Philippians - Week 1

A CHURCH IS BORN

Preview Question: What are some examples of how others have encouraged you through prayer / a time of prayer?

Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:1-11

1. Describe Paul's feelings toward the Philippians? Why do you think he feels this way?
2. What does Paul specifically pray for on behalf of the Philippians? What might we learn about their needs (and ours) from this prayer (remember to think about some of the context we discussed last week)?
3. What does Paul's prayer teach us about what we should pray for others?
4. What else did you learn?

Philippians - Introduction

As we kick off our study of Philippians this week, I encourage you to read the introduction to the letter in your study bible. You can also follow the link below to an introduction online:

http://www.ivpress.com/bible/phil/

It is always important to understand the background (e.g. people, place, time, why, what, were) for the passage and a good study bible or bible dictionary will help a great deal with that. In addition, I want you to read the whole letter through in one sitting.

For our meeting this week, I want you to come prepared with 1 or 2 things you learned about Paul's letter to the Philippians in your background review and 1 or 2 verses or passages from the letter that stood out for you in your initial reading. This will be an important meeting to set the stage for our more in depth study of the letter over the next 7 weeks.

Nehemiah - Disciplined Leadership - Summary

NEHEMIAH - DISCIPLINED LEADERSHIP

Let's close our study of Nehemiah with a general discussion of the lessons we learned in the following areas:

• Prayer
• Planning
• Working Together
• Facing Opposition
• Dealing with Intimidation
• Importance of Confession and Commitment
• Love that Challenges

Nehemiah - Disciplined Leadership - Week 12

LOVE THAT CHALLENGES

Preview Question: Why do you think we find it so hard in this culture to correct a brother in the Lord?

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 13

Discussion Questions

1. What facts in the chapter seem to indicate why the Israelites have backslidden?
2. Have you ever had to correct someone or had someone come to you to correct something in your life? What were the circumstances and the outcome?
3. What right did Nehemiah have to address the sin the way he did? What is surprising about his response?
4. How have or can other help you in dealing with your own sin?
5. What else did you learn?
   

Nehemiah - Disciplined Leadership - Week 11

SERVICE & INTEGRITY

Preview Question: What jobs do you do that give you a lot of fulfillment and satisfaction?

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 12

Discussion Questions:

1. How are the supporting roles in your church valued or appreciated? What could be done to improve their position in your eyes?
2. What do we most appreciate about those in which we are involved in ministry? What do you think God most appreciates about those who serve him?
3. What gets in the way of us having the right attitude as we serve God? What are some ways we can address those things in our lives?
4. Have you ever experienced the kind of celebration described in this chapter? Explain? How do you think the neigboring people responded to the celebration?
5. What else did you learn?