Sermon Based Group Homework
For the message on May 24, 2020
Passage: Philippians 4:10, 18; 2:25-30
QUICK REVIEW
This Sunday, Mike concluded our series on Soul Care by looking at the power of connection. We all need friends like Epaphroditus who understand us, encourage us, and put our needs ahead of their own.
Looking back at your notes from Sunday’s message, was there anything you heard for the first time, caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Who was your best friend growing up? What character qualities did they possess?
LET’S GO DEEPER
1. In Philippians 2:25, Paul called Epaphroditus a “true brother” because of his faith in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, followers of Christ are expected to be brotherly towards one another. What can you learn from the following verses about the kind of friend we should be toward other believers?
Romans 12:10 (ESV)
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Hebrews 13:1 (ESV)
1 Let brotherly love continue.
1 Peter 3:8 (ESV)
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Can you think of a time when someone outside your earthly family showed you a brotherly or sisterly kind of love?
When have you shown genuine concern and compassion toward another believer?
2. Paul also called Epaphroditus a “fellow worker.” What can we learn from the following passages about the kind of worker or laborer we should be for the gospel?
Matthew 9:35-38 (ESV)
35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Do you ever grow weary in doing good? Why?
Why is labor that you do for the Lord never in vain?
3. Paul also calls Epaphroditus a “fellow soldier.” When you put your faith in Jesus Christ you were enlisted in God’s Army. According to the following passages, what does a good soldier in God’s army do and not do?
2 Timothy 2:3 (ESV)
3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:18 (AMP)
… fight the good fight [in contending with false teachers],
2 Timothy 2:4 (ESV)
4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
Do you consider yourself a good soldier? Why?
Are there any adjustments you need to make this week in order to become a better soldier in God’s army?
TAKE IT HOME
1. What is your biggest takeaway from this sermon and study?
2. Do you have any prayer requests for your group?
Prayer Requests:
