Central Illinois Pinnacle Forum Study/Spring ‘14

Next Dimension Leadership: Finding Joy
or
The Joy of Leading. How to know if you’ve lost it...And how to get it back!

Philippians 2:12-30 - Joy in Sacrifice

Warming up to God:
Who do you know in the work world who exhibits the heart of a servant leader?

Read Philippians 2:12-30.

DISCOVERING THE WORD

1. Why is Paul sending Epaphroditus back to Philippi. (vv.25-28)
2. How is Christ’s attitude evident in the relationships among Paul, Epaphroditus and the

Philippians? (vv.25-30) 3. Why is it important to honor people like Epaphroditus , especially in light of Christ’s

exaltation (2:9-11)? 4. Paul challenges us to think about what joy in sacrifice looks like. What’s this say to you?

APPLYING THE WORD

1. Examine your plans and goals during the coming week. How can you bring your own interests into closer harmony with those of Jesus Christ?

2. What are some practical ways you can serve those around you during the coming week?

CONCLUSION

Servant leaders are rare. Paul stated that he knew of “no one else like” timothy (v. 20). Jesus taught that the greater the sacrificial service, the greater the leader (Matt. 20:26- 28). To be truly unique—or highly valuable—be a leader who, like Timothy, sacrificially serves the organization by helping followers succeed.

RESPONDING IN PRAYER

Pray that God would continue to give you the heart of a servant.