You Already Are.

For this discussion time, consider trying something a little different.
Obviously the generic discussion makers (found on the lower right hand side of the Group Leader Site itself) can prove handy for taking the discussion forward.. Beyond that, here's an idea to consider:

After a couple of ice breaker questions, have the group read the entire book of Philippians. There are a few ways to do it- choose the way that best suits the personality, maturity and tenure of your particular LifeGroup.

1. Have each member read the whole letter to themselves quietly.
2. Have one person read the whole letter aloud for the group.
3. Have 4 people read it aloud, a chapter each.

You might also consider providing paper and pens, or even one large sheet and a marker, for each person to write down the one word or phrase that they feel like best captures a chapter or the whole book. This is a great way to generate discussion and meditation as each person writes down the thing that resonates with them personally and allows the group to see it.

•After the reading, allow people time to discuss and ask about certain phrases and ideas that seemed to jump out at them.
•Prod the group to compare Paul's thoughts with some of our presuppositions about Christian faith.
•Allow your group to share what they feel confused, conflicted and convicted about.
•See if your group can understand Paul through a lens of a once-anxious persecutor of Christ-followers to a now peace-filled, content follower himself. He actually has less comforts WITH Christ than he did without him. And yet, from prison, discovers the "secret" he (and we!) had been after all along.

Be mindful that this may be the most Bible reading some of your members have ever done. It may also be some of the deeper thinking they have done. Pay close attention, as the leader, to how this goes and how you might incorporate this kind of exercise into your group again in the future.

Thaw
•What about Sunday morning most stuck with you?
•What is/was your initial reaction to the idea that you already have happiness within you?
•How does pursuing fulfillment result in losing it?
•What is different between us and others or previous generations when it comes to true happiness?
•What does one do with this idea in order to benefit from it?

Leader note: help the group understand that by simply becoming more aware, or as has been said in recent weeks, awaking, happiness is realized. But it isn't made or created by going out and finding it "out there". Discuss for as long as your group likes the idea that true contentment is such that Jesus is teaching us is already true in our life, not just an achieved potential.

Read
•The Book of Philippians.