Connections that Magnify Christ

Philippians 1:20 KJV 1900

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Introduction

Before class, set up the Game of Life board game. If you don't have access to the board game, or if you would prefer, find a short tutorial video about the Game of Life on YouTube and prepare to show it to the class.

2. Students inspect the board game, noticing the various assets that a person can collect to win the game.

ASK: According to this game, what is necessary to win the game of life? (Write students' answers on the whiteboard.) Money family, houses, careers.

3. Discuss life goals.

ASK: Does this list accurately reflect our society's goals in general?

ASK: Is it wrong to pursue these goals? Not if we are following God's will and putting Him first in our lives.

4. Transition to Bible lesson.

While the world has a fairly consistent definition of success, the Bible shows us other priorities we should adopt. Today we'll learn how Paul's life goals were very different than the ones we listed on the board. We'll consider how to reflect those goals in our lives as well.

Self-centeredness is the default setting for human beings. When we encounter trouble of any kind, we tend to turn inward and consider only how we can escape our hardships and how others should pity us because of them. Paul had changed his default setting. He used the lens of his troubles to magnify God's work in and through him.

Philippians 1:19–26 KJV 1900

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Paul's Help

His supporters

Philippians 1:19 KJV 1900

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Paul rejoiced, and would continue to rejoice, even in his difficult situations because he knew that his deliverance, or salvation, was on its way. Though Paul did not know exactly what awaited him in prison or at the conclusion of his trial, he believed that his circumstances were divinely appointed. Paul expected God to bring good out of his situation. Regardless of the outcome, he knew the best place for him was in the will of God.

ASK: What physical needs did Paul have while he awaited his trial? That he would be freed from prison, would stay healthy, would be comfortable, and would get enough rest.

ASK: What spiritual needs did Paul have while he awaited his trial?That he would maintain a good attitude, be a strong witness, act wisely, know God's joy, and be patient.

Paul assured the Philippians that their continuing prayers encouraged him and were vitally important to his physical and spiritual well-being. He believed their prayers would help him maintain a godly perspective through his trials. Without the support of fellow believers, Paul could have fallen into despair, given up on God, and become impatient and frustrated. He could have blown his ministry and disqualified himself for future service. But because of his connection with the Philippians and their prayers for him, he grew in the Lord instead.

Paul's dependence on the Philippians is consistent with his dependence on the intercessory prayers of believers in other cities. in writing to the Corinthians, for example, he expected the believers to pray for him and his fellow missionaries (2 Cor. 1 :11). He believed their prayers would make a big difference in his life and ministry because God responds to prayer.

ASK: When have you prayed for the spiritual needs of a fellow believer?

ASK: When, if ever, have you asked believers to pray for your spiritual needs?

His supplier

The "Spirit of Jesus Christ, " a reference to the Holy Spirit, supplied what Paul needed in his adversity (Phil. 1 :19). Paul didn't feel as if the Spirit was inadequate in any way. The Spirit's supply was full and complete. If Paul had depended on his own resources to bring him successfully through his circumstances, he would have given up. Human wisdom, emotional stability, and optimism are woefully inadequate to fight spiritual battles. The Spirit, in answer to the Philippians' prayers, bountifully encouraged and ministered to Paul. Through the grace of the Spirit, Paul persevered, and his joyful endurance pointed others to Christ.

ASK: Why is the Holy Spirit the best source of help for a believer in trouble? The Spirit is God and is therefore omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He gives supernatural strength and wisdom.

We should note that Paul realized the supply of the Spirit only after he admitted his need for help and his fellow believers prayed for his spiritual needs.

Paul's Hope

To Maintain his Testimony

Philippians 1:20 KJV 1900

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Paul had countless reasons to be discouraged, to complain, and to give up. Yet Paul fully expected to maintain his testimony before the church and before the world. He had no doubt he would stay true to his calling and his Lord.

Paul wasn't arrogant in his expression of hope. He simply counted on the backing of the Philippians' prayers and the supply of the Spirit to maintain his strong testimony.

ASK: How would the Philippian church be affected by Paul's confidence in maintaining his testimony? What would they learn about God and prayer? They would learn that the fervent prayers of a church work. They would be motivated to pray for each other because God answers prayer.

To Magnify his Lord

Paul's ultimate expectation and hope was that Christ would be magnified through his situation. Whether he remained a Roman prisoner, a free man, or a martyr didn't really matter. Since his conversion, Paul had been determined to help others see the Lord Jesus Christ. He expected to continue that bold testimony.

ASK: What is the point of magnifying something? To see and understand it better

ASK: What was Paul's intent in magnifying Christ in his tribulations? To make Christ known, to draw attention to Christ's person and work.

Paul didn't draw hope from the pity of others or from others' praise of his endurance for the sake of the gospel. He didn't wish to be magnified, for he was nothing without Christ. Paul wanted people to praise Jesus, Who was responsible for anything good Paul had done. Paul's joy and hope in a desperate situation helped others see just how reliable and trustworthy Jesus is for all believers.

DISPLAY: Resource 37-R7. Have the students share what the pictures reveal about the pickup trucks. They should point out the trucks' toughness and reliability.

ASK: When have you been swayed into buying a product because of a commercial showing its toughness, reliability, and durability?

Manufacturers of powerful products don't just tell us how tough their products are, they show us. Pickup truck commercials, for instance, demonstrate how reliable the truck is in extreme conditions. Paul's life was essentially a commercial for Jesus Christ. Paul's joy and hope in a dire situation demonstrated Christ's greatness and reliability. His life fostered in others a deep confidence in Jesus and a desire to serve God no matter the circumstances.

Honoring Christ includes giving verbal glory to God for successes and blessings in life. But glorifying Him should extend into our actions, as well. Could we be as faithful as Paul, willing to endure any hardships for the sake of the gospel? Are we willing to use life's situations as opportunities to point others to Christ?

ASK: What are some ways you can actively glorify Christ in your life? Living in obedience to His commands; choosing to do the right things even in the face of ridicule or other difficulties; showing Christ-like love to others; maintaining godly attitudes; explaining your actions by pointing to Christ.

Paul's Home

His choices

ACTIVITY: Read the following sentence starter: "To live is ...”

End the sentence with words such as "sports, " "friends, " money, " "acceptance," and "good grades." After each sentence, ask students to describe characteristics of a life lived for each thing.

Philippians 1:21 KJV 1900

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

ASK: What are characteristics of a life lived for Christ? Selflessness, service to others, fruits of the Spirit, obedience, sacrifice.

The meaning of life differs for different people. To some, to live is sports—they live, breathe, and talk sports. To others, to live is romance, friends, or good times. Some people might say, "For to me to live is money, and to die is to leave it all behind." But Paul lived for the sake of Christ. All his desires and goals came together in a personal commitment to exalt Christ.

Paul's life focus explains his calm, joyful attitude even in prison. He knew he could be executed any day, but he wasn't worried.

Philippians 1:22–24 KJV 1900

But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

ASK: What is unusual about Paul's view of death? He welcomed it and considered it a gain.

Paul, familiar with facing death, wanted the Philippians to understand that death for the Christian is not loss but gain. Death is the bridge between physical life and eternal life in the presence of the Lord. Death for a Christian isn't an end of life but a beginning of the best life imaginable, lived in the presence of God. Paul knew that in Heaven he would be freed from the sorrows and sin. Yet he was willing to continue life on earth if God had more work for him to do. He knew that if God preserved his earthly life, he would have the opportunity for continued ministry.

Paul was torn between two outcomes: live and have a fruitful ministry or die and be with Christ. Life in Heaven would be far better for him, but a continuing earthly ministry would be more advantageous for the Philippians.

Paul's attitude was in no way egotistical; he wasn't thinking about how important he was. On the contrary, Paul's attitude exemplified one of selfless service. He knew God could use his ministry to the Philippians and saw himself as important only as the Spirit's vessel. Through the grace and power of Christ, he could be of value to the continuation of the gospel.

ASK: How do you think living for Christ would affect your view of death? How could He use you in life if you lived at a selfless vessel?

His confidence

Philippians 1:25–26 KJV 1900

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Paul felt confident God would continue to use him if he lived. He believed that as he selflessly worked with the Philippians, they would progress in their spiritual maturity, and joy would result. He also rejoiced that his life would be a continuing source of consolation for the Philippians. Their joy would increase as they fellowshipped again with Paul, face to face (1 :26).

Paul's selfless service would bring him and the Philippians more joy. Paul's joy, however, didn't come from blind optimism. Paul knew God would keep him alive if the Philippians' spiritual growth depended on his ministry But he had already acknowledged that God's will for him might be physical death (1 :20), and he knew that his choice to minister to the Philippians again might not materialize. So Paul took every available means to help the Philippian believers further their spiritual maturity. The letter he wrote to them in his absence proved his support of the Philippian church and his commitment to stay connected to them through Christ.

Conclusion

Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians during an uncertain time. Imprisoned in Rome, he had been waiting to find out what would happen to him. Would he be released, or would he be condemned? In his uncertainty, Paul clung to hope that no matter what happened—life or death—Jesus Christ would be honored and praised. With his eyes on Christ, Paul knew he could be bold and without shame, regardless of the outcome.

As Paul continued to write to the Philippians about his circumstances, he acknowledged that he depended on their prayers for him and on the help of the Holy Spirit. He knew his life hung in the balance, but he was undisturbed by his situation. His hope in his trial was that Jesus Christ would be magnified in his life. He admitted that death would be welcome since it would allow him to be with his beloved Savior. But he concluded that continuing to live would be more profitable for the Philippian believers. He wished to continue to live committed to Christ and to help others grow in faith and joy.

Magnifying Christ in our hardships doesn't start with words or actions. It starts with a mindset. How can we train our minds to think Biblically about the things we struggle with? First, we can remember what's important. We can use Paul's words in Philippians 1 :21 to remind ourselves that we live for Christ, and that our eternal life is more valuable than our temporary life on earth. Next, we can remember God's promises. Matthew 6:25—33 reminds us that God will always provide for us. John 16:33 is Jesus' promise that He has overcome the tribulations of this world. Last, we can remember God's presence. Hebrews 13:5 and 6 assure us that God will not leave us but will help us through every hardship.