full of conflict and strife?
Small Group Questions
“Stop Complaining”
Philippians 2:14-16
Previous message summary: Paul encourages the
Philippians to live for Christ whether in Paul’s presence or
in his absence, and to work out their salvation in fear and
trembling, not for it.
What we learned: Because of the salvation I have
received from Christ and what he has done for me, I need
to allow God to energize me, work his purpose in me, and
be what he desires me to be.
2.
Introduction: We live in a part of the world where luxuries
and conveniences are a routine part of our life. For
example, we can communicate with people around the
world by phone, text, email, Facebook, Twitter, or Skype.
Within minutes, most of us can choose to eat our fill of
many different types of food.
a.
In the midst of all your luxuries and
conveniences, do you still find things to
complain about?
3.
a.
Does Paul’s command mean that we are always
supposed to agree with one another?
b.
Does Paul’s command mean that we can’t fill out
a complaint card?
c.
What are the differences between complaining,
constructive criticism and critical thinking? Does
it have anything to do with our motives and the
way we go about voicing our differences?
Why must believers commit to doing all things
without complaining or arguing?
a.
What is at the core of a complainer’s heart?
Exodus 16:1-3 (remember the context of
Exodus)
b.
Do you know people who are not happy unless
they have something to complain about? What is
the deeper issue of their life?
c.
When you feel like complaining, what can you
do to remind yourself of Paul’s command?
What reasons does Paul give for doing everything
without complaining or arguing?
b.
When do you find yourself complaining the
most, and what do you complain about?
a.
How does complaining and arguing affect our
standing before God?
c.
Do you enjoy being in the company of a
“complainer”? Why or why not?
b.
How does complaining and arguing affect our
standing before men, especially non-believers?
c.
What does it mean to live a life that shines like a
star? Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 13:43, 2
Corinthians 4:6, Isaiah 60:1-3.
d.
Does your life “shine” for Christ in our world
Discussion Questions
Read Philippians 2:14-16
1.
Based on Paul’s command, how do you conduct
yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel in a world
today? In what way? Is this even important?
4.
Paul says that the people in Philippi are living in a
“crooked and depraved generation.” Does this
description fit our modern world?
a.
What are the characteristics of a “crooked”
people?
b.
How are we to be different than the “crooked
and depraved generation” in which we live?
What does “shining as stars” and holding out the
“word of life” tell you about how you should act
as a Christian in this world?
c.
5.
Paul looks forward to the day of Christ and hopes
that he will have reason to boast on that day. Is his
desire inappropriate?
a.
b.
c.
6.
Is there a place in your life (work, home, school,
etc.) where shining like a star could make a
difference? How?
As you stand before the Lord, what would you
want to boast about on the day of Christ? Are
your things similar to Paul’s?
Who are you going to boast about on the day of
Christ?
Are there people in your life who will be able to
boast on the day of Christ because of your
obedience?
Paul says that he does not want to run or labor in
vain.
a.
Have you ever run or labored for nothing? Does
this cause discouragement in the life of a
believer?
b.
How can we know if we are investing in the right
people or things?
c.
When Christians get discouraged in the work of
the gospel, feeling like they are running and
laboring in vain, what does God’s Word say to
encourage us? Isaiah 55:10-11, Philippians
3:12-14.
Challenge
In what ways are you tempted to complain and argue?
Pray about ways that you can overcome those
temptations and think about ways that you can be
accountable to each other to be victorious in this area of
your life.
Next Steps: With God’s help, I will . . .
G
Work on overcoming a bitter and negative spirit
G
Rejoice more and complain less.
G
Let my light shine in a crooked and depraved
generation.
G
Attempt to hold out the word of life.
As a church, we are supporting and sending Russell and Em ily Clum
to start a new church in Portland, Oregon. W e invite you to pray for
this new project and partner with us in this exciting and challenging
new endeavor.
This week’s prayer: “You are the designer of cities and the designer of
relationships. W e pray for our friends, fam ilies, and those we don’t yet
know in Portland, all who were m ade in your im age. May your church
be good news to the people of your city.”