Should "Rivalry Week" Happen Every Sunday? (Philippians 2)

When you hear the word "rival" what do you think of? What sports teams do you consider to be rivals? What politicians do you consider to be rivals? What celebrities do you consider to be rivals?

What kind of person would be your rival (if you had one)?

Read Philippians 2:1-4. How do you think Paul felt about rivalries?

In these verses, Paul lists __ things he wants for the Christians in Philippi.

• encouragement
• comfort
• fellowship
• tenderness
• compassion
• love
• oneness

If you could have someone give you one of these today, which one do you most need? Why?

Which of these are you most capable of giving to others? Give an example of how you would give one of these to someone else.

Paul also lists a few "problems" he wants the Christians to avoid:

• selfish ambition (rivalry)
  
• vain conceit
• looking to own interests

How might these things tear a relationship apart? How are you sometimes tempted to think of yourself first, or act on your own behalf instead of for the good of others?

Give an example of a time someone has put your interests ahead of their own. Talk about the different ways Jesus put your needs ahead of his own.

What can you do this week to put the needs of others in front of your own? How do you need to "die" to yourself for this to happen?