JOY HAPPENS WHEN WE CLING TO CHRIST. (Philippians 1:19-26)
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SERMON NOTES:
Joy Happens
Philippians 1:19-26
Joy happens when we cling to Christ.
We cling to Christ when life is uncertain and uncomfortable. (19-20)
We cling to Christ in life and death. (21-26)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson – Philippians 1:18-26
1. Warm-up. Many people are searching for meaning and purpose in life. How do people, apart from Christ, find meaning and purpose for life? As you consider your own daily attitude and the way you function in life, where do you functionally find meaning and purpose in your life?
2. Read verses 18-19. Verse 18 has the word “rejoice” twice. What is the reason for the first rejoice? What is the reason for the second rejoice? Is Paul anticipating deliverance (salvation) from prison, or ultimate deliverance (salvation) for eternity? Support your answer from the surrounding verses. What does Paul think will enable him to focus on this deliverance and not his circumstances? Why is this important? How does this apply to you?
3. Read verse 20. What is Paul’s attitude toward his deliverance? What is the goal or mission of Paul’s life? How do you think Paul got to a place of such single-minded devotion? How does your devotion to Christ compare to Paul’s? Are you satisfied with your current devotion to Christ? Why or why not? How would you like to grow in this area?
4. Read verses 21-26. Paul’s words in verse 21 are impactful. What makes these words so profound and impactful? What makes life worth living according to these verses? Why is death gain or better? How should the message of these verses shape how we spend our time and energy?
5. So what. What have you learned or been challenged by in these verses that affects how you approach everyday life?