CELL NOTES 8/2/10 

ICE BREAKER 

Have you ever had to be the bearer of good news or bad news to somebody else? What happened?

THEME 

We need each other

Reading; Phil 2 : 19 - 30

SERMON OUTLINE

1) Paul expresses appreciation for the Philippians, and is please to send two good visitors.

2) Paul demonstrates his care by his heartfelt enquiry about them.

3) It affirms and encourages us all to know others care, and Epahroditus’ return is concrete demonstration of that.

4) We need each other via speech, demonstration of love and forgiveness.

5) Jesus modelled this – He was never discouraging, rude or belittling. He sometimes had hard messages, but always aiming to teach and encourage – he even got through to civil servants!

6) He frequently modelled love, and taught His followers to live that way, as did Paul.

7) Jesus also modelled forgiveness in life, and then supremely from the cross.

8) Illustration of song about being on hold from a call centre, with the chorus “If everybody did it like Jesus, it would give the world a new beginning.”

9) The Philippians are urged to let Epahroditus know they are pleased to see him – so must we – make good coffee etc!

10) Why do we need each other? 

            We are encouraged and lifted.

            When we behave that way, it spreads and makes us more open to God.

            Others see how we behave – and it impacts our witness.

11) Growing together strengthens our faith , So “Knowing what you stand for will limit what you fall for.”

12) Steve shared his sense of personal challenge in preparing the message, and closed with 2 further one-liners

            “If we want to mend world relations surely I can show a little patience.”

            “If you want to see something happen, be the change you want to see.”

QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION 

1) Read the passage. What did God say to you on Sunday, or through the passage as you read it now?

2) Who in your life have helped shape your self-image by their praise, or lack of it?

3) How easily do you praise others?

4) How can the group ( separately or together) be an encouragement to others in the church, or in another church?