The Life of Heaven: Series Reflection (04.29.19)
Facilitator’s note: This material is designed for the end of the teaching series “The Life of Heaven.” The first part helps us reflect on the whole series, and the second part helps us examine the most recent teaching.
Remembering the Series:
Take a few minutes to reflect on the past weeks of the teaching series “The Life of Heaven.” If you’re a journaler or note-taker, go through your notes. If you’re a mental note-taker, take a moment to intentionally recall the series.
For reference, here is a list of past teaching titles with key Bible passages:
- 3/10, “A Community of Cruciformity,” Dave Lomas, Philippians 1:1-11, 27
- 3/17, “Partnership in the Gospel,” Dave Lomas, Philippians 1, Acts 16
- 3/24, “Clarity,” Dave Lomas, Philippians 1:18b-26
- 3/31, “A Community of Cruciformity: Part 2,” Dave Lomas, Philippians 2:1-11
- 4/7, “Working It Out in Community,” Rashad Clemons, Philippians 2:12-18
- 4/14, “A Culture of Honor,” Dale Gustafson, Philippians 2:10-30
- 4/21, “Successful People Can Be Lost Too,” Dave Lomas, Philippians 3:4-11
- 4/28, “Choose Joy,” Tobi Grunick, Philippians 4:4-9
Meditating on Scripture:
Have one person in your group read aloud Philippians 2:1-11. Quietly reflect on this passage with these questions:
- In what ways have you seen this verse find expression in your life?
- Ask God what more He wants to do in you and through you to make this Scripture a reality in your life.
- In what other ways have you seen God at work over these last several weeks, whether connected to this teaching series or otherwise? How is God teaching or transforming you?
Turn to a partner and share about this reflection time for a few minutes. Pray for one another.
Returning to a larger group discussion, provide space for people to share about their time of prayerful reflection. Finish by offering praise to God for the good He is doing in our lives, and ask Him for help in the things that remain unresolved.
Sunday Teaching Discussion:
In response to this most recent teaching, read Philippians 4:4-9 and discuss the following questions.
- What virtues are you being trained in by the media you consume?
- What are some daily practices we can embrace to shape our habits towards gratitude (and ultimately joy)?
- What are three things you are grateful for in the past week?