October 31, 2021
Jailhouse Joy: Stand Firm
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 4:1-7
Message Questions:
- How does the image of Roman soldiers standing firm compare to your understanding of Paul’s encouragement to “stand firm in the Lord”? Where or how have you experienced standing firm with others?
- Paul’s handling of the conflict between Euodia and Syntyche highlighted three lessons for us when we’re in conflict: deal with it directly and openly; show generous respect; and practice unity. As you think of a conflict in your life, which of these lessons seem most relevant? How can you put it into practice?
- The Philippian church faced a lot of stress and pressure. Where are we under pressure as a church? How can we stand firm (together) in Jesus?
- Which of the practices from this passage—celebrating in Jesus, showing gentleness, and praying instead of worrying—comes easily for you? Which one is harder? Is there an area of stress in your life where you could apply one of these practices this week?
- Why do you think Paul says to pray with thanksgiving? What does that look like in your life?
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
Exodus 14:5-13 -The story of God’s rescue is not without drama! God’s people left Egypt only to come against a new opponent, the Red Sea! They were trapped between an angry Pharaoh and, at least as bad, an angry Sea. They cried out, expressed their terror, and God made a way. Of course, it did involve them moving their
Exodus 12:1-14 - The story of Exodus is the story of Jesus. The God we get to know in Exodus is the God who comes to us in the person of Jesus: a God who judges, who saves, and who renews.
Exodus 3:1-14 - The rescue begins. God looks for a person to lead the way—not someone perfect, but someone willing. In Exodus, God calls Moses through a burning bush and rekindles a relationship that had been years in the making.
Exodus 1:6-14 - This Sunday, we begin Roots, a new teaching series from the book of Exodus—discovering how the story of rescue in Exodus shapes our understanding of Jesus.
Exodus 36:1-7 - God calls Israel to give their wealth to build the Tabernacle, raising a timeless question: will we live open-handed, trusting God with what we hold?
Luke 12:13-21 - Jesus warns us about the hidden danger of greed. Discover three heart attitudes toward money—I deserve it, it’s all for me, and I’m better off with more—and why they matter.
