Nine-Square… Food… Games… Small Groups… and Jesus
Before school starts on Monday, spend your Sunday afternoon with us as we strive to build community, invigorate faith, tackle tough life questions, and grow closer to God among friends.
The world around us constantly tells us where to look for happiness: better circumstances, more success, more stuff, more approval, fewer problems. But Paul's letter to the Philippians offers a radically different vision. Writing from prison, Paul describes a joy that isn't dependent on everything going right. His joy is rooted in knowing Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and trusting Jesus through whatever comes. THEME VERSE: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4 (NIV) “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!” - Philippians 4:4 (MSG)
JOY ANYWAY
PASSAGE: Philippians 1:12–26
BIG IDEA: My circumstances don't have to determine my joy.
Paul writes Philippians from prison, yet his letter is overflowing with joy. Instead of focusing only on what has gone wrong, Paul recognizes how God is still at work. Students will explore the difference between happiness that depends on circumstances and joy that is rooted in Jesus.
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of Storm, students will know that knowing Jesus gives us something deeper to hold onto when circumstances change.
Students will be able to practice turning their attention toward Jesus when circumstances aren't what they hoped.
THE JESUS WAY
PASSAGE: Philippians 2:1–16
BIG IDEA: Following Jesus changes the way I live.
Following Jesus isn't only about believing different things. It means learning to live differently. Paul points to Jesus, who willingly humbled himself and put others ahead of himself, as our model. Students will consider what it looks like to allow God to shape their everyday choices, relationships, and priorities.
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of Storm, students will know that following Jesus involves becoming more like Jesus, not simply knowing more about him.
Students will be able to choose one area of their lives where they want their actions to look more like Jesus.
KEEP GOING
PASSAGES: Philippians 3:12–14; 4:4–13
BIG IDEA: I can choose what I pursue, even when I can't choose what happens.
Life doesn't always cooperate with our plans. Paul reminds the Philippians that they don't have to control everything around them in order to experience peace, contentment, or joy. Instead, they can keep pursuing Jesus, bring their worries to God in prayer, and learn to trust Christ through whatever comes.
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of Storm, students will know that contentment grows as we learn to trust Jesus rather than depending on our circumstances.
Students will be able to practice gratitude and contentment regardless of their current circumstances.
