October 12th - Small Group Guide

October 12th - Small Group Guide


Small Group Guide - I’ve Been Thinking Week 7

“If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Opening Icebreaker: 

  • What’s something you’ve seen lately that was truly excellent—a performance, act of service, sunset, or conversation that made you pause in gratitude?
  • Read Philippians 4:8–9 aloud together.
 Then ask:
    • Why do you think Paul ends his list with “if anything is excellent or praiseworthy”?
    • How does verse 9 (“the God of peace will be with you”) connect to the way we think?

Understanding the Words:

A. “Excellent” — aretē (Greek): 

Moral virtue, spiritual excellence, or giving one’s best for God.
    • In Greek culture, it meant “the highest potential of a person.”
    • Paul redirects it toward Christlike excellence — living fully for God’s glory.

B. “Praiseworthy” — epainos (Greek):


What draws admiration or commendation — a life or thought that causes others to give praise, especially to God.

Discussion:

    • How is excellence different from perfectionism?
    • What makes something truly praiseworthy in God’s eyes?
    • Can you think of a biblical example of excellence or praiseworthiness? 
(Examples: Daniel’s integrity, Ruth’s loyalty, Barnabas’ encouragement, Jesus’ humility.)

Going Deeper — Thinking Excellent Thoughts

A. The Filter of the Mind 

Paul doesn’t just tell us what not to think—he gives us a filter for what to think.
    • How do we practically set our minds on excellent things each day?
    • What are some distractions or “mental pollutants” that compete for your attention?

Illustration:


A cup of muddy water becomes clear only when pure water keeps pouring in. Our minds clear when we continually pour in God’s truth, beauty, and goodness.

Group Challenge: 

Take a few minutes to name specific things that are excellent or praiseworthy in your life right now—people, moments, attributes of God, or answered prayers.

Living It Out — Practicing Excellence

Scriptures:

    • Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
    • Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light shine before others…”
    • Philippians 2:5 — “Have this mind among yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Discussion:

    • What would it look like for your work, relationships, or ministry to reflect excellence?
    • How can your small group or church family pursue a culture of praiseworthy thinking and living?
    • What habits could help you “feed” what is excellent instead of what is negative or shallow?

A craftsman once said, “I sign my name where no one sees—because I know God does.”
That’s excellence — quiet faithfulness for an audience of One.

Challenge for the Week: 

Each day, intentionally focus on one excellent or praiseworthy thing — a verse, a person, or a moment — and thank God for it. 

At the end of the week, share one with your group or family.