Jailhouse Joy: Think About Such Things
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November 7, 2021
Jailhouse Joy: Think About Such Things

Philippians is Paul’s most joyful letter even though he’s in jail, he’s old, people are behaving poorly and it’s not clear if things will get any better. Can there be real joy when circumstances are awful?

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Philippians 4:8-9

Message Questions:

  1. When Paul talks about the “peace of God” what do you envision? What would a full-blown case of the “peace of God” look like in your life?
  2. Verse 8 lists the following qualities: “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy”. As a group, go through each of the qualities listed and identify items that qualify for ‘good thinking’. Give yourself good energy and space for this question!
  3. Bring to mind good teaching or modeling that you have ‘learned’, ‘received’, ‘heard’, or ‘seen’. How are you practicing what you’ve been taught? If you don’t currently have a ‘practice plan’ are you interested in getting started? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think the “God of Peace will be with you” because you do these things or as you do these things? What’s the difference between the two?

Extend your small group discussion with the expanded guide for today’s message. It includes more questions and soul training practices for you and your small group.

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