ICEBREAKERS
Make sure to start off with prayer. Then choose one or more questions to open up with.
1. What is your favorite part of the 4th of July?
REVIEW & TALK-IT-OUT
Go through each main point and scripture from the message and use the corresponding questions in discussion with your group.
THE MAIN THEME/THE BIG IDEA: JOY Under Pressure [Joy UP!]
POINT #1:
REJOICING IS YOUR PUSHBACK AGAINST PRESSURE.
Philippians 4:1-4 (NIV)
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Talk-it-Out #1:
In the past how have you pushbacked against pressure?
Talk-it-Out #2
What are some practical ways that you can create joy when facing pressure?
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your request to God.
Talk-it-Out #3
What causes anxiety for you ?
POINT #2:
EVERY DAY, SEVERAL TIMES A DAY, TURN YOUR FOCUS TO THE THINGS THAT YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR TO THE THINGS THAT BRING YOU JOY.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Talk-it-Out #4:
What is one thing that you know is good that you need to focus on more?
POINT #3:
CONTENTMENT IS NOT COMPLACENCY. CONTENTMENT IS BEING INDEPENDENT OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES AROUND US AND DEPENDENT ON THE JESUS WITHIN US.
Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Talk-it-Out #5:
What is the circumstance around you that you need to become independent of in order to experience contentment?
POINT #4:
LETS BE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE COURAGE TO HAVE JOY UNDER PRESSURE! WHO BELIEVE THAT GOD IS SUPPLYING ALL OUR NEEDS,
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Talk-it-Out #6:
Would you say you are currently living out the principles of giving, saving, and spending according to God's ways of handling money?
WRITE-It-Out
Encourage your group to start writing things down. In a journal or on paper, do the following exercises.
- List out the things and situations in your life right now that you are lacking contentment in.
- Next to that list write out the things you are thankful for.
- Write out a prayer that thanks God for what He has given you and then make your requests known to him for what you heart is desiring.
Live-It-Out
Encourage your group to start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Push back against pressure this week by making a choice to have joy by focusing on the things you are thankful for when it comes.
- Complete Growth Track. Every Saturday in Tacoma 6:00pm, and every Sunday at all of our campuses. Bellevue 9:45am & Tacoma 11:30am.
- Serve together as a group with Summer Love. To view serving opportunities with Champions Foundation, click HERE.
Closing Thoughts
- Finish group with prayer requests and praise reports.
- More resources are always available here: Group Resources.