Philippians - Week 5

/ New Minas Baptist Church/

Pastor Al Kirkbride shares Part 5 in our Spring series “The Book of Philippians”.

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Discussion Notes

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Sermon Notes

Reflection & Discussion

Read: Philippians 2:1-4. Pray for your study time.

Sermon Discussion Questions

  1. In Philippians 2:1, Paul points believers back to what they have already received in Christ (encouragement, comfort, fellowship, affection, sympathy). What ways have you received these elements from God?

  2. A quote from one of the slides, “The comfort we receive becomes comfort we give.” How can past suffering or struggles actually prepare us to minister to others? (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)

  3. The word koinonia was described as more than friendship or shared attendance, but “spiritual partnership in the gospel.” What is the difference between attending church together and truly living in biblical fellowship together?

  4. Philippians 2:2 calls believers to be “of the same mind” and “the same love.” How can Christians maintain unity even when they have different preferences, personalities, or denominational backgrounds?

  5. The statement “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity” was highlighted in the teaching. What are some examples of essentials and non-essentials in the Christian life? Why is charity/love needed in both?

  6. Philippians 2:3 identifies selfish ambition and vain conceit as enemies of unity. Where do you most often see these attitudes appear—in churches, workplaces, families, or even in yourself?

  7. The lesson connected selfish ambition with a “scarcity mindset.” How does fear of “not enough” (recognition, influence, resources, attention, opportunities) create division among people?

  8. Jesus said in Mark 10:45 that He “came not to be served but to serve.” In practical terms, what does it look like to choose serving over being served in everyday church life or family life?

  9. Philippians 2:4 says to look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. What is one practical way you could intentionally put this into practice this week?