Questions for reflection and group discussion
Davi Lin - June 23, 2024
Feasting on Sabbath Secret
Scripture References: Philippians 1:3-11, Philippians 4:6-20
From Series: "Sabbath Delight "
Sabbath Delight: Discovering Joy and Purpose in God’s Gift of Rest In a world that never seems to slow down, even our involvement in church activities can contribute to our sense of relentless busyness. Yet, deep within our faith in Jesus lies an extraordinary gift—the gift of Sabbath. This divine invitation calls us to stop, find true rest, embrace deeper connections, and celebrate the God who created us, redeemed us, and has an incredible future in store for us. Join us for our sermon series, "Sabbath Delight: Discovering Joy and Purpose in God’s Gift of Rest," as we collectively embrace the Sabbath and uncover the gospel joy and purpose it brings to our lives as a community.
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Read Philippians 1: 3-11 and Philippians 4:6-20 (ESV):
Philippians 1: 3-11:
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace,[a] both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 4:6-20:
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 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. 9 What you have learned[a] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 10 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. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 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. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share[b] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[c] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
- At the beginning of Dr. Lin’s sermon he shared an illustration about a pastor unwilling to take rest – what did this illustration remind us of that can get in the way of sabbath rest? Have you ever had a moment where pride has gotten in the way of resting in God’s grace?
- We know that Paul is writing Philippians in chains, from prison. And yet, he writes over and over again that he is rejoicing. What is it that allows Paul to do this?
- Dr. Lin shared about a Wisconsin badgers football game, where the badgers were losing, but the fans were rejoicing. Do you remember the rest of the story? Why could the fans rejoice?
- We see in verses 10-12 of chapter 4 that Paul has a contentment, a rejoicing, and a ‘secret’ to this contentment. What is that secret? What is the story that Paul hears, even in the midst of his imprisonment?
- How could learning to hear this ‘other story’ change the way we live and rest in the midst of pain? When we understand the reality of the coming Kingdom of God, do you think we can embrace rest in a new way?
- How was the Philippians cultural story (one of wealth and status from Rome) forming them, and keeping them from rest? How does our cultural story form us, and keep us from rest if we allow it to?
- Read Philippians 2 and 3. What does Philippians 2 tell us about the ‘self-emptying’ that Jesus chose.. And what does Philippians 3 tell us about how Paul experienced the ‘self-emptying’ power of Christ in his life?
- What might it look like for you to embrace ‘the downward movement of joy in conformity to Christ’ that is evident in these passages? How might this movement increase our capacity for true rest?
- What did you sense God saying to you in this passage and message?
