November 20th – 26th, 2022
Verse of the Week
Philippians 1:21 (ESV)
14 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Going Deeper
Review Philippians 1:18b-26
1) Share about a time you have suffered for Christ. How did you respond? What advice would you give to yourself in that situation based on what you understand today about how a believer should respond in difficult circumstances?
2) According to vs. 19-20, what are the ways Paul identified that deliverance from troubles might come for the believer.
3) What is the meaning of life to you?
4) What does it look like to approach life (work, family, relationships, possessions, success, reputation, etc.) with an attitude like Paul’s that “to live is Christ”?
5) What are some of the actions we could engage in that would fall into the category of “fruitful labour” for Christ as we read in verse 22?
6) How would you comfort someone who has lost a loved one who is a believer, bearing in mind the Apostle Paul’s perspective that “to die is gain”?
Assess Your Life
1) To what extent are you living your life with an eternal perspective?
a) I don’t know what it means to live my life with an eternal perspective.
b) I would like to focus more on eternal things but I have so many every day issues to deal with that I find this difficult to do.
c) I am making efforts to place more of an emphasis on the eternal than the natural by seeking God’s guidance for all my actions through prayer and studying God’s word.
d) As I grow in spiritual maturity, I can view my circumstances with more of an eternal perspective, and to seek God’s help in understanding the purpose for all that I go through.
e) I am living consistently with eternity in mind in all my decisions and responses to my circumstances.
2) What Scripture(s) have you committed to memory that affirms God’s sovereignty in your circumstances
Application
1 Identify three (3) ongoing situations that you can approach differently by looking at them from the perspective that “to live is Christ.”.
a)
b)
c)
2 What step(s) will you take to be intentional in your commitment?
I will ask
Sermon Main Points
As we continue in our pursuit of joy, let us remember:
In Christ we are all winners for whether we live or die we will win
To live for Christ is to serve His purposes in all things
To die is gain means that our spirits will be made perfect
Sermon Reflection
People who are being overcome by their circumstances focus on their circumstances. People who are overcoming their circumstances focus on what God is accomplishing during the circumstances. Joy is not dependent upon your circumstances.
When we become consumed with the concerns and values of Christ, the things that bring personal gratification take the back burner as we focus on and pursue the things of God.
To live for Christ is to engage in fruitful labor to others. Fruitful labor to others calls for sacrifice.
- For the blood-washed person, death is simply a doorway to eternity with Christ.
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text. (What does the text say?)
2. Interpret the text. (What does the text mean?)
3. Apply the text. (What can I do as a result of what I have learnt?)
Day 1 - Hebrews 12:22-23
Day 2 - Revelation 6:9-11
Day 3 - John 14:2-3
Day 4 - Romans 14:8
Day 5 - Colossians 3:1-4
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then disccussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.
Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2022