The Heavenly Call

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, “If you could only describe yourself in three words, what words would you use?”

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 3:4b-14 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. Share these with the group.
• In Philippians 3:5-6, Paul is sharing his religious background. He is naming the privileges he had in the Jewish society, being a religious leader. What privileges or advantages do you have in our society? (Think about your race, religious background, socio-economic status.)
• Paul later refers to all his previous achievements and accomplishments as “rubbish”, because he has experienced new life in Christ. (Philippians 3:8) What are some of the achievements or accomplishments you could discard or let go of?
• Paul no longer needs the law or a list of requirements to receive God’s love. (Philippians 3: 9) Have you ever felt like you had a check list of items to complete to earn God’s love? How did this hinder your relationship with Christ?
• In Philippians 3:10, Paul writes “I want to know Christ.” The Greek word is ginōskō which is not just about intellectual knowing but also experience. What does it mean to know Christ? How have you experienced the power of the resurrection in your own life?
• How do you “press on toward the goal?” (Philippians 3:14) What does this look like in your faith journey?

Taking Action

• This week, allow yourself to let go of your achievements and accomplishments.

Make a check list of all the things you feel you “must do” to receive the grace of God. Maybe you list out attending worship or leading a Bible study. Even list out the privileges or achievements you hold to be most important. Then cross out every single one of them. Check them off. Instead, write over them or on a new sheet of paper, “I know Jesus Christ.” Write it as many times as you need to remember Jesus’ love for you.

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.

God of new life, you do not need our earthly accomplishments. You do not desire us to complete a check list for us to receive your love. May we lay down our privileges to trust you your faithfulness and compassion. Help us to experience the power of Jesus Christ so that all may know the hope of resurrection. 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.