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#18 - The Prison Letters - Philippians
Philippians 1:20-30 (NIV)
Read by: Morgan Folgers
As we listen to today’s passage, we’ve got to remember that Paul’s writing from a roman prison. It’s reasonable for him to think he might not make it out alive. Yet, what we hear from him is confidence and purpose no matter what the circumstances, and no matter the results. He’s able to genuinely encourage his friends because he has situated his life around Jesus, which allows him to see real victory on either side of the sword.
This passage challenges much of what we assume ought to come from following Jesus. It’s easy to assume that it will be nothing but blessings and flourishing, but Paul tells his friends that it’s actually been granted, like a gift, to not only believe in Christ but to suffer for him. This turns so much of what we expect about God upside down.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What word or phrase stood out to you in the passage?
2. Have you ever had someone ask you whether you had something in your life worth dying for? In this passage Paul says he has that--the chance to be with Christ would be a gain. However, Paul also has something worth living for, that is the mission of proclaiming the good news of the true king to those who haven't yet heard. What about you? What is it in your life, when you're feeling pressed on all sides, that’s worth living for even through the suffering?
3. Paul encourages them, no matter what happens, to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. This encouragement indicates that it might be tempting to do otherwise, to live a life that departs from the gospel if pain or loss or persecution came to the Philippians. In the ways that you feel pressed today, what does it mean for you to live a life worthy of the gospel. What might need to change?
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project Podcast: New Testament Letters >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Historical Context >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Literary Context >>
Bible Project Video: Philippians >>
----------CONNECT----------
Find an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Start an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Learn More >>
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By InterVarsity Alabama
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Philippians 1:20-30 (NIV)
Read by: Morgan Folgers
As we listen to today’s passage, we’ve got to remember that Paul’s writing from a roman prison. It’s reasonable for him to think he might not make it out alive. Yet, what we hear from him is confidence and purpose no matter what the circumstances, and no matter the results. He’s able to genuinely encourage his friends because he has situated his life around Jesus, which allows him to see real victory on either side of the sword.
This passage challenges much of what we assume ought to come from following Jesus. It’s easy to assume that it will be nothing but blessings and flourishing, but Paul tells his friends that it’s actually been granted, like a gift, to not only believe in Christ but to suffer for him. This turns so much of what we expect about God upside down.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What word or phrase stood out to you in the passage?
2. Have you ever had someone ask you whether you had something in your life worth dying for? In this passage Paul says he has that--the chance to be with Christ would be a gain. However, Paul also has something worth living for, that is the mission of proclaiming the good news of the true king to those who haven't yet heard. What about you? What is it in your life, when you're feeling pressed on all sides, that’s worth living for even through the suffering?
3. Paul encourages them, no matter what happens, to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. This encouragement indicates that it might be tempting to do otherwise, to live a life that departs from the gospel if pain or loss or persecution came to the Philippians. In the ways that you feel pressed today, what does it mean for you to live a life worthy of the gospel. What might need to change?
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project Podcast: New Testament Letters >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Historical Context >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Literary Context >>
Bible Project Video: Philippians >>
----------CONNECT----------
Find an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Start an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Learn More >>