Living the Truth
Introduction
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Paul’s challenge to the Philippians is one that resonates with us today. Living a worthy life doesn’t mean earning God’s approval; we are already saved by grace. Instead, it’s about living in a manner that reflects the worth of what Christ has done for us. Pastor Tim reminds us that this kind of life requires courage, authenticity, and faith – both professed and practiced.
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- What’s something you’ve seen in someone’s life that made their faith look real and worth following?
- Paul repeats the phrase “live a life worthy” in several letters. Why do you think this idea was so central to him? If he were writing to the Church today, where do you think he would urge us most to “live worthy”?
- How does Pastor Tim’s analogy of the scales change your understanding of what “worthy” means in Scripture?
- What’s the difference between “standing firm” with integrity and just being stubborn or unteachable? How can we discern when we’re standing for truth versus just holding on to pride?
- Where do you feel the tension between “going with the flow” of culture versus standing firm in your faith? What are some specific situations in your work, friendships, or family life where that pressure is real?
- If living worthy means being responsive to what Jesus has done, what’s one area of your life where you sense Him calling you to a fresh response? What’s the risk if you ignore that prompting?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Jesus taught His disciples to look for people of peace: those who are open, welcoming, and receptive to the gospel (Luke 10:6). Who in your life right now seems curious, open, or searching for something deeper? How can you intentionally show Christ’s love to them this week?
Respond
Paul’s call to the Philippians to “live a life worthy of the gospel” is not about earning worth, but about responding to the incredible worth of what Christ has already done for us. As Pastor Tim reminded us, living worthy means being ready, receptive, and responsive. It means allowing the weight of God’s grace on one side of the scales to shape the way we live on the other. It means standing firm with integrity, not just professing faith but practicing it in real life. Considering the gospel, what is one concrete step you can take to live a life more ready, more responsive, and more aligned with Jesus?
Living the Truth
Introduction
As humans, we have a tendency to complain about anything that differs from our preferences and overlook God’s blessings in our lives. The Israelites grumbled despite having been delivered from their suffering in Egypt. Instead of being grumblers, how can we ‘shine like stars’ in a dark and negative society?
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- We all have personal challenges in our lives, at home or at work. Share one thing you can be grateful for in relation to the challenging circumstances you are currently facing. How does that change your perspective about the situation?
- In Exodus 16:1-8, the Israelites grumble about going hungry in the wilderness, comparing it to the abundance of food they had in Egypt. Their concerns seem legitimate, yet their grumbling is considered to be a sin against God. Why?
- What is the difference between unnecessary complaining and a genuine cause for concern? How should our response differ in each situation?
- Luke 6:43-45 contends that the words that come out of our mouth reflect what is in our heart. How, therefore, should we guard our heart, and why is this so important? See Proverbs 4:23, Hebrews 12:14-15.
- Instead of grumbling, how should we respond? See 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Why is giving thanks in all circumstances so helpful?
- See Psalm 77:11-12. What are some ways we can respond to challenging situations, instead of grumbling? How does focusing on God instead of circumstances help us?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
How are you going in praying for your Person of Peace? Who is someone that you have a good relationship with – a person who likes, serves and listens to you? It may even be a grumbler who is currently experiencing a challenging situation in their life! Can you invite them to read the Bible with you?
Respond
Life includes challenges and inconvenient circumstances, all of which provide opportunities for us to grow in character and maturity. What change of attitude can you make to avoid grumbling or complaining and instead ‘shine like a star’? Share this with your group and commit it to God for His grace to prevail.
Living the Truth – Part 3
Introduction
Children at times resist the guidance and correction of their parents, even when it is meant as an expression of love and a way of teaching Godly values. Like a caring parent, God has plans and purposes for each of us. His love draws us into intimacy, and His Spirit guides us as we walk through the doors He opens. He wants us to live in the fullness of Christ instead of being weighed down by our own limitations. Christ’s power is not about reaching higher, but about kneeling lower.
Read: Philippians 2:1–11 |
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- Personal Reflection — Which part of Philippians 2:1–11 stands out to you most personally? In a sentence or two, how would you sum up what Paul is saying in these verses?
- Struggling with God’s Leading — Share a time when you sensed God leading you to do or learn something new, but you struggled or even resisted. Why was it difficult? Did you eventually take the step, or are you still wrestling with it?
- Fear versus Humility — Read verses 3–4. What are some reasons we might resist the things God calls us to? Scripture tells us over and over, ‘fear not’. Discuss the difference between fear and humility when it comes to obedience.
- A Surrendered Life — Read verses 5–8. If Christianity is about becoming like Christ, to what extent are we called to surrender? What would that look like practically in daily life? ‘Surrender’ also means being ‘set apart’ for God—what would that look like in your family, workplace, and church?
- The Virtue of Humility — Read verses 8–11; compare with John 13:3–5. Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less. What does humble service look like for you? What’s your biggest challenge in letting God shape you in the ways of Jesus?
- The Cost of Obedience — Jesus bore the ultimate cost in obedience to the Father. King David said, “I will not offer to the Lord my God that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). What cost are you willing to bear for the sake of humble obedience in serving others?
Person of Peace
Reach out to a person of peace. Approach them with humility, without fear, and with confidence in who you are in Christ.
Respond
If Jesus humbled Himself to accept death, what are you willing to lay down in order to accept true life? This week, choose one specific act of service as a step of overcoming fear with surrendered humility. Life includes challenges and inconvenient circumstances, all of which provide opportunities for us to grow in character and maturity.
Living the Truth – Part 4
Introduction
The apostle Paul challenges us to consider what is of most value in our lives. In the context of Paul’s culture, he had it all; he was born into the right family, he’d had the best education, and he was well on the way to reaching the pinnacle in his religious profession. Then he met Jesus, the one whom he had despised and whose followers he sought to eliminate, and Jesus became his all in all. Nothing else mattered more. In fact, Paul calls everything in his past, in Biblical Greek — skúbala — describing garbage in very vivid terms that is scraps, refuse, food waste thrown to dogs, vile and detestable filth, or dung compared with knowing Christ. How can we be sure that we are not pursuing things that are, in fact, stealing our attention away from the only treasure that lasts?
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- In one sentence, what gives you the most sense of value in your life?
- Read Matthew 6:19–21. Looking at how you spend your free time or discretionary money, what do they say about what you value or what you treasure?
- Read Philippians 3:7–8. What did Paul have to “write off” from his own life for Christ’s sake? Read Philippians 3:9–11. What did he find in Jesus that was so valuable?
- If you did a personal “self-audit,” what do you measure yourself by? Where do you feel proud — and where do you feel insecure?
- Read Mark 8:35–37. Pastor Mark Purser showed a picture of his trophy cabinet in the back of his garage. What image or memory in your life shows where your heart is really resting? What are the trophies in your life?
- Read Matthew 6:19–21, 24. Jesus says we cannot cling to our own achievements and cling to Him at the same time. What do you need to let go of in order to hold onto Him fully? What might be skúbala (garbage) in your life compared to knowing Jesus?
Person of Peace
Is there someone you know who is struggling with self-worth and is relentlessly chasing worldly things that might give them value, but are in fact undermining them? How might you be genuinely curious about their struggles but spiritually conspicuous, and share how Jesus has given you value in your life?
Respond
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1–2)
This week, take a moment each day to do a “divine audit” of the trophies you are chasing to find your worth. Maybe each morning ask, “Today, will I pursue Christ or a trophy?” Spend some time in prayer confessing the trophies that steal our attention from following Jesus and surrendering them all to Him.
Living the Truth – Part 5 – Persevere with Purpose
Introduction
In this message, we explore what it means to know Christ – not just in victory, but in suffering. The Apostle Paul reminds us that growth often comes through pressure, and hope is born in hardship. We’re encouraged to forget what’s behind, press forward with endurance, and live with eternity in mind. Each part of this journey challenges us to go deeper: to forgive, persevere, hold on, and trust that God is working even when we can’t see it. This is a call to press on and live with purpose and hope, with our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- Read Philippians 3:10. Paul wanted to know Jesus not only in His power but also in His suffering. What does it mean to know Jesus in both good times and hard times? Have you felt His love more deeply during a tough season?
- Read Philippians 3:13–14. Paul talks about forgetting what’s behind and pressing on. Is there something from your past (hurt, regret, or disappointment) that you need to release so you can move forward with Jesus?
- Read Romans 5:3–4. Suffering can grow perseverance, character, and hope. Can you think of a hard time that shaped you in a positive way? What kind of hope came out of it?
- Read Matthew 19:29. Following Jesus sometimes comes at a cost. What has it cost you personally? How have you experienced His promise of giving us “a hundred times as much”?
- Read Philippians 3:12. Paul pressed on because Christ had taken hold of him. Is there an area of your life right now where you’re tempted to quit? What is giving you the strength to keep going?
- Read 2 Corinthians 11:24–27. Paul faced many struggles yet stayed faithful. What challenges are Christians facing today? How can we encourage one another to keep strong in faith?
- Read Philippians 3:21. Remembering eternity helps us see life differently. How does the hope of eternity shift the way you face today’s struggles?
Person of Peace
Is there someone in your life right now going through a hard season, feeling weighed down by struggles, regrets, or unforgiveness? How could you come alongside them, listening, encouraging, or even sharing the hope you’ve found in Jesus?
Respond
If you could do just one thing for Jesus that would echo in eternity, what would it be? What’s holding you back, and what small step could you take this week to begin? You don’t have to do everything. Start by saying yes to the one thing God is putting on your heart.
Living the Truth – Part 6 – The Secret of Contentment
Introduction
John D. Rockefeller, the world’s first billionaire, once said when asked how much money is enough: “Just a little bit more.” Human nature constantly pushes us toward “just a little bit more”, whether in possessions, approval, or status. The Apostle Paul, however, writes from prison declaring that he has learned the secret of being content in every situation. This contentment is not found in Stoic detachment or in ritual mystery religions of his day, but in a Christ-centred life. True contentment is not about what you have, but about trusting Christ who gives us strength in all circumstances.
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- When was the last time you felt truly content? How was it different than now?
- Read Philippians 4:11–12. Paul says he learned to be content. What do you think this learning process looked like for him? How might we also “learn” contentment over time?
- Read Philippians 4:6–7. Paul connects contentment with prayer and thanksgiving. How does gratitude in prayer change our outlook, even if our circumstances don’t change?
- Read Philippians 4:8. Paul calls us to focus on what is true, noble, and good. What kinds of thoughts tend to dominate your mind in stressful seasons, and how might this verse reshape your thinking?
- Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). How do you tell the difference between relying on Christ’s strength and relying on self-sufficiency?
- Read Proverbs 30:8–9. Why is asking for “just enough” so countercultural today? What risks come with always wanting “more,” and how does this prayer offer a different way to live?
- St. Augustine wrote, “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in God.” Where do you notice restlessness in your own life? What would it look like for you to seek rest and contentment in God instead of substitutes?
Person of Peace
Is there someone in your life who seems restless or unsatisfied, always reaching for “just a little bit more”? How could you come alongside them with compassion and gently share how Jesus offers the only lasting contentment?
Respond
St. Augustine wrote: “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in God.” This week, practice contentment by intentionally bringing your needs to God in prayer and choosing gratitude for what He has already provided. What is one practical way you can cultivate contentment this week through prayer, gratitude, or trusting God with something beyond your control?
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