06 March 2022 (am) – Philippians 1:20-30

Andy Bruins preaching from Philippians on Sunday 6th March 2022.

Paul ends chapter one with a non-negotiable command about how the Philippians are to conduct themselves – “in a manner worthy of the Gospel”. They lived in a community of proud citizens who would identify themselves as loyal Romans, and who viewed this new sect of Christ followers with suspicion. The church in Philippi was facing opposition, persecution and suffering v28-30, and it’s particularly in this context that the way they live is crucially important.

Q What would you say are the main things that define a Christian? How do you think the world we live in would answer that question?
Q Read v27-28. How is “the Gospel” an important motivation for the way we live?
Q What is unity that we have in the Gospel and why is it so important?
Q How is our united stand in the faith of the gospel a sign of forthcoming destruction to those who oppose us?
Q How is it a sign to us of God’s salvation?
Q Read v29-30. What kind of suffering is Paul talking about here? What role does this kind of suffering play in the life of a believer? (cf. Matthew 5:10-12)
Why do you think we find it hard to endure persecution? How does this passage help?