Reflection Questions for "Love God, Love People"

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Frontline Congregation*

Downtown Edmond Shawnee South Yukon

Read Philippians 2:1–11 and then work through the questions below.

Looking at verses 2–4, what can we infer is the problem that Paul is addressing in the Philippian church?*

What are the four grounds for unity and humility that Paul lists in verse 1? How do these grounds lead to unity and humility?*

Verse 5 says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” What do we learn about Jesus’ attitude from verses 6–11?*

Read the quote below from D. A. Carson. Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not? Share examples.*

The church is… made up of natural enemies. What binds us together is not common education, common race, common income levels, common politics, common nationality, common accents, common jobs, or anything else of that sort. Christians come together… because they have all been saved by Jesus Christ and owe him a common allegiance… They are a band of natural enemies who love one another for Jesus’ sake. (D. A. Carson)

How can we love people we do not naturally like?*

Read the list below, derived from Romans 12. In which areas does your current Christian community, as a group, tend to be the weakest, and why? What practical steps could you take to improve?*

Love honestly, speaking out against what is wrong (v. 9).
Love even unattractive people, because they are your brothers and sisters (v. 10).
Love by making others feel honored and valuable (v. 10).
Love by being generous in practical ways with your home, money, and time (v. 13).
Love without bitterness. Don’t “pay others back,” or hold resentment against others (v. 14).
Love with empathy. Be willing to be emotionally involved with others (v. 15).
Love with humility. Be willing to associate with people who differ from you (v. 16).