Selfless Servant

Lesson

Letter to Philippians is a letter that Paul wrote as he was in prison. In this letter we find the word joy/rejoice 16 times. Contentment. Considering others. All this in the midst of a trial that can end his life. One of his most harrowing moments, but in that we see joy, peace, contentment. In this letter we find principles of relationship that gave him security, hope, joy and resolve to "live for Christ" and see "death as gain"

When we have deep relationships/ Real relationships that are rooted in helping us to grow in Christ, there is find joy in the midst of any trial.

he relationships that helped me grow the most, that called me higher, those are the ones I still treasure.

What principles do we see in Paul’s correspondence that will build the lasting relationships and close connection that see us through?

Philippians 1:1-11 Pursue Partnerships--Talk about how Paul's Partnership with the Christians. Discuss Partnerships. What are words that describes this partnership? (Gospel-centered. Christ centered, bound by the blood of Jesus Christ, similar purpose, to live and love God and others.) Look at how deeply he loved his relationship with the church. How the gospel, the desire to finish what they started in Christ and their deep affection for one another bonded them. Not just friendships but relationships that are centered on Jesus. Share about a friendship in the kingdom that you would consider a partnership in the gospel and how your partnership with one another has created a deep affection for one another.

Question: Is there someone that you seek to pursue to have this partnership? How often do you express your affection and your love for you friend? These relationships will be there for you when you need them most. They don’t just happen they must be pursued. They take time and effort. Examples (

Jackie?

Philippians 2:1-11 Serve Selflessly- When we consider others better than ourselves, humility, we are willing to lay down our lives for them. A lot of us like hanging out and fellowship together but it does not mean you will be close. Closest relationships are those that have sacrificed. Like Christ they were willing to give of themselves for our sake. It takes being intentional and it takes willingness to initiate. Who are you willing to lay down your life for? Who are you willing to give up your rights because you love them?

Have someone share about a relationship where someone went over and beyond and how them serving selflessly has forged their friendship?

Philippians 4:10-19 Cultivate Contentment. Paul had learned how to be content in all situations. How does one become content in jail? We don't just become content it has to be cultivated. This is not something that just happens. His relationship with the Lord helped him to find peace in the midst of trials. He was able to rejoice in all his trials need relationships that help us to see Jesus so that when hard times come we will stand firm in Jesus. When the trials comes our relationships with one another has helped us to be deeply rooted in

We will all face challenges in life. We need to invest in godly relationships right now so that when those time come that we will be able to weather the storms of life with great joy in the Lord.

Jackie will do some sharing