September 12, 2021
Jailhouse Joy: Continuing To Rejoice
Philippians is Paul’s most joyful letter even though he’s in jail, he’s old, people are behaving poorly and it’s not clear if things will get any better. Can there be real joy when circumstances are awful?
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Philippians 1:12-26
Message Questions:
- Have you ever witnessed a Christian go through a tough time with such grace that it made you want to be bolder in your own faith? Tell that story.
- Verses 15-18 speak about “preaching Christ.” What exactly does that mean? How do you know whether the message you hear is “Christ preached” or not?
- In this passage Paul seems to be ruminating about his death. Do you ever do that? What thoughts do you have when you consider your own death?
- Explain the phrase “to live is Christ.”
- In v. 20 Paul says that he “hopes to have sufficient courage” for the challenge he currently faces. What struggle do you currently have for which you also hope to have sufficient courage? Pray for each other.
Extend your small group discussion with the expanded guide for today’s message. It includes more questions and soul training practices for you and your small group.
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Recent Sermons
Colossians 3:18-4:1 -Paul closes his letter by showing how following Jesus transforms our everyday relationships—with spouses, children, parents, employees, and employers—and calls us to care for one another with kindness.
Colossians 3:12-17-Sometimes Christianity gets known for what we don’t do. But Paul points us toward something better: how we live, love, and treat one another. What marks a genuine Christian community? It all starts with who God is and how deeply He loves us.
Colossians 3:5-11-Paul points to two areas that reveal who we are at the deepest level: sex and speech. The path to health and freedom isn’t harsh rules or self-focus, but staying close to Jesus, knowing him and growing in him. Christianity isn’t harsh rules; it’s a vibrant friendship.
Colossians 2:20-3:4 - Religious baggage can pull us in all kinds of directions—from expecting God to fit our preferences to trying to earn His approval. Paul’s message to the Colossians was simple: stop guessing what God wants and get back to the core of Christianity—Jesus.
Colossians 2:13-19 - Humans have a problem that we can’t save ourselves from—not through secular programs or religious systems. The good news of Jesus is that on the cross, Jesus dealt with it all. In him we are alive, forgiven, and free!
Colossians 2:8-12 - Paul warns the Colossian church not to trade the freedom found in Christ for religion or spiritual experiences. Jesus is more than enough.
