8.6.23 Huddle
Opening Discussion
- What’s one of your most embarrassing moments?
- What’s the difference between humility and humiliation?
Read and Discuss
Philippians 1:1-11 CSB
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus:
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
- How does Paul encourage the church in Philippi?
- How has Paul been humbled in his life?
- Why was unity in the church so important for Paul?
- How are humility and unity related?
- Why does Paul give thanks for the people in the church at Philippi?
- Who are some people you thank God for?
- How can your love grow in knowledge and discernment?
- Even in his imprisonment, how did Paul continue to share the good news of Jesus?
- What are some circumstances that feel limiting to how you can live and share your faith?
- What are some creative ways you could still share your faith, despite your circumstances?
Philippians 1:18b-26
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.
- How does Paul keep his focus on telling people about Jesus while at the same time keeps a heavenly perspective of what is to come?
- What are some things that make it difficult to keep Jesus at the center of your life?
- What does Paul mean by, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain?”
- If you woke up everyday and said “To live is Christ,” what might change about your day?
- Paul puts a big emphasis on the church praying for him. What are some things you pray (or can pray) for the leaders in your church?
- What does it look like for Christ to be highly honored in your life?
Philippians 2:1-4
1 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.
- How does Paul expect the church of Philippi to treat others?
- Why is humility necessary to honor Christ with your life?
- What is difficult about considering others better than yourself?
- How can living this way help you tell others about Jesus?
- What are some ways people look to their own interests?
Apply it!
- What is one thing you could do this week to look to the interest of others?
Memorize it!
Philippians 2:3-4
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.
Prayer TACOS
Thank the Lord for humbling Himself to die on the cross for our sin
Adoration- Worship the Lord for being worthy of praise
Confess to those times when you acted selfishly
Others- Ask the Lord to show you the interests and needs of others around you.
Self- Ask the Lord to help you be humble in your interactions with people this week
Closing thoughts
C.S. Lewis said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” In our culture that tells us to pursue our personal happiness above all, to live our truth, and to focus on our own needs, this passage stands in stark contrast to that. A life lived in full surrender to Christ goes against the culture. If I’m living a Christ-centered life, then I have to die daily to myself.
This is not easy, and it’s not always fun. I want to do what I want to do. As much as I hate to confess it, yes, I do think I’m better than some people. But here’s Paul telling us that living that way is not God’s way. We have to consider others better than ourselves. And we need to meet our own needs, but we should also be looking at others interests and needs.
When we live this way, it’ll be so different from the world around us that people can’t help but take notice. This will lead to some conversations and opportunities to talk about the love of Jesus. Since we’ve met their other needs, because we were looking for ways to do that, they will be more willing to listen. So today, look at those around you. Notice what they need, then do something about it.