September 19, 2021
Jailhouse Joy: Contending As One
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?
Listen to an audio version of the message
Songs for this week: Spotify
Philippians 1:27-29
Message Questions:
- “Whatever happens”. Did your family have mottos? ‘Whatever happens Allisons never quit!’ was one of ours. What was true about your family ‘whatever happens’?
- “Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.” What does that look like? What does that NOT look like?
- V. 27 talks about ’standing as one, contending as one’ as a fundamental way for Christians. In a day when Christians disagree about many things, how have you settled into ’standing as one’ with other believers?
- Is there any place in your life where you’re feeling frightened? Does the command to “not be frightened in any way by those who oppose you” give you a shot of adrenaline or suck the blood from your veins? How does one become ‘unafraid’?
- “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him but also to suffer for him.” (v. 29). How do you feel about the ‘gift’ of suffering for Jesus?
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.
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Joel 2:28-32 - Begin a seven-week journey exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit—from Genesis to Revelation. Discover how the Spirit moves through the Old Testament, revealing a presence that is mysterious, powerful, and deeply woven into the story of faith.
Mark 16:1-8 - The resurrection of Jesus Christ brings clarity to the entire Bible, redeeming every story from the Garden of Eden onward. Though surprisingly understated in Gospel of Mark, this moment secures a powerful hope—offering grace today and the promise of a future face-to-face with Jesus.
Mark 11:1-11 -As Mark’s account of Jesus moves toward the Cross, the Triumphal Entry may seem quiet to us—but for those who had waited centuries, it was electric. The question of the true King wasn’t just Israel’s struggle—it’s still ours today.
Mark 9:1-13 -We’ve hit fast-forward in the Jesus Story! In one week, we’ve shuttled from the mountain where the 10 commandments were given, over to the mountain where Jesus shows his true colours. This story is a shout-out to everything that has happened to this point in the Bible, and at the same time, a shout forward
Exodus 40:34-38 - The Book of Exodus ends with God’s tent, the Tabernacle, furnished and fully operational. The job of exiting, leaving Egypt, is done. Now it's time to change focus from getting out of slavery to getting into the Promised Land. This is the ultimate road trip because God is on it, and that brings compli
Exodus 33:12-23 - The book of Exodus unfolds the growing friendship between God and Moses, one conversation at a time. Moses’ honest exchange with God is a picture of how we can talk with God, too.
