After this discussion, you are halfway done! It goes fast, doesn’t it? Remember that the best discussion is filled with open-ended questions that allow your group a chance to think and share. Ask observation questions as needed to help get your group thinking in the right direction, but aim for a discussion where the group interacts with each other, not simply walking through a back-and-forth conversation with you.
Discussion Focus: Humility
Not so much thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking of others MORE.
I recently had the opportunity to teach through this portion of Philippians at a women’s retreat. It was wonderful revisiting this lesson and diving into the topic of humility, imitating Christ, and rejoicing in Him. You’re welcome to listen in!
Discussion Opening
Lesson 3 Focus: To understand the connection between humility, unity, and joy, and to recognize how Christ modeled humility for us
Always remember to open in prayer.
Open by asking your group what they remember about Chapter 1.
Read through Philippians 2:1-11
As a review, ask how Philippians 1 leads into Chapter 2. Your group may want to refer to page 51 of the study, where they considered this. Remember that the “right” answer is the one that they can justify from the text. When I asked this in a group discussion, my group noticed the continuing theme of the gospel as the connecting thoughts. I had thought about the thematic similarities between Chapter 1 and Philippians 2:1. Your group may notice something different. What’s important is that they can justify their response as they reason through the text.
Suggested Questions:
Most of your questions will come from the Wrapping it Up section of the study.
What are some of the main themes of Philippians 2:1-11? How would you explain what chapter 2 is about to a friend?
They will likely come up with responses such as humility, unity, and the example of Christ. The second part of the question is designed to help them unify the chapter in their mind and give them practice coming up with a chapter theme.
Why is unity important in the church today?
Allow them time to imagine what the church would look like if it were fully unified and what happens when believers split over non-essential issues. While it was not part of the study, you might ask what some essentials are necessary to take a stand on (Salvation by grace through faith, the divinity and humanity of Jesus, Jesus’ death and resurrection, the eternal destiny of those who have been justified by Jesus and those who have not received His gift of salvation – see the statement of faith for other essentials) are. You might also ask what non-essentials they have witnessed believers split over.
Why is it important that we each have a mindset of humility in order for us to achieve true unity?
This is a question that will get the group thinking. Sometimes I ask questions like this because some deep thinkers in the group will share jewels of wisdom, even if I struggle to put a clear answer together myself.
What did you notice about the contrast between selfish ambition and humility?
This is from Part 2 of the study, pages 54-55. Incorporate the story of Korah as the discussion progresses. In my group, I asked what other situations, other than leadership challenges, have they seen people form a “posse” against someone else or been tempted to join a “posse.” This led to some great personal discussion.
How did Jesus model humility for us?
Have your group refer to their notes from Part 3 of the lesson. You can rephrase this question by asking how Jesus “emptied” himself, or what it means that He emptied Himself, based on what they saw in the cross-references on page 63. You can look this verse up in the NLT if your group needs the phrase “emptied Himself” re-translated.
Get your group talking about the rights He had as God and how He didn’t insist on those rights during His time on earth. You can ask them what “rights” they tend to insist on holding onto. Be careful not to allow the conversation of “rights” to become political—we are not speaking of governmental rights but rather interpersonal rights.
Considering how the Lord views humility, why do you suppose He rewards humility so greatly?
You can refer to how Christ was exalted in verses 9-11 as the basis for your answer to this question. You can also walk through the cross-references on page 61. If your group didn’t work through those references and you have time, you may want to walk through those references together. Be sure that the group comes around to the understanding that humility honors God, and it glorifies God to exalt His children who honor Him with a humble heart. Remember that we are not to seek exaltation but rather to honor God.
What is the connection between joy and humility?
This is another question that will get the group thinking. Allow the silence to sit for a moment as the group considers this, particularly if they didn’t work through the Wrapping It Up questions beforehand. Answers will vary – the important thing is that they can connect their answer to the text somehow.
Some may consider that humility pleases God, and we can have joy knowing that we are walking in the Lord’s way. Others may recognize that having a self-centered heart tends to lead to bitterness and frustration, and there is joy in seeing others lifted up. Some may point out that Paul took joy in seeing the fruit of the Philippian church’s faith, and we, too, can have joy in seeing others walk in spiritual maturity.
Don’t force these insights on your group; instead, allow them to develop their own, affirming them as they reason through the text.
What would growth in humility look like for you personally? How would this growth lead to greater joy?
Use your discernment when asking this question of your group. Some more reserved groups may not feel comfortable answering and prefer to journal their thoughts with the Lord rather than share publicly. Other groups will be more open with each other, which could lead to a great time of prayer and accountability.
What is one practical step you can take to grow in humility?
Make sure this is very real and practical, not theoretical. If appropriate, have each individual who answers set a date to take that step. Again, this will vary based on your group dynamic.
Closing the discussion
At this point, your time may be very close to being up. If you still have time, ask the group one of the “back pocket” questions from this post.
Take prayer requests, but keep them brief. Have them share their requests in one or two sentences.
Close in prayer, either yourself or see if a group member would be willing to close. Do not call on anyone to close in prayer unless you are confident they would be willing to do so.
How did it go?
Let me know how it went! Did the Lord prompt ask any additional questions that spurred a great conversation? Do you have any questions about anything in the study? Share your thoughts in the comments to strengthen and encourage one another!
I’m praying for you and rejoicing with you as you shepherd your flock!
Found this post and wondering what study it goes with? Find Again I Say Rejoice: An Inductive Study of Philippians here or on Amazon.com.
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