Sermons

True Fellowship In The Gospel [1/4]: Forming A New Relationship In Christ

9 June 2025
Yam Chien Meng

Series: True Fellowship In The Gospel
Title: New Relationships in Christ
Text: Philemon 1-6

The letter to Philemon is short but has something important to say about how our relationship with Jesus changes the way we relate with one another. Our faith is personal but not private and our love has to be active, not passive.

General Questions:

  1. Read through the whole book of Philemon together. Recall and discuss the relationship between Philemon, Paul and Onesimus. Why do you think this personal letter was eventually included in the Bible?
  2. While we have the liberty to choose our friends, we do not have equal freedom in choosing whom God places in our church community. We are called to love all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Why do you think this is the case? What is God’s intent in getting us to be part of a spiritual family now that we are in Christ?

Perspective Questions:

  1. The title of this sermon is “It’s Not Just You – It’s Us”. In today’s individualistic society, it is easy to fall into the trap believing that all you need is yourself. What does it mean that our faith is personal but not private? What are some benefits of living out our faith in community?
  2. In the sermon, the preacher pointed out that the phrase “every good thing for the sake of Christ” seems to refer to suffering for Christ. There are times where we miss the suffering/needs of those in your community. What causes us to miss out on the needs of our brothers and sisters, especially when they go through difficult time? What can we do as a community to help stand with each other in suffering?

Application Questions:

  1. We love because God first loved us. What is one practical step you can take this week to refresh another brother or sister in Christ? Share how you can continue this practice of loving others actively and make it part of your lifestyle.
  2. It is easy to take our lifegroup for granted especially when we have been enjoying the presence of our community for awhile. Share one thing you are grateful for your lifegroup and thank them for it.
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