Grow Group Questions • Philippians 1:12-20 • JoyFull
As you reflect on Sunday’s message, what one principle or insight stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?
Parker shared a definition of Joy on Sunday that “Joy is hope realized.” Do you like that definition? Why or why not?
Do you think hope and joy are connected? Why or why not? If so, how?
Read Philippians 1:12-20. What is most challenging in these verses? Encouraging? New?
In verse 12, Paul says that his current imprisonment has “served to advance the gospel.” Do you look at times of difficulty as opportunities to advance the gospel?
In verses 15-18, Paul says he is glad that Christ is being proclaimed, even though some have bad motives. Does that seem strange to you? How could selfish motives push someone to spread the gospel?
Paul seems to look at his imprisonment as having a largely positive affect. What are some benefits that came from Paul being imprisoned? How does Paul’s focus on Christ affect his outlook?
On Sunday, Parker shared the statement that “What your hope is in defines where your joy is found.” Do you agree with that statement? Why or why not?
Have you seen this in your own experience? When?
When you have had a lack of joy in your life, do you think that was due to having a hope rooted in something other than Christ, or was it something else? Explain.
What do you think Paul means by “deliverance” in verse 19? What is he referring to?
Why does it matter what Paul views as his ultimate deliverance?
Paul mentions several times that what is happening is “for Christ.” Do you find yourself having hardships because of what you’re doing “for Christ”?
If you were able to truly live as though Christ was your full hope in life, how do you think your life would look differently a year from now?
What’s a step of obedience you can take now to move towards fully living in that hope?
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