We continue our series through the book of Philippians titled Finding Joy. Today, we are especially challenged to reflect on why many of us struggle to rejoice or be joyful when trials and troubles come our way. What is our understanding of biblical, godly joy? For instance, do you need certain things before you can be happy, depend on others for your happiness, or even see happiness as something “out there”? If so, you probably aren’t finding joy. So, how do we actually receive, experience, and live it? Let’s find out what Paul’s secret (which isn’t really a secret) was and is for all of us who desperately need it. 

Philippians 1:12-30

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the Gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Are you the kind of person who sees the glass as half-empty or half-full? Would people around you say you laugh a lot, are grateful, joy-filled, or often grumpy? (Be honest!)

2. Read Philippians 1:12-30. Paul was in prison but somehow “rejoicing”. What difficult circumstances are you dealing with, and what is your attitude (way of thinking) toward this situation? 

3. What has happened as a result of Paul’s imprisonment, and what effect did it have on most believers? (v. 14) 

4. Where has God used bad for good (God the true Alchemist)? 

5. How would you fill in the blank, “For me to live is ______________.”

6. How has Christ’s love and the gift of faith you have received made a difference toward living today, death, and ultimately dying?  

For Families with Kids

1. Read Philippians 1. This week, we’re focusing on 1:12-30.

2. What are some things that bring you delight? What do you think it means to delight in something?

3. In this part of Philippians, why is Paul rejoicing?

4. Have you been/are you embarrassed about being a follower of Jesus? Why or why not? When is it hard or easy to share your faith?

5. How can you prioritize your relationship with Christ in the midst of your friends, school, sports, and other activities?

6. Pray as a family, asking Jesus to help you talk about Him with one different friend every day this week; write their names down to help you remember. At the end of each day, talk about each experience together: were you nervous, what went well, and how did Jesus help you?