When Christ is life, joy is unconquerable in the present and unshakeable in the future. (Read Philippians 1:12-26)
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
Living = Christ
Dying = Christ
For me, to live is
When Christ is life… Jesus is our greatest joy.
When Christ is life… joy is unconquerable in the present.
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel….18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. —Philippians 1:12,18a
o Do you view your suffering as an opportunity to share the Gospel?
When Christ is life… joy is unshakable in the future. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 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. —Philippians 1:18b-20
o How can we keep Christ as our life and boldly live for Him and proclaim Him, not just today, but in the future, no matter what the future holds?
Prayer of God’s people and God’s provision of the Holy Spirit (v. 19)
Small groups (v. 19)
Serving others (v. 22-26)
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! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 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, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. —Philippians 1:22-26
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Connect
- What is one thing that recently brought you joy?
Let’s Talk About It
At some level, everyone wants to live their best life. We all want to live a life of purpose that makes a positive impact. But how? A key element to living your best life is lasting joy. And what makes our pursuit of joy so elusive is that we all experience suffering. Paul talked about how living your best life begins with having Christ as your life and ultimate joy. When Christ is life, your joy will be unconquerable in the present and unshakable in the future.
(Read Philippians 1:12-26)
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
- Philippians 1:21. Have you come to the place in your life where you can honestly say, “For me to live is Christ”? Why or why not? How does knowing Christ and living to honor Him change your perspective and strengthen you with faith, joy and courage when you face challenging experiences?
- Philippians 1:12. How has God used a hard, personal circumstance in your life to advance His gospel?
- Philippians 1:13-18. When you face difficult circumstances, do you focus on “why” it is happening, or do you seek to understand “what” God is doing and how He may be using your situation as an opportunity to share Jesus?
- Philippians 1:19-26. How can being a part of a small group and letting yourself be known by others help you keep Christ as your life and boldly live for Him (not just today, but in the future, no matter what the future holds)? How does serving others cultivate your joy and the life of Christ in you?
Take a Step
- What is one step you can take this week to align your life so it reflects, “for me, to live is Christ”?
Here’s My Prayer
Father, thank You that You are the only true source of joy. Because of You, I can have joy no matter what circumstances I’m facing. Work in me so I can honestly declare, “For me, to live is Christ.” Please help me to share this amazing joy with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.