Jailhouse Joy: I Press On
October 24, 2021
Jailhouse Joy: I Press On

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

Philippia ns 3:12-21

Message Questions:

  1. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? If you count yourself a Christian, does that influence/shape/dominate your 10-year plan?
  2. Is there a stretch or a strain in your walk with Jesus these days (v.13)? What are you intentionally working on these days?
  3. Do you have a role model (v. 17)? Who? How have they shaped your life?
  4. Explain the phrase “their glory is their shame” (v. 19). Explain how sin and the pursuit of self-gratification have never delivered in your life.
  5. Paul can’t help but recall the Resurrection (v. 21). How does your hope of Resurrection in the name of Jesus shape how you live now?

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

May 25, 2025
Luke 3:1-20 - The first mention of baptism in the Bible begins with John. John was the cousin of Jesus and also His opening act. John called the people of his day to "Get Ready." The public sign of a life getting ready for God was, and still is, baptism. Get washed so God can do what God wants to do.
May 18, 2025
Revelation 21:1-8 - Jesus wins; Jesus has already won; stay faithful to Jesus! This is the message of John’s sometimes confusing book of Revelation. It is full of encouragement and hope for disciples. Jesus, the Lamb, is on the throne. And he is preparing a future for us that includes heaven and so much more!
May 11, 2025
Acts 21:37–22:22 - Acts 21 finds Paul in Jerusalem, at the Temple, getting beaten for his faith in Jesus. In a wild turn of events, Paul had the opportunity to talk to those who wanted to kill him. What do you say to people who want you dead? Paul told his story—a story of his own self-righteous zeal, of Jesus meeting him in an unmistakable way, and of a kind believer who stood with him. What a great testimony!
May 4, 2025
Acts 13:16-44 -Paul and Barnabas made their way through the known world, telling everyone they met about Jesus and the Resurrection. In one synagogue, Paul told the Jews their history, but he told it differently than they’d heard it before. He showed how God had often given Israel a second chance. He went on to explain that Jesus was their second, and final, chance. Some of their listeners believed; others hated the message. Nobody likes being told they’re wrong.
April 28, 2025
Acts 3:1-21 - Now what? The story of Acts is what happens after the death and resurrection of Jesus. God takes ordinary people, fills them with His Spirit, and sends them out into the world. It's a crazy idea! Peter and John transform an everyday visit to the Temple into a medical miracle and preach a compelling message to boot. Hundreds of people come to trust Jesus. Just another day of walking in the Spirit.
April 20, 2025
John 20:24-29 - All through his ministry, Jesus took time to speak with individuals. Even after the resurrection, he never changed course. John records an interaction with Thomas that speaks to doubt and the struggle it is for each of us to believe.
All Sermons