Curriculum for Small Groups
Gospel-Centred Joy
A study on the book of Philippians

The epistle to the Philippians was written by Apostle Paul, to the church in Philippi. Even in the midst of his imprisonment, Paul exuded great joy! He steadfastly lived out his satisfaction in Christ.

There are 3 aspects to this book: Firstly, it is known as a unique book, a book full of joy that is rooted in Christ. Secondly, it contains an unusual story, a narrative of divine intervention, and thirdly its describes uncommon experiences, involving the lives of a diverse group of individuals.

Join us in this 10-session series and discover the secret to Gospel-Centred joy!

Session 1

Gospel Centred Joy

In this lesson, we'll begin the series by exploring three areas where the Apostle Paul found joy: Enrichment through supplication, encouragement through anticipation, and endearment through association.

Session Notes
Session 2

Joy in the Sovereignty of God

In this lesson, we will focus on joy in the sovereignty of God. Joy is found in the advancement of the Gospel. Despite difficult circumstances, the Gospel advances! Within this lesson, we will learn two places where Paul discovered joy in the progress of the Gospel.

Session Notes
Session 3

JOY: Jesus, Others & You

In this lesson, we will learn how to live an others-focused life in the midst of disagreements. Philippians 4:2 tells us that there was a disagreement between two women in the church. Despite challenges, as Christians, we are called to live a consecrated life so that we can be a witness to people around us.

Session Notes
Session 4

Have The Mind of Christ

In Philippians 2, Apostle Paul deals with the mindset of Christ, as believers we must adopt the same mindset as Him! In this lesson we will continue on with Chapter 2, verses 5 to 11 and learn about His lowliness,  His love and His Lordship!

Session Notes
Session 5

Joy in Humble Obedience

Jesus showed us obedience to God by willingly dying on the cross for us. In this lesson we will study 4 key aspects to humble obedience. Namely The Seriousness of Obedience in Our Walk, The Service of Obedience in Our Work, The Statement of Obedience in Our Witness and The Sacrifice of Obedience in our Worship.

Session Notes
Session 6

Joy in Sacrificial Service

In this lesson, we’ll look at three examples of people who followed Christ, namely; Apostle Paul, his spiritual son Timothy and Epaphroditus, his fellow worker. We’ll study the sincerity of heart as seen in Paul’s life, the genuinity of humility as seen in Timothy's life, and the practicality of helpfulness as seen in Epaphroditus’s life.

Session Notes
Session 7

Joy in Gaining Christ

In lesson 6, we learnt about experiencing joy in sacrificial service. Joy is not based on circumstances, joy is anchored in the redemption of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this lesson, we will now learn two things: the ultimate folly of fleshly confidence, and the ultimate fulfilment of following Christ.

Session Notes
Session 8

Joy in the Upward Call of God

In lesson 7, we learn about what Apostle Paul taught to keep believers safe from fake news about salvation. In this lesson, we will look at why people grow spiritually cold and fall away from discipleship. The answer will be in 3 things: complacency, compromise and carelessness.

Session Notes
Session 9

Cultivating a Secure Mind

In this lesson, we will look at how Paul concludes this letter to the Philippian church. The word, phroneó (mindest), appears again in Chapter 4. One way to summarise the book of Philippians is to understand how Paul presents phroneó. In chapter 1, he talks about a single mind. In chapter 2, he writes about a submissive mind. In chapter 3, Paul teaches the church about a spiritual mind. Now, in chapter 4, he encourages the church to cultivate a secure mind (Philippians 4:7).

Session Notes
Session 10

The Secret of Contentment

In this lesson, we will conclude the book of Philippians by looking at the secret of contentment. Apostle Paul says that whatever situation he is in, he has learned to be content. How is this possible for him while suffering in  prison? The answer is simple. He cultivates the mind of Christ and depends on spiritual inner resources from God.

Session Notes