Look Back (5-10 minutes) 

Open your group with a moment to connect and look back. 

1. How is everyone doing? Did anything notable happen this week? 

1. Did anything in the reading for this week impact you? 

Discuss the Message (30-45 minutes) 

We’re in a study of Philippians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul from a prison cell. This letter is a powerful picture of a life fully centered on Jesus—where every circumstance, every relationship, and every decision is shaped by one defining reality: Jesus is everything. Philippians invites us out of a life of observation and into a life of participation. It calls us to reorient everything around Jesus—to say with Paul, “For me, to live is Christ.” And as we do, we discover that this kind of life isn’t a burden—it’s where real joy is found. This week, we are in Philippians 1:1-11, and the big idea is: Everything changes when your story becomes a part of Jesus’ story. 

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do. 

1. Have someone read Philippians 1:1-2. Paul and Timothy refer to themselves simply as "servants of Christ Jesus.” When our individual story becomes a part of Jesus’ story, why does surrendering our desire for self-importance actually bring true peace? 

1. Have someone read Philippians 1:3-5. Writing from imprisonment, Paul prays "with joy" because of the believers' partnership in the gospel. How does placing our focus on Jesus and his mission allow our joy to grow deeper even when our external circumstances are difficult? 

1. Have someone read Philippians 1:6-7. Paul expresses absolute confidence that God will carry his good work to completion. How does knowing that your future is ultimately held and completed by God change the way you face daily uncertainty or failure? 

1. Have someone read Philippians 1:9-11. Paul prays that love would abound in knowledge and discernment so believers may be "pure" (sun-judged) and filled with the fruit of righteousness. What is one area of your life where you need to grow in discernment so your character reflects the wholeness Jesus is building in you? 

1. Since everything changes when a person’s story becomes part of Jesus’ story, how can you go and share your personal experience of God's faithfulness with a friend or neighbor this week, inviting them into that same certain future? 

Close and Pray (5-10 minutes) 

As the discussion comes to a close, transition to a time of prayer. Praying together is one of the best ways for your group to connect. Often, splitting into smaller groups for prayer can be beneficial. This can look many different ways, but the goal is for your group to be comfortable praying together, sharing what is really going on in your lives, and asking God to work as you follow Jesus together.