Main Idea:
At Faith Promise we elevate others around us by being part of a community that helps real people with real problems find real love.

Discussion Starter:
The definition of elevate is to raise or lift up to a higher position. Have you ever met an individual who does this in the lives of others, or who has done this in your own life? A teacher, a relative, a church member, another student in your school, your friend, or even a stranger can help you to reach new heights!

Introduction:
Each of us has the ability to lift up others around us. God also puts people in our path to help elevate us when we need support. There are worldly obstacles that sometimes get in our way, or blind us, in seeing our personal attributes that can be utilized for HIS will in raising up our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible gives us some very direct and helpful tips to sharpen our skills so that we can improve in elevating others and better recognize when God has provided someone to help us. What biblical characters can you think of who are excellent examples being God’s hands and feet when it comes to elevating others?

Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Philippians 1:3-6, Philippians 2:1-8, Romans 15:1-13, Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Philippians 1:3-6. Paul is writing to the church in Philippi and the theme throughout the book is joy–the joy in serving God. We know that Paul wrote this book while in prison.

What does this passage say about each of us?

What does this mean to you and for all of us?

2. Read Philippians 2:1-8.From this passage what can we learn about God/Jesus’s character?

What can we learn from this scripture about obstacles which can get in the way of seeing God’s will in our lives and/or elevating others?

How are we to behave?

3. Read Romans 15:1-13, Proverbs 27:17 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

What can we gather about God from these scriptures?

How has He designed us to interact?

In what ways can you alter how you think, behave, or act in order to elevate those around you?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Philippians 2:1-8 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.

Getting to know you:   What lies do you currently believe or have you believed in the past that the enemy has used to hinder the good work God has started in you?

Getting to know them:  What scriptures can you find or utilize which remind you who you are in Christ? Are there people in your life that you might share some of these verses with in order to elevate them?

Getting to know Him:  Commit to studying God’s word this week spending time on the verses which remind us how God sees us. If you encounter a time this week where you are questioning God’s truth or just simply don’t see how they apply to you, commit to calling a partner to talk and pray together. Also spend time this week in prayer seeking God’s direction in order to see who God may be calling you to elevate.

Engaging at Faith Promise:  Are you volunteering in a ministry at Faith Promise? How can you elevate those who serve with you?

Engaging in Community:   In what ways can you interact with your neighbors to elevate them?

Engaging the World:  How can you leverage social media to elevate your friends who are near and far?