Discovering Joy - Joy in the Gospel
Studies on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians for SGSG Small Groups
Joy in the Gospel Philippians 1:21-30 29 Sept 24
Welcome
At this time of the year there can be lots of new people in the church. What was your experience in joining SGSG or moving to Ashtead?
Worship
Sing or listen to When I survey the Wondrous Cross / Amazing Grace. Then give yourselves space afterwards to pray into what God has said to you during this song.
Word
1: 21-26
This section carries straight on from last week, when we saw Paul in prison, possibly facing a death sentence.
· What is the gain Paul speaks of? How can he say this?
· What does it really mean for us to say ‘to live is Christ’?
· What is the benefit to the church if Paul lives?
· Why is Paul being torn? Where is his desire?
· Does Paul’s passion seem very extreme to you? What is it based on?
· How do we really feel about death? Has this passage challenged you to think differently?
· What is Paul convinced of in v25? Why? What does it mean to him?
· What are some of the experiences that bring joy in the Christian life (from v25-26 and from life today)?
1: 27-30
· In v27 what is Paul calling the church to do? How does this fit in with the previous verses? What are the challenges for us from this verse?
· What is the privilege of the gospel?
· Why does Paul encourage the church not to be afraid? What encouragement is this to you?
· Verse 28 is very challenging. What reaction do you have to this? What will you do differently as a result of this?
· When we suffer and struggle (v29-30), can we also overflow with joy, and if so, how does that come about? Share any examples you know about.
Record on your group journal what has stood out for you from this study.
Witness, Care and Prayer
Pray for
· one another about the experiences this study may have raised for you
· those who are new to SGSG