Fruit of the Kingdom

Week 2: Think on These Things

Philippians 4:1-9

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

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, discuss your anxiety or worry levels (from 1 to 10; with 1 being completely content and calm and 10 being freaked out).

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes)

Read Philippians 4:1-9

• As a group, take turns naming one situation or circumstance that brings you worry. Have one person write down the list of worries. (This will be used again during the prayer time.)
• Do you believe it is possible not to worry about anything (v. 6)? What is Paul’s antidote or remedy for worry (v. 6b)? [Prayer.]
• Often, we worry about things outside our control. How can prayer be an answer to our excessive worry? When we worry, how we are trying to control things we can’t control?
• Paul also encourages us to rejoice (v. 4). What’s the difference between happiness and joy? (Happiness often depends on the circumstances; joy is transcendent of our circumstances.)
• Paul also advocates that we treat one another with gentleness (v. 5). How can that be a form of ministry and witnessing to our faith during this time when anxiety seems more pronounced? How does treating others with gentleness begin from a place of joy?
• What practices, habits, or routines can help us “think on these things” (v. 8)?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Before moving to a time of prayer, reread the list of worries. Incorporate those into the prayer time.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Ask for a volunteer to lead the group in prayer or read the following prayer in unison: