Week 1, Day 2 Philippians 1:12-18

 Philippians 1:12-18 [hyperlink]

Paul’s Imprisonment Advances the Gospel
Paul is writing a letter from a prison to the church in Philippi with the continual theme that they rejoice in the Lord. For Paul, joy is not a feeling based on favorable happenings or circumstances but rather a deliberate choice to celebrate God’s work, through Jesus, in all circumstances.

As a servant and prisoner of Jesus, this advancement of the Gospel brings Paul great joy and satisfaction. Some are preaching Christ from false motives and others out of goodwill but regardless Paul rejoices that Christ is being preached.

QUESTIONS

1. What does rejoicing in the Lord look like for you? What current difficult or favorable circumstances is God inviting you to rejoice in?
2. Even when people are preaching out of false motives, can God still work through that to advance the Gospel? (see v. 1:15-18)
3. In what ways are you called to suffer for the sake of the Gospel?

PRAYER
Take time to reflect on and write out your current circumstances and bring them to the Lord.
Lord, I thank you that no matter the state of my heart, or circumstances, I can rejoice today because You are with me. I bring these things to You and ask that You reveal to me how they bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.