CLICK HERE FOR THE LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE CONTAINING DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Story: His name was John.  There was something different about him.  People listened and they followed.  I would soon follow and experience Jesus like never before:

• Witnessing to complete strangers.
• Praying boldly
• Going boldly
• Having unexpected conversations.
• Hardships were magnified, bigger than normal.

I imagine something very similar to Paul.  He was different.  People listened and followed.  Lives were changed yet challenges were intense.  The Philippian church saw this with Paul and now they receive a report that it is happening again around Paul but in a new city.

Read: Philippians 1:12-14

Why did Paul write these three verses to the Philippian church?  Bragging? 

• They were experiencing something like him. Philippians 1:30
  
  
• He is guiding them to an inspiring perspective that will benefit them.
  
  
• He is discipling them through his words and example.

Your perspective of hardship can make or break how you go forward in your faith.  (12)

• Harmful or beneficial. You can focus in on the harm it might cause or are currently experiencing or you can look for what God can accomplish in and through you because of it.   
  
  
• Walking away or enduring the season. You will either talk yourself out of going forward where it is tough walking, or you will discover the truth of the potential outcomes that will help you endure in the present. 
  
  
• What is perceived as bad, could actually be good. Joseph in Egypt Genesis 50:20; Jesus with the Sanhedrin and Pilate; Paul’s flogging and arrest in Philippi.

There is often a pattern of godly maturation that begins with passion that gets challenged by hardship which leads to enduring strength.  Hebrews 12:4-12

Practicing the presence of Jesus in your life will produce common opportunities for sharing your faith.  (13)

• Paul’s presence in the Roman jail had a similar outcome to what happened in Philippi.
  • Philippian jailor: "Here we go again!” “I know how this is going to go.”
  • Singing praises despite harm transformed many prisoners and a captor’s family.

• Paul was Paul no matter where he was and regardless of the circumstances.
  • People took notice.
  • People listened.
  • People followed.

• Jesus says your life will be blessed if you suffer on account of him. 5:10-12
  • Expect blessing in hardship when living for Jesus.

Your testimony of living for Jesus despite hardship can inspire others to share Jesus without fear and to receive Jesus with joy. (14)

• Your courage can encourage others.
  
  
• Your testimony can help others confront fears that keep them from sharing Jesus with others.
  • Fear is a bad thing when it keeps us from loving others to avoid harm to yourself. “Faith over fear” is the correct phrase.
  • Fear is a good thing when it leads you to respond to the authority of God and those he has put into authority.
    • Fear is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9;10
    • Fear God who has the authority of your eternity. Matthew 10:28
    • Fear those who God has put in authority on earth. Romans 13:1-7
    • Fear keeps from needless harm.
  • “Faith over fear” can be used to justify a rebellious spirit.

The gospel being seen, heard, and received is the greatest purpose we can serve while we have life. 

• When people have extended time with you, do they see who you serve?
  
  
• When people who engage you, what are they asking?
  
  
• Do people respond to your presence? In respect or in pursuit of what you have?
  
  
• Would your presence cause people to seek Jesus?

Key:

Your behavior under duress can directly impact those who are near you. 

• Towards Jesus or away from him.
• What will your presence preach?

We have an enemy, and there will be trials but thank God He is our mighty fortress!  Paul and Silas singing:

That Word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.