A hospital photograph: an emaciated man the doctors gave no chance of surviving. A few years later it was shown next to a picture of his own rented flat, one of the stories that make up the second part of this service on the slow work of God. There are also prayer workshops, concerts inside a remand prison, and a twenty-year-old singer, all held together by Paul’s words: he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion (Philippians 1). Listen if you feel that God is working far too slowly in your life.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Philippians 1:3-6 Paul thanks God for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel "from the first day until now". What do these words reveal about his relationship with this community and the source of his gratitude?
- Paul is confident that He who began a good work will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. What is this confidence based on, and what hope might it have given the letter's first readers?
- Kasia talks about God's peace in stressful situations, and Jacek about his journey from a hospital bed and homelessness to his own flat. What in these stories most clearly shows you that God works slowly but effectively?
- The sermon stresses that God's slow work in the lives of people like Jacek costs time, money, effort and stepping out of our comfort zone. Where do you see your place in what God is doing in the life of someone around you?
- The tech crew at the Wronki prison became a witness through how they treated the inmates, not through singing. How can your everyday, behind the scenes service show others that God is present?
- Looking back over the last few years of your life, what specific change can you thank God for this week, and who could you tell about it?
