Just Jesus – Philippians 1:9-20

hillside Just Jesus - Philippians 2019

JOY IN JESUS’ PLAN

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Philippians 1:9-20 NASB

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

 

OUTLINE

  • The Plan  1:9-11
  • The Places 1:12-14
  • The People  1:15-18
  • The Prospects  1:19-20

 

QUESTIONS

  1. (v. 1:9-11) Paul’s prayer perfectly portrays God’s plan to make our joy complete. His love flowing through our lives allowing His light to shine through us. What are the main things that cause you to lose joy? Where do you believe joy is going to be found?
  2. (v. 1:12-14) How did Paul view his circumstances? What circumstances are currently impacting your joy? How are some ways Jesus could use your circumstances to advance the Gospel?
  3. (v. 1:15-18) Do you take personal attacks personally? How did Paul deal with his critics? How do you deal with your critics? What are some ways you can learn from Paul’s example?
  4. (v. 1:19-20) How do you feel about the future? How does the prospect of the future steal your joy? How does the resurrection of Jesus change everything?

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