Chapter 2 The Joy of Encouragement--Leader's Guide

1) In Christ himself there is every encouragement to Unity. Disunity is rejection of His will and purpose.

a) Share something that has been encouraging to you that happened this week.  

b) What cause disunity ? Share your thoughts.

- v1-2

o speaks of unity;

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ...”

“…any comfort from love…”

“…any participation in the Spirit…”

“…any affection and sympathy…”

“…complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in

full accord and of one mind.”

3) This chapter teaches us to be humble and humility. Explain the words Paul uses “Selfish ambition” “Vain conceit” “Humility”

“selfish ambition” – don’t come with ULTERIOR MOTIVES

 “vain conceit” – don’t do things to IMPRESS OTHERS

 “humility” – “…count OTHERS more significant than yourself…”

4) Verse 5-11 talks about Christ HUMILITY.

a) How is Christ's humility shown

Christ’s HUMILITY can be seen through his:

Surrender

Sacrifice

Submission

Servanthood

Suffering

b) Why dying on the cross is such a bad way to die?

It is a Conspicuous death; everybody can see you die

It is a Criminal’s death; only criminals were crucified

5)  In verse 12, Paul talks about working out your salvation with fear and trembling. 
a) Why do you think we are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling?

b) What does it mean ? 
Often it is not just hearing or reading the Bible that brings change in our lives but doing it...we desire to God's will as we do God's will.

6) In the past, Christians helped each other by visiting each other, writing letters and support through any means they could. From v 19-30, how do Timothy and Epaphroditus show Unity and support?
Timothy was Paul companion on his missionary journeys and would carry news from Paul to the church.
Epaphroditus delivered money to Paul from the philippians and is a "real brother", "working and battling side by side". He fell ill and almost died and after he recovered Paul sent him home.