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?
Listen to an audio version of the message
Songs for this week: Spotify
Philippians 4:8-9
Message Questions:
- 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?
- 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!
- 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?
- 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.
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Romans 12:1-2 - Jesus’ invitation is to follow him: to be with him, become like him, and do what he did. We surrender control to Jesus, resist the pattern of the world that shapes us, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Mark 1:16-18 -We begin our series on Practicing the Way—exploring how Jesus’ rhythms of prayer, fasting, solitude, and Sabbath invite ordinary people to grow in grace and intimacy with God
Acts 17:16-34 -Paul shares the hope of Jesus in everyday language, guiding seekers toward truth and showing where their search for God had gone astray.
Acts 13:1-5 -The first Christians had small groups! They knew, because Jesus modelled it, that we’re much better in groups than we are as individuals. The group that gathered in Antioch was diverse, zoned in on Jesus and figuring out how to be outward-facing. Your own group will want all that and more!
Acts 8:9-25 - Simon put on a good show (literally!), but his heart was full of bitterness. He wasn’t healthy and wasn’t taking the steps to be healthy. What about us today?
Acts 2:40-47 - As a church, we’re taking some time to talk about our vision and strategy. We’re hoping to add clarity to why and how we do what we do in this season.
