Week Two

Philippians

Discipleship Lessons

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Director, Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries

Week Two

Struggles that Advance the Gospel 1:12-30

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  

Outline:

• Christ Is Preached throughout the Entire Palace Guard (1:12-13)
• Other Christians Emboldened (1:14)
• Preaching for the Wrong Motives (1:15-18a)
• Rejoicing that Christ Will Be Exalted (1:18b-20)
• Prison Will Turn to Paul's Deliverance (1:19)
• Christ Will Be Exalted in my Body (1:20-21)
• To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain (1:21)
• To Be with Christ Is Far Better (1:22-26)
• Soul Sleep vs. Immediately with Christ (1:23)
• Paul Plans to Remain in the Body (1:24-26)
• A Manner Worthy of the Gospel (1:27-30)
• The Privilege of Suffering (1:29-30)

Q1. (1:12-14) From the standpoint of witness to others, you are much more credible when you are undergoing personal struggles, stress, and problems. Why is this so?

Why was Paul's witness so powerful?

What personal struggle are you going through that could enhance your testimony if you handled it right?
 

Q2. (1:18b-19) Why is our ability to rejoice so dependent upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty?

What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems?

What is your basis for believing that?
 

Q3. (1:20-21) How can fear keep us from being a bold witness?

Why does fear of people bind our tongues?

How does "losing our life" for Christ's sake actually give us an abundant life?

What fear is keeping you from clear witness?

Q4. (1:23) What do Philippians 1:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 teach about the state of Christians immediately after death?

How does this comfort you?

How does this energize you?