Meeting in small groups affords us all the opportunity to more fully experience God through close relationships as we pray and laugh together, as we encourage and help one another, and as we study and live out God’s word together – simply put, it’s where we grow together by doing life together.
Small groups consist of three or more people in various life stages who meet on a regular basis – these can be families, friends, or even perfect strangers.

“Small group” is not an event, or a location, it is a community. Tap the button below to find your group!

OPENING PRAYER (5 minutes)
 Begin by thanking God for sending Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Ask Him to shape your identity as servants of Christ and to grow joy in your life through serving others.

ICEBREAKER (10 minutes)
 Question: Share about a time when someone served you in a simple but meaningful way.

• How did it affect you?
• Have you ever served someone and walked away feeling lighter or more joyful?
  
  

SERMON RECAP (5 minutes)
 This sermon explored Philippians 1:1–11 and the powerful truth that before Paul calls himself an apostle, he calls himself a servant. Philippians is a “re-centering” letter — a spiritual reboot that puts Christ back in the middle of everything. Paul begins by identifying himself not by title, but by identity: “servants of Christ Jesus.”
We learned that:

• Our identity in Christ is rooted in service
• Joy grows where servanthood is embraced
• God finishes what He starts in us
  
  

Key Verse: Philippians 1:6

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Part 1: The Posture of a Servant (15 minutes)
Read Philippians 1:1–2.
Paul could have led with his title as apostle, but instead he chose “servant.”

• What does that reveal about his priorities and identity?
• Why do we naturally gravitate toward titles, recognition, or status?
• How does that contrast with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 20:26–28?
  
  

The sermon emphasized that serving is not just something we do; it is who we are.

• How would your daily life change if you truly saw yourself first as a servant of Christ?
• Where in your life do you struggle most with pride, recognition, or wanting credit?
• How might adopting the posture of a servant bring freedom there?
  
  

Part 2: The Power of Partnership (15 minutes)
Read Philippians 1:3–5.
Paul thanks God for the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel.

• Why does servanthood work best in community rather than isolation?
  
  

The sermon said, “Servanthood is a team sport.”

• Who has “assisted” you spiritually over the years?
• How have others helped you grow in Christ?
  
  

Are you currently partnered with others in serving — in church, at home, or in your community?

• If not, what might be holding you back?
• What is one way you could encourage or support one of your “gospel partners” this week?
  
  

Part 3: The Confidence and Heart of a Servant (15 minutes)
Read Philippians 1:6–8.
Verse 6 reminds us that God finishes what He starts.

• How does that truth give you confidence in your own growth, even when you feel inadequate?
• Do you ever resist serving because you feel unqualified, too busy, or not “good enough”?
• How does knowing you are God’s work in progress change that mindset?
  
  

Paul’s love for the Philippians was deeply personal.

• What is the difference between serving someone as a “project” versus serving them out of genuine love?
• Who in your life needs to experience not just your help, but your heartfelt care?

Part 4: The Prayer of a Servant (15 minutes)
Read Philippians 1:9–11.
Paul prays for:

• Love to overflow
• Growth in knowledge and discernment
• Lives that bear spiritual fruit
  
  
• How are his prayers different from the kinds of things we often pray for?
• Why is it important to pray not just for people’s needs, but for their spiritual growth and fruitfulness?
• What does it look like for your life to produce “the fruit of righteousness” in practical terms?
• If someone listened to your prayers this week, would they hear the heart of a servant? Why or why not?

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Write these down or share them on a group chat:

• Our identity in Christ is servant first, title second
• Servanthood is a team sport — we need gospel partners
• God finishes what He starts — we are works in progress
• Serving flows from love, not performance
• Joy grows where servanthood is embraced
  
  

PRACTICAL APPLICATION (15 minutes)
Individual Reflection
Take 3–5 minutes of silence for each person to consider:
Three Questions from the Sermon:

• Where is God inviting me to serve with joy, not obligation?
• Who are my gospel partners — and how can I encourage them?
• What would it look like to sign my life “servant of Christ Jesus” this week?
  
  

Sharing
Invite group members to share one insight from their reflection (without pressure—allow people to pass if they prefer).

Action Steps
Choose ONE practical step to take this week:

• If you feel spiritually stuck: Identify one small, concrete act of service you can do this week and commit to it.
• If you struggle with pride or recognition: Do one act of service anonymously.
• If you feel inadequate: Memorize Philippians 1:6 and pray it over yourself each day as a reminder that God is still working in you.
• If you want deeper partnership: Reach out to someone in the church and ask how you can serve alongside them in ministry.