Sermon Outline:
- ...because the fear and joy of God's judgement propels our Gospel obedience
- ...because God Himself propels our Gospel obedience
- ...because of the joy of being set apart from the fleeting kingdom of this world
- ...because of the joy of the Church's Gospel boasting
Family Discussion Questions:
Younger and Older:
- You cannot earn a place in Heaven, but how does thinking about what God will say about your actions on the last day help you to obey Him?
- How is it possible for sinful people to actually do what pleases God?
- What sins that we think are little, does God say belong in the kingdom of Satan and not in the Kingdom of His Son?
- If the Philippian Church didn't let go of grumbling and selfishness, would Paul have been able to boast about what Christ did in them?
Deeper Discussion:
- How do we know that the warnings and encouragements in this passage are not only meant for new and "unsuccessful" Christians?
- Do you take responsibility for your own Gospel motivations or have you given that responsibility to someone else?
- Explain why you cannot cling to selfishness and the Gospel at the same time.
- What would you tell someone who is waiting for God to give the motivation and power to obey Him?
- How does the joy of causing someone else to praise God motivate your pursuit of Gospel obedience?