PHILIPPIANS 1 : 12-18
The church in Philippians was started by Paul. He was given a dream in the night by God that told him to help the people in their region. Paul's new church plant loved him and helped him as he continued to spread God's word. Jailed for preaching the Gospel, He wrote a letter to the Philippian church to encourage them, challenge them, and urge them to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ.
Questions:
What is Paul’s overall attitude while he awaits trial as a prisoner (1:18)?
One reason Paul feels this way is that the situation is advancing the gospel (1:12). How is it affecting nonbelievers, like the guards (1:13)? How is it affecting other Christians in Rome (1:14-18)?
The other reason Paul feels this way is that he knows the situation will lead to his deliverance (1:19). Either he’ll be set free or he’ll be sentenced to death, and that will free him to be with Jesus. Have you ever known someone who looked at death like this? If so, talk about that person. How is this different from the kind of escape some people seek in suicide?
How will Christ be exalted if Paul lives (1:20-26)? How will Christ be exalted if Paul dies? Christ will be exalted as long as Paul has courage. What is courage? How does a person get courage like Paul’s?
How could your current situation exalt Christ and spread the gospel? How could you use this opportunity?
When Paul says, “To me, to live is Christ” (1:21), what do you think he means? What would you mean if you said this?
Connection (within a House Church):
In your group, talk about how your various circumstances can exalt Christ if you approach them with courage and creativity. Then pray for each person in the group to have that courage and creativity. (Notice in verse 19 how even Paul depended on prayer and the Holy Spirit.) And remember that God doesn’t ask you to be successful, only faithful. We don’t know how many of Paul’s guards came to faith in Christ. We only know that Paul did his part. Courage like Paul’s doesn’t come overnight. He had been serving Christ for years and years.
Go Deeper:
Read and reflect on other biblical stories of courage. Watch especially for the deep convictions that enabled people to have courage. Daniel 3 is a good example (notice the words “even if he does not” in verse 18). Esther 4:1–5:8; 7:1–8:8 is part of another great story. So is Acts 4:1-31.
Memory Verse of the Week:
Did a particular verse make you think? Is there a verse you can’t get out of your head? Write it down and memorize it. Allow God’s Word to permanently brand itself in your head and your heart.
More Resources: https://thebibleproject.com/explore/philippians/