Discovering Joy Session 1

Studies on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians for SGSG Small Groups

A Worshipper of God           Acts 16:9-15                          8 Sept 24

As we begin our Autumn sermon series on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it will be helpful to think about what true worship is, what a true worshipper of God is like. 

Welcome

How would you describe true worship of God?

Worship

Sing or listen to In Christ Alone – the words are below. 

Word

Consider Paul’s experience in verse 9-10.  We don’t know if this was a specific word of prophesy or a deep, growing, internal conviction. 

·         What principles can help us know whether we are being guided by the Lord regarding a certain decision we have to make?

Paul’s habit was to begin where the local Jews were worshipping at the synagogue.  But there was no synagogue at Philippi.  Somehow Paul and his friends got wind of Jews meeting at a riverbank for prayer.  It seemed to be mainly a group of women: perhaps, as with Timothy’s family, it was Jewish women with Greek husbands.  Not all of them were actually Jewish.  Lydia was a God-fearer, a Gentile who had come to realise in Judaism something powerful, attractive and wise.

·         The Lord opened Lydia’s heart to pay attention to the Gospel (v 14).  How did the Lord open your heart in a similar way?

·         What was the result of Lydia’s heart being opened? (v15)

·         Why is baptism so significant do you think?

·         Lydia seeks confirmation of her membership to the body of Christ (v15) how important is this community of believers to you?  Do you feel part of the body of Christ here in Ashtead?

·         Lydia opened her home to missionaries (v15) How can your home become a place of ministry?

Witness, Care and Prayer

·         Consider new territories (Spiritual and Physical) where the Holy Spirit may be calling you to venture in this new season in Ashtead.  Pray for one another, for wisdom, guidance and courage to follow the Spirits leading.  Pray that you will be equipped physically and spiritually. 

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand