1. Read Philippians 1:3-8. What is your general posture toward the believers in your life-your fellow partakers of grace? Discuss.
2. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. The Macedonian church did not run from further hardship; rather, they willingly threw themselves into it. Why? What motivated the Macedonian church to demonstrate such surprising generosity?
3. Read Philippians 1:6-11. If you are in Christ, the Bible promises that you are being beautifully woven more into the likeness of Jesus. This good work of God is an ongoing work that begins when we give our faith-filled allegiance to Christ (conversion), continues throughout our whole lives (sanctification), and will one day be completed when Christ returns (glorification). In what areas of your life do you sense God growing you more into the likeness of Christ?
4. One of the great graces of the Christian life is that we are not called to walk alone. Perseverance in the faith is a communal project. As Paul will say in Philippians 1:19, "I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will
turn out for my deliverance." The prayers we pray for one another are often the very means by which God sustains and delivers His people. Who are the people you pray for most often? Who are the people praying for you? How does their presence in your life stir you to press on in the faith?
5. Spend some time lifting up your fellow "partakers of grace" to God in prayer. Pray for deliverance, encouragement, provision, and perseverance.
Halim Suh explores the kind of deep community that we were made for.
