Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Philippians 2:1-13), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [1] Is there any “encouragement… comfort… fellowship… affection… sympathy”? Why or why not? What significance do these things have for you, if any? Where do you derive encouragement, comfort, etc.?

• [2-4] Harmonious unity in the church is the goal of the Gospel. How—or, in what sense—do we already have unity? In what ways, generally, do we still need to change for the sake of our unity? In what ways, specifically, do you need to change for the sake of our unity? Can you do it? Why or why not?

• [5-8] God’s mindset is one of “downward mobility,” by which he himself became a human to humbly love and serve and die in humiliation for others. Selfishness is not part of his mindset; lowness doesn’t bother him. Does it bother you? How does the uniqueness of Christ’s mindset affect you? How does it affect you, knowing that his mindset is yours, vicariously, through faith?

• [9-13] Is a life of downward mobility a life lived in vain? Does it terminate in the emptiness of the grave? In forgottenness? Where does a life of downward mobility lead? What do we see in Jesus? Is his reality the final word in the matter for you? What does a life of downward mobility produce among us in the church? Is this something you’re interested in? Can you imagine talking about this with non-Christians in your life?