In Full Accord

Small Groups

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer the question, “Who is the humblest person in your life? What qualities do they embody?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). You may not get through all the questions in your time together. Consider inviting group members to work through any remaining questions on their own throughout the week.

• Read Philippians 2:1-13 aloud. Invite participants to have the scripture in front of them, either in a Bible, on a phone app, or printed on paper. Encourage participants to highlight or write down the word or phrase which stands out to them. Pay close attention to what Paul writes about “the mind of Christ” and “humility”. Share these with the group.
• Paul shares we should do things with humility and “do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit”. (Philippians 2:3) What do you think he means by this? What are some of examples of selfish ambition and empty conceit, which prevent us from showing humility?
• In Philippians 2:5, Paul “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus”. What does it mean to have the mind of Jesus? Does this mean we all must think the same?
• The Greek word for mind is phroneo. It is not just about thinking but also one’s attitude and behavior. Reflect on the life of Jesus. How did Jesus live his life? What behaviors or actions did he take in his lifetime? Are there specific stories which come to mind to show Jesus’ humility?
• Paul concludes by encouraging the church to “work on your own salvation.” (Philippians 2:12) What does it mean for you work on your salvation? How can you best emulate the life of Jesus?

Taking Action

• This week, focus on humility. Instead of turning towards selfishness, put others’ needs before your own. You could be intentional about letting people go ahead of you at the grocery store or donate food to those in need. You might take time to listen to someone who needs to be heard or advocate for a cause. Ensure you are lifting up the needs of others.

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests. After each prayer respond: Hear our Prayer.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer.

Modest God, you entered the world as a humble servant, Jesus Christ. You put the needs of others first. You feed the hungry, healed the sick, and ultimately took on the cross for each of us. May we press on, living as you lived. Help us put aside our own egos and desires, to instead show humility to all. Guide us on the path of salvation. Together we pray. Amen.

Rev. Maddi Baugous is an ordained elder in the Great Plains Annual Conference where she serves as University Minister at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska. Maddi is passionate about encouraging young adults in their faith through justice and education.