To Live is Christ, To Dje is Gain – Philippians 1:18b-26 1) Paul's mission – vv18b-20 = 2) Paul's dilemma – vv21-24 = 3) Paul's resolve –vv25-26 = -What does Paul mean when he says "to live is Christ"? How can we keep Christ central in our lives? -How can you honor Christ in your body? Who has God put in your life that you can serve for the glory of God? -How should a Christian face death differently than an unbeliever? How does this bring glory to Christ? -Why is death a gain for a believer? How does this truth impact you? For further study: Lk 23:43; Jn 14:1-6; Rom 6:1-14; 12:1-2; 2 Cor 5:1-10; Phil 2:3-4; 3:8; 4:11; 1 Th 4:13-18; 1 Pt 3:15.

Long to see Christ proclaimed – Philippians 1:12-18a 1) Paul's ____________ served to advance the gospel – vv12-14. a. b. 2) Paul cared more about the gospel advancing than _______________ – vv15-18a. -How might your present difficulties be used to advance the gospel? Pray for God to work in you and through you at this time. -Who do you know who, like Paul, is willing to suffer for the gospel and rejoice in adversity? Pray for God to use their example in your life. -How does one believer on fire embolden many more to witness for Christ? Pray for God to embolden you and others around you. -Are you willing to have your own reputation damaged if it meant advancing the gospel? How does your identity in Christ equip you to do that? For further study: Mt 5:11-16; Jn 3:30; Acts 26:19-29; 28:17-31; Eph 4:1; 6:19-20; Phil 4:22; Col 4:3-4.

What binds us together? – Philippians 1:3-8 Answer = We are partners in the Gospel and fellow partakers of grace! Paul thanks God every time he thinks of the Philippians: Reason #1 - _______________________vv4-5 Reason #2 - _________________________v6 Paul loves the Philippians – vv7-8 -How does us all being sinners saved by God's grace create mutual affection and purpose? -How are AGC members involved in the advancement of the Gospel? How can we encourage each other in our Gospel ministries? -What unique challenges face those serving in cross-cultural ministry? How can we partner with them and encourage them? -What biblical commitments should members have for one another? Do you love your fellow church members? How can you grow in that love? -How does God's promise to "Finish what He starts" comfort you? For further study: Lk 5:7-10; 2 Cor 6:14; Eph 4:4-6; Phil 1:27-30; 2:12-13; 4:10-20; Titus 2:11-14; Heb 12:2; 3 Jn 4.

The Life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ -Philippians 1:1-2 -How was Paul's life different after his conversion to Christ? What does that difference say about Christ? -Meditate on how God has changed your life through Christ (both for eternity and presently). As you reflect on these changes, how are you moved to respond to God? -Why did God establish the offices of overseer (elder) and deacon? How can you be praying for the elders and deacons of AGC? -How are you living a set-apart life in what you pursue and what you refrain from? In what areas is God calling you to grow in living set-apart? -Where else besides God are you tempted to look for peace? Do you find it? How does that compare to finding peace in your relationship with God? -Why do we need daily grace (strength) from the Lord? What can we do to put ourselves in the contexts to receive that grace? For further study: Mt 5:13-14; Acts 9; 16; Rom 5:1; 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17; 9:8; Phil 4:7; 1 Th 4:3; Jam 4:6; 1 Pt 1:14-16; 2:9-10.

Life's Essentials – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 -What is the chief end of man? How does the good news of Christ make this possible? -What does it look like to fear God? How does the gospel shape/inform our fear of God? -How does keeping God's commandments flow out of fearing God? What similar teaching does Jesus give? -What impact should the reality of God's judgment have on my life? How does the gospel give me confidence to face this judgement? For further study: Dt 10:12-13; Pr 1:7; 9:10; 14:2; Eccl 3:14,17; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12; 11:9; Mt 12:36; Jn 5:24; 14:15; Rom 2:16; 1 Cor 4:5; Heb 4:13.