Nurture the Affection | Phil Carnuccio | October 23, 2022

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between 

(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing? 
• What can you thank God for this week?
• When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
• Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes 

Primary Passage:

Philippians 1:3-11 NIV

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.9 And this I pray, that your love may overflow still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may discover the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God.

• What words does Paul use to describe his feelings for the Philippians?  
• What characteristics does he recognize in the Philippians?
• One of the major characteristics in all of Paul’s letters is gratitude.  

Does gratitude come to us naturally, or is it a practice?

• What are our stumbling blocks to gratitude?
• What would you say is your biggest stumbling block?

Abounding love and affection is nurtured through abounding thankfulness.

Define abounding: (overflowing, abundant, teeming, swarming, replete)

If we abound (absorb abundantly) in Gods grace, we will abound (exude abundantly)

In affection and grace for others.

• Does our life group exemplify abounding love? How?
• What steps can we take with one another to love aboundingly, so our love will overflow more, we will grow in knowledge and discernment, discover excellence, and be sincere and blameless for the glory of God?

Thought Starters

As a believer, have you ever sensed a prompting that came from deep within and was unexpected and unexplainable?  At that point in your life, did you consider where it might have come from…not from just your emotions.  Were you curious or did you dismiss it?  Have you explored the subject of the Holy Spirit, and who He is in your life?

Please consider attending the study of the Holy Spirit ~Thursdays, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? 
• What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

• People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
• Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon? 

Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take next steps toward Jesus.