracts the “favor” of others (v. 47)? Give each person an opportunity to share prayer requests.
Welcome Let’s worship God together!
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READ JOHN 17:20-26 (NIV) • In John 17:6-19, Jesus prays for the disciples. Whom is He praying for in these verses? • What happens when God is made known to us? • What happens to the world around us when we experience unity with Jesus? • In verse 21, the Message translation reads, “The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind — just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us.” Why is it important that they be united in both heart and mind?
Connect & Grow
• What are some ways that God is uniting you with your community in heart and mind right now?
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READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-17 (MSG) •P aul starts with an encouragement to cultivate a life in common, then warns us against infighting and drawing divisions. How can division threaten building community? •W hy did God send Paul out, according to verse 17? Why has God sent you out in your neighborhood, community and workplace? •A re there places in your life where it’s hard to resist the urge to divide, instead of cultivating a life in common? How can your group / community help? • How does this idea of enduring trials in anticipation of joy affect you today? READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-17 (MSG) • How do unity and individuality fit together within the church? • What does it mean to be the body of Christ? What purpose does that give you? •W hat role do you see yourself having in the body? How can your group or community members help you? How can you help them with their roles?
Looking for more questions and reflections so you can keep digging deeper? There’s even more to this week’s study available on Northland’s apps or at NorthlandChurch.net/Studies.
OCTOBER 21-23, 2017
DIGGING DEEPER
WEEK
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