SERMON NOTES AND STUDY GUIDE, 1/14/24

Welcome to the second week of RENEWAL: a series outlining our vision to “Practice the way of Jesus together for the renewal of the world.”

On Sunday, Jodi began to unpack what it means to move from knowing some things about Jesus to truly knowing Him in a personal way. As you’re getting better acquainted in your group, consider how this group experience is having an impact on the rest of your life. You might begin to notice some measurable ways you see your relationship with Jesus deepening.

Getting to Know Each Other
Begin your group time by learning more about each other. Open up and have some fun!

1)  What’s your favorite local restaurant and the meal you most enjoy eating there?

2)  What are moments or experiences that helped you feel close to God in the past week? When have you felt distant from Him?

Getting Started

Begin to transition into group discussion.  Host can pray for 1) the Spirit of God to lead you in truth, 2) for openness to what you’re learning together, 3) for friendships to deepen and grow

Invite someone else (or a couple of people) to read Philippians 3:1-21 to the group.

Study Questions 

1. In verses 1-6, Paul doesn’t mince words as he warns and encourages these believers in Philippi. This strong language shows his passion for knowing Jesus as a person, not just following a religion or a cause.
   1. Circle the status that best describes how closely you relate to Jesus today: Distant Observing Uncertain Friendly Close Friend
   2. Are you satisfied in your relationship with Jesus or is something missing? Explain.
2. In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul reflects on how he moved from knowing things about Jesus to truly having a relationship with the risen Lord. Jodi described this as a “stripping of self” in order to become more like Jesus.
   1. Think of an overwhelming challenge you’ve faced that left you at the end of your own resources. Whether you asked for help or not, what did you receive from God during that time?
   2. What kinds of things did God seem to be holding back from you?
   3. How did that impact your relationship with Jesus?
   4. What correlation you see between the suffering we endure and the closeness it produces in our relationship with Jesus.
3.  In Philippians 3:12-15, Paul highlights action — both God’s action through Jesus and his own action of pressing on — then calls us to follow his example. This action of living in persistent hope is certainly challenged in our culture, but we’re not in this alone!

This week, make time to check in and encourage each other. Next time, plan to report back on how your steps spurred your relationship with Jesus and each other. Press on, friends!

Prayer
Take a few moments to prepare a prayer request. What did the discussion cause you to notice about your own relationship with Jesus?