Small Group Meeting

A Christ-Like Mindset

In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:5-11

1. Building Community

Take turns answering the following question:  What is the biggest sacrifice you ever made?

2. Learning

Today’s reading is about how Jesus lived his earthly life with humility.  He didn’t focus on his own comfort or status.  Instead, he dedicated himself to serving and giving.  By so doing, he fulfilled the Divine plan and opened the way for us to experience God.  We are encouraged to share his attitude in our relationships with one another.

a.      What do you think it means that Jesus is “in very nature God”? 

b.   What do you think Jesus sacrificed by not using his divine status to his own advantage?  What might his ministry have been like if he didn’t do this?

c.   How is it to our advantage that Jesus took on the nature of an obedient servant? 

d.   Why is God glorified by Jesus’ sacrifice?  What does it say about God that this is so?

e.   How might our lives be transformed by adopting the priorities of Jesus?  Consider how following this path might affect your use of time, resources, and abilities, as well as your relationship with others.

f.    How might your church embody Jesus’ self-giving, sacrificial mind-set?

3. Serving

Take a moment for group members to think about this assignment:  In light of today’s reading, decide on one sacrifice you can make in order to serve another person.  You don’t need to share this with the group, but prayerfully make your commitment to God.

4. Worship

Allow time for each participant to share one thing they have learned about following Jesus from this six- week study.  Give thanks for all you have learned.  You may invite a volunteer to close in prayer, or the group can close by saying the Lord’s Prayer together.

5. Inviting

Finalize plans for your celebration meal.  You may also consider whether you would like to continue meeting as a small group.  If so, your celebration meal can be both a conclusion to this period of study and a beginning for what comes next.

6. Practicing Stewardship

Take a final collection for your group’s mission of choice.

Help your host clean up.  Recycle waste if you can.