Life Groups 10 22

Introduction 

A ship is moved by a rudder; a car is directed by a steering wheel; and a
human's life is driven by his thoughts. What we think becomes our words
and our words become our actions. If we change our minds, we can often
make massive changes in our lives because our focus determines our
direction, our attitude and often, our outcome.
It has been said, as we think, so we become, and in Romans 12, Paul writes
that we’re transformed through the renewing of our minds. What we think
matters greatly. Yet, even though the life of the mind is so significant to the
outcome of all we do, our thought-life is often left undisciplined.
Let’s look at what it means to grow into Christian maturity as we begin to
bring every thought into submission to Christ; for Jesus is Lord over all,
including our inner thought life. 

Read Philippians 4:2-9

Discussion Questions 

Engage 

1. Share a story of one of the most meaningful experiences you have had
in the area of prayer. Was it an answered prayer? A miracle? A sense of
deep community with others? Or someone praying for you? 

Explore 

2. In Philippians 4:2-3, what recommendation does Paul give toward the
ongoing conflict between Euodia and Syntyche? What does it mean to
agree in the Lord? 

3. What discipline does Paul say we are to use to combat anxiety
(Philippians 4:4-7)? What eight things does Paul encourage us to
practice so that the peace of God will be with us? 

4. Why does Paul encourage Christians to meditate on what is honorable
(Philippians 4:8-9)? 

5. Following the command in Philippians 4:9, whose teaching and
example are we called to imitate? 

Apply 

6. Paul addresses an ongoing conflict between two Christian women in
the church at Philippi. Why is it so important to work towards unity
in the church? What can be accomplished when we’re unified? What
happens when there is unresolved conflict within a church? Are there
any conflicts or unresolved situations you need to address for the sake
of fostering greater unity (please use discretion in sharing)? 

7. Where do you see areas of anxiety in your heart that need to be
processed through prayer? 

8. In a busy and overwhelming world, how do you pray consistently?
How do you pray privately, with family and with other Christians? Is
prayer an easy or difficult spiritual discipline for you? Why or why not? 

9. Discuss Paul’s encouragement for us to, “think about these things.”
What does that mean? How does it look in our everyday lives? 

Memory Verse - (Philippians 4:6, ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.