Philippians Lesson 2
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Today we will learn about the problem of seeking joy in our circumstances
Ex. Ups and downs of Cubs Game 7 in 2016
The Problem is that circumstances swing frequently from joy to disappointment
Contrast Paul’s circumstances and his focus in Phil. 1:12-14
Contrast Paul’s circumstances and his focus in Phil. 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Read Phil. 1:15-18
Read Phil. 1:15-18
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
What are the motivations of those sharing the Gospel?
What are the motivations of those sharing the Gospel?
How could this have changed Paul’s perceptions of his situation?
How could this have changed Paul’s perceptions of his situation?
Why is Paul’s conclusion remarkable?
Why is Paul’s conclusion remarkable?
What does Paul’s rejoicing reveal about his focus and priorities?
What does Paul’s rejoicing reveal about his focus and priorities?
Read Phil. 1:19
Read Phil. 1:19
for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
What do you think Paul is expecting the outcome of his situation to be?
What do you think Paul is expecting the outcome of his situation to be?
What are some ways he could experience deliverance besides being released from prison?
What are some ways he could experience deliverance besides being released from prison?
Read Phil. 1:20-23
Read Phil. 1:20-23
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
How does this passage help explain Paul’s ability to rejoice in dire circumstances?
How does this passage help explain Paul’s ability to rejoice in dire circumstances?
What are the essential beliefs to have this kind of perspective?
What are the essential beliefs to have this kind of perspective?
How are these beliefs reflected in the Gospel?
How are these beliefs reflected in the Gospel?
Read Phil. 3:7-8
Read Phil. 3:7-8
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
How does this statement help us to understand Paul’s priorities?
How does this statement help us to understand Paul’s priorities?
How does Paul expect his situation to be resolved in Philippians 1:25–26
How does Paul expect his situation to be resolved in Philippians 1:25–26
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Read Phil. 1:27-30
Read Phil. 1:27-30
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
This passage presents several applications of the principles Paul has been modeling.
This passage presents several applications of the principles Paul has been modeling.
How does the Gospel affect our conduct? Why?
How does the Gospel affect our conduct? Why?
How does the Gospel address our fears in difficult circumstances?
How does the Gospel address our fears in difficult circumstances?
Why do you think Christians suffer and struggle?
Why do you think Christians suffer and struggle?
How does a proper understanding of the Gospel inform our responses to suffering and struggle?
How does a proper understanding of the Gospel inform our responses to suffering and struggle?
How do we adopt the outlook reflected in Phil 1:21?
How do we adopt the outlook reflected in Phil 1:21?
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.