Preach through Any Circumstance | Phil Carnuccio | 11.6.22

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 1:15-26

• When people meet you, what do you want them to feel from you or experience from you?  How do you envision that your close friends would answer that in regard to you?
• Phil explains that Paul is “looking in two directions” - rejoicing whether looking back on his experiences or looking forward to what is to come.  Do you find your joy more so looking backward or forwards in your life? How can you improve your outlook in the direction in which you struggle to find joy? 
• Why is it so hard to look to the future, and despite not knowing what is to come, knowing that you will respond to any possible outcome with joy, as Paul would do? How can you begin practicing this today?
• What do you imagine when you say “God is good”?  Is/would your response be different when you are in the middle of difficult life circumstances? 
• Read Psalm 34:19.  What are we typically asking for when we pray for “deliverance”?  What should we be asking?
• How do you feel when you read Paul’s words that “to die is gain”? Does death scare you

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.