How will we actively point one another to the gospel this Sunday?
WORSHIP THROUGH SONG
Build My Life
How Great Thou Art
Before The Throne
Stronger
WORSHIP THROUGH THE WORD
Philippians 1: 12-18
“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”
Yes, and I will rejoice…”
WORSHIP WITH COMMUNITY
Here are some questions that can be used to reflect on the teaching and the passage with a friend, family, or preferably with your Gospel Community group!
In verse 12, Paul says that “what has happened to (him) has really served to advance the gospel. What does he mean by this? Have you seen examples of people in your life using such difficult times to allow the gospel to advance?
Can you think of a hard time in your life in which you now see the Lord moved?
Paul is writing from prison with hope about the ministry God has given him in prison. What a perspective! How do you typically respond to these kinds of difficult times? What would have to change in your mind/heart for you to be able to respond this way?
Paul says that many of the “brothers” have become confident in the Lord as a result of his imprisonment and that they are “much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Why do you think that is? What kinds of things stir you up to boldness when it comes to living by faith or sharing the Gospel?
In v. 15, what does it look like to preach Christ out of envy and rivalry/selfish ambition?
How can we walk in honor of our brothers and sisters we disagree with?
Suggested Activity:
Praying for the Persecuted Church – Go to https://www.persecution.com/cfie/ and spend some time looking through the list of Christian communities facing persecution. The site provides a description of the persecution that is being faced and offers a helpful section on “How you can pray.” When you are ready, consider asking your whole group to pray for 2 or three groups of Christians specifically. You could also ask your group to split up into groups of 3-4 so that you can pray for more of the Christians listed.
