Throw Back Series, Pt. III

This guide is a tool to help you facilitate discussion with your rGroup. Use it to lead your group in discovering, owning, and applying God’s Word. This is a flexible tool, not a rigid task list. Follow the Holy Spirit’s lead as you lead your group. You don’t need to ask every question.

Understanding God’s Word: Know and Understand the Truth

READ Philippians 2:3-8

• What does it mean when Paul describes Christ "...though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant..."?
• What is the connection between humility and serving? Is it possible to be humble, yet not serve people? Is it possible to serve people in a Christ-like way, yet not be a humble person?

Living and Applying God’s Word: Give a Vision of Life With God

• In what ways do we see the culture around us normalizing and even celebrating conceit or “self-love?” 
• Can you think of any example in your life where you experienced someone showed you with their actions that they considered you more significant than themselves? 
• How far-reaching could the genuine, humble service of all Christians be in changing the way that world sees the church? The way that the world sees Christ? 
• Take a moment to encourage each other in your group for ways that you have them serving! 

 Assessing the Heart: Identify and Address Sin

• Give an example of a time that you served others, but you primarily did it to gain something for yourself rather than doing it for the sake of others. 
• Why is "self-love" and conceit a sin? Why would God hate things like these so much? (Answer: Think what is at the heart of all of these kind of things. It's idolatry. Elevating ourselves to a position that only God should hold.)

      

Turn to God: Confess and Renew Belief in God

• READ PHILIPPIANS 2:8 = Why was this kind of sacrifice necessary for you and me? How is this sacrifice the key that enables us to begin looking like Christ in our service to others?
• How can reminding ourselves  ofJesus' examples of humility and service help us maintain a heart and desire to live out those things as well? 
• Besides the local church, what areas of your life do you feel God is calling you be a reflection of Christ in the way that you humbly serve others around you? (Sample answers: Home, marriage, work, hobbies, school, etc.)