Monday – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Do you ever feel like God can’t use you because you have problems or you’re preoccupied with difficult issues? Not so! Hard things in life can actually make you more powerful for the kingdom.

Lord Jesus, be strong in my weaknesses and challenges. Show me how I can use them to point more people to You.

Theme: Philippians: “A Chain Reaction”

Main Text: Philippians 1:12-26

Tuesday – Matthew 7:15-17. Many people today claim to have heard from God, or maybe they have a message from God — sometimes specifically for us. Here Jesus tells us one good way to recognize what they’re really about.

God, I need discernment about what I hear from people. Thank You for Your Word, which provides plenty of “messages” from You and instructions for my life.

Theme: Philippians: “A Chain Reaction”

Main Text: Philippians 1:12-26

Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 2:2-5. What impressions do you get here about Paul’s skills and confidence as an ambassador for Christ? How does this compare to the way you typically think of Paul?

Father God, please help me understand the magnitude of Your power, and so live for You with boldness and confidence, since my effectiveness doesn’t depend on my own strength and wisdom.

Thursday – 1 Peter 4:12-16. What things cause you to rejoice in day-to-day life? What things make you suffer? Are you participating in the sufferings of Christ?

God in heaven, I know Your love and Your plan for me are better than what I could bring about on my own. I trust You to bring something good even out of my trials.

Friday – Matthew 3:8. All our time here on earth should be devoted to fruitful labor — being about the work of God’s kingdom. If we have repented from our sins, we repent to active service for Him.

Father, I do not want to be a lukewarm Christian. I am ready to say “Yes” to making a difference and producing fruit for You.

Saturday – Revelation 22:20. In the daily challenges of living for Christ, we must not forget the ultimate goal and reward — spending eternity with Him. Do you eagerly look forward to His return?

Lord Jesus, nothing I desire compares with You. Help me not get distracted by things of this world, but keep my eyes on You. Come, Lord Jesus.

Sermon Review: Perspective, the way we choose to view things is important.  In fact, often our perspective actually alters our reality.  As you consider your perspective and more importantly the perspective of others on your Christian life, does it make a difference that you are a Christian?  What can others see in your life that is unique and compelling and makes them want to know more of Christ? One thing is for certain, the call to follow Christ is not a call to be ordinary.  Tonight our study will focus on the choices that marked the apostle Paul, and if we have a right perspective should mark us as truly different.

Ice Breaker

• What examples do you know of where, at first, a situation seemed desperate or even hopeless, but in the end God was able to use it for something positive?

Exploring the Text

• Read Philippians 1:12-26. In verses 12-14, what appear to be Paul’s criteria for whether an event or situation is good or bad? What are usually your criteria?
• How do you typically respond to trying situations?
• Paul’s effectiveness despite his chains inspired other believers (v. 14). What courageous Christians have inspired you?
• In verses 15-17, what motives are behind some of the others who are preaching about Christ? How could these — especially the negative ones — threaten to take Paul’s focus off of Christ?
• Looking at the past few weeks of your life, how would you honestly fill in the blank: “To me, to live is ____________” (v. 21). If you changed your answer to Paul’s — “Christ” — what habits, actions, or attitudes would change?
• What about Paul’s statement, “… to die is gain”? What is he actually looking forward to gaining?
• Does Paul’s statement, “to die is gain” sound like something you would ever say? Why or why not? Can you empathize with Paul’s hypothetical “choice” in verses 22-24? What is motivating his desire for each option?
• Based on this passage, how would you describe Paul’s general attitude or approach to life?

Challenge

• Look again at the earlier question about which of your habits, actions, or attitudes would change if you truly did live for Christ every day (the 5th bullet under “Exploring the Text”). Choose one of the answers you mentioned, and make every effort this week to truly surrender that to Him. Tell another group member what you’re up to.

Monday – Philippians 1:3. Paul was filled with thanks as he remembered the church family at Philippi. Do you find yourself filled with thanks to God as you think of your church family? What about a close Christian friend? Have you considered that those relationships are gifts from God?

Giving God, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life. Help me bless them today and share my gratitude for them with them.

Tuesday – Philippians 1:4-6. We are not called to be solo Christians – we are to partner with others in sharing the gospel. Name the advantages to a partnership over independence? Are you partnering with others in the gospel? How could you improve the team approach?

Lord, thank You for believers and their partnership. Help me to work together with them – to do my part and to allow others to do theirs, all for Your glory.

Wednesday – Hebrews 10:25. Close relationships need shared time together to grow. How can you make this a priority? What has gotten in the way of gathering? How can you effectively encourage another believer today?

Father, help me continue to meet with other believers – to study Your Word, to fellowship, and to encourage one another. Help me make this a priority in my life!