LifeGroup Study Questions:

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 1:21-30, and the big idea is: Being a part of the story of Jesus is what gives life the deepest purpose. 

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 1:21-26. Paul contrasts the Roman culture's motto of Zen Chrestos ("Living is Good") with his own motto: Zen Christos ("Living is Christ"). While he longs to be with Christ, he recognizes that remaining alive means "fruitful work" and serving others. How does placing Jesus at the absolute center of our lives change what we view as a "good life"? 

1. Have someone read Philippians 1:27-28. Paul urges the church to live as "citizens of heaven" marked by unity and standing firm without being frightened by opponents. Why is unity in the church such a powerful testimony to the world around us, and what makes it so challenging to maintain when we face pressure? 

1. Have someone read Philippians 1:29-30. Paul writes that it has been "granted" to believers not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for him. How does viewing difficulty or suffering as something "granted" for a purpose change our perspective when we face trial or opposition? 

1. The message highlights that living as a heavenly citizen gives us a clear purpose wherever Jesus has placed us. What is one specific way you can grow in your daily routine this week to move from just "living a good life" to actively making "living is Christ" your main priority? 

1. Based on the call to pray, invest, and invite, how can you go to the specific place Jesus has sent you—your workplace, neighborhood, or school—and invest in someone who doesn't know Christ yet, inviting them to step into his story? 

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.