Philippians 1.27-30
Striving together as one
Paul was imprisoned, in limbo, and with a death sentence hanging over his head. However, Paul’s gospel eyes gave him hope, purpose and joy despite whatever happened. Sadly there are times when“whatever happens” causes Christians to falter, detour, compromise or drop out of life centred round the gospel. Paul, having spent so much time with the Roman guard, was familiar with their fighting tactics and encourages the Philippians to strive together for the gospel, in close formation, guarding and protecting one another, and facing the battle with the certainty that we are always victorious.
Read Philippians 1.27-30
Live from the gospel
How does the good news inspire, motivate and shape your life?What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel? Consider Daniel’s 3 friends faced with the fiery furnace who would not compromise their faith (Dan 3.16-18).
Why is it important that we don’t justremain happy to serve but also chooseto lead?
Stand firm and strive together
If you can, show theGladiator clipWork together
The gospel should not just be what we don't do but also about our“do dos”. What is it we are meant to do together for the cause of the gospel?Why is striving together for the gospel so important? Why does it need everyone? What happens if it's left to a few?Why is unity and overlooking differences and disappointments with others so important?
Think of a group or ministry that you are connected with or attend or have your kids attend. eg. LifeCare Women, Shine, Prime Time, Playgroup, Church, Youth, Kids ministry.
What does it look like to work together in these and other ministries?Think about why are you there and who are you there for.
Victors not victims
Review some of the verses attached and the order. How do you feel about the fact that living for the gospel will also involve suffering? How confident are you of victory?
Challenge
Are you committed to partnering with our church with the programs we run? Are others discovering the power and compelling nature of the gospel through your life?
Philippians 1:27-30 NIV
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospelwithout being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to sufferfor him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.”
Trials and Suffering
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
1 Peter 1:6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Strive/Fight as partners of the gospel
1 Timothy 4:10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Philippians 1:5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Stand firm
Mark 13:13 Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Luke 21:19Standfirm, and you will win life.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, standfirm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; standfirm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
2 Corinthians 1:21 Now it is God who makes both us and you standfirm in Christ. He anointed us,
Ephesians 6:14Standfirm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you standfirm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel
Victory
Deuteronomy 20:4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
Psalm 20:6 Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.
Psalm 149:4 For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.