Grow Group Questions • Philippians 2:12-16 • JoyFull

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Read Philippians 2:12-16. What is most challenging in these verses? Encouraging? New?
What does this section of scripture tell us about God? What does it tell us about humanity/us?
On Sunday, Parker explained the differences between Justification vs Sanctification. Before the message, do you feel like you had a good understanding of those concepts, or were they new to you? How would you explain what they are and the differences? 
Does God require us to change as a pre-requisite to salvation? Why or why not? Parker defined Justification as Freedom from the Power of Sin, Paid for by Christ. Our repentance and faith take hold of this gift, but they do not earn it. Do you agree with that definition? Why or why not? Parker defined Sanctification as freedom from the presence of sin. The process of being saved from sin’s presence. Do you agree with that definition? Why or why not? Do you think the difference between justification and sanctification matters? Why or why not?  Do you think Paul is talking about justification or sanctification in Philippians 2:12-18? Why would that matter? 
Paul tells us to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” in verse 12. What do you think that means? Why should a fear of God motivate us to not sin?
Read John 15:11-17. How can we be afraid and tremble before God and still love him? Do you think love/friendship and fear/trembling are incompatible with each other? Why or why not? How can we feel fear, trembling, friendship, and love towards God at the same time?  How does Jesus’ definition of friendship in John 15:13-14 help reconcile friendship and fear together?
Paul instructs the Philippians to not “grumble or dispute.” Do you struggle with either of those things? Why are grumbling and disputing ultimately against what God wants for us?
Do you think “grumbling and disputing” are linked to pride? Why or why not? How would not “grumbling and disputing” set us apart from the world?  Do you think that Christians are doing a good job of looking set apart in the world right now? How can each of us as individuals improve?
What did Paul mean by “the word of life”? 
How would “holding fast to the word of life” enable the Philippians to remain joyful as the obeyed God?
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