Weekly Discussion Guide

1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Read Philippians 4.
3. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)

MY STORY | Vulnerability
What is a situation you worried about a lot that turned out not to be so bad? How did the stress affect you?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. (Philippians 4:4–5)

What does it mean to rejoice in the Lord always? How is that instruction saying something other than “just be happy all the time”?

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5–7)

When Paul tells his congregation not to be anxious, he gives them an alternative. What is his alternative to anxiety?

What is the difference between “don’t worry, be happy,” and Paul’s instruction to take our worries and requests to God?

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8–9)

How can these instructions help us deal with our fears and anxieties?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. (Philippians 4:10)

How can we show healthy concern for another person who carries anxiety? How do we avoid the twin pitfalls of enabling someone’s unhealthy worry and asking them to show fake happiness?

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12–13)

How can we equip one another to flourish in Christ in any and every circumstance?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action 
We can often bond with friends, neighbors, and co-workers by commiserating about difficult things. But what we learn from Philippians 4 is that anxiety and worry should not dominate our conversations. How can that lesson help us approach everyday conversations where discussions might turn negative?