Journey into prayer
The church at Philippi was the first church Paul planted in Europe (Acts 16:6-40). 10 years later, Paul’s imprisoned in Rome where he wrote this letter. Since imprisonment often carried with it a social stigma, it would have been easy for the Philippians to turn their back on Paul (which they didn’t). Paul writes to encourage them to continue walking in the manner they have.
The question we are most interested is this: What will keep us going when we feel like giving up on Christianity?
Philippians 1:9
9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Focus on v.9. Think of five implications here for how we understand love. (eg: love is not a static thing - it can grow)
According to Paul, what do we need in order to love God more?
Focus on v.10. How many real life examples can you think of where we’re having to do this? (eg: the movies we watch)
What word/phrase catches your attention the most? Paraphrase it and share with the group.
Pick one aspect of this passage where you would most like to grow in. Brainstorm some ideas on how we can keep meditating about it this week. (eg: send each other text reminders)
Share some prayer points in addition to the above and pray for each other!