Finishing Well | Week 1: In Relationships
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness… —2 Timothy 4:7–8a (NIV)
Today’s Core Truth: Finishing well happens through healthy relationships.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:1–2 (NIV)
Healthy relationships create…
Intentional and
prayer creates heart-to-heart connections. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now… —Philippians 1:3–5 (NIV)
Question: Do you have a prayer partnership?
…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. —Philippians 1:3–6 (NIV)
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. —Philippians 1:7–11 (NIV)
A Christ-focused “
” in the middle of life’s difficulties. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. —Philippians 1:12–14 (NIV)
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” —Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
A will of God lifestyle for
. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. —Philippians 1:20–26 (NIV)
Question: Who are you living the will of God out for?
Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you. —Romans 1:12 (NCV)
Viewing suffering as a
and worthy of Jesus. 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 suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. —Philippians 1:27–30 (NIV)
Question: How will I invest well in my relationship this week to finish my life well one day?
…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. —Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. —Hebrews 12:3 (NLT)
Theme: Partnership and Purpose From Prison
Reflect Together: What impacted you the most from Sunday’s Message that you can apply to your life today?
Share Together: Did you ever have a pen pal or long-distance friend? What was the experience like?
Read Together: Philippians 1
Discuss Together:
- How does the context of Apostle Paul’s status as a prisoner when writing his letter to the Philippians influence your reading of the chapter?
- In verses 3–5, Paul expressed gratitude toward those partnering with the gospel. What does this partnership look like for us today as a community of Christ followers?
- In verse 6, Paul expresses confidence that God will complete the good work He began in the Philippians, and in verses 7–11 prays for abundance in this work. What is an example in your life of a good work that has started but where further blessing is needed?
- Paul discusses how his imprisonment has served to advance the gospel in verses 12–14. Looking back, do you have an example of a difficult circumstance in your life that has been used for a greater purpose?
- Paul is torn between the desire to depart and be with Christ and the need to remain for the sake of the Philippians (verses 21-24). What do you think he was feeling, and how do you feel in the midst of the pain and struggle of longing for heaven, but tension of the work God still has for us on this earth?
- What does it mean to “live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ” (verse 27)? How can this be practically demonstrated in daily life?
- Paul emphasizes standing firm in one spirit and striving together for the Faith (verses 27-28). Why is unity important in the face of opposition?
- In verses 29-30, Paul talks about suffering for Christ. How can we find encouragement and strength in knowing that suffering can be a part of following Jesus? How has it been a struggle you could use prayer for?
Pray Together: Take time to share the good things God is doing in your life and to pray for one another for the needs that you have in your group.