It’s All Good | Week 2
Note to the Leaders:
This discussion guide is a help for you to engage and steer the conversation within your group.
You do not have to read every question; this is just resources for you to move the main idea forward.
Do your best to make the story come to life by asking questions that will spur your group conversations that make this story play come alive and become applicable to their lives.
Week 2 For, NOT Because
Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26 ESV
Big Idea: God can use your circumstances to encourage others and continue spreading the gospel
Getting Started:
Have you ever been in a situation or in circumstances where you believed God was punishing you?
Looking back, what was the outcome of that time in your life?
Did you grow in that time?
Have you been able to help others because you have been in that same place they are suffering through?
Digging Deeper:
Paul was writing this letter of encouragement to the church while he was in Rome in jail, chained to two guards awaiting his sentence to be either set free or be executed. No middle ground. Literally he is hanging between life and death.
Read Philippians 1:12-13 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is FOR Christ.
In Paul’s mind, he wasn’t in prison BECAUSE of his actions.
Paul understood that he was in prison FOR Christ.
He was there FOR a purpose to be used FOR God’s purpose.
Paul’s reaction to his circumstance was not riddled with “If Only’s” instead listen to what he says about his circumstances.
Pastor said “Your situation isn’t because of something. Your situation is for Something.”
How do we sometimes allow If Only’s to not see the opportunity in front of us?
Your situation is your opportunity.
Read Romans 8:28 We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love them.
How has God used your circumstances for good?
How could Paul’s imprisonment be for good?
Read Philippians 1:14 - And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Our situation can be an inspiration for others even though we don’t personally benefit from it.
The cause of Christ is bigger than our situation.
Read Philippians 1:18b-20 - Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul’s main concern was not how his outcome of but on how well he represents Christ in this situation.
Paul knew his purpose was to live for Christ no matter his circumstances.
When things get tough on us what is our first thoughts?
Read Philippians 1:21 - For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - If I am to live in the flesh (or continue living here on earth), that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
Paul didn’t say if I get out of jail I am going to go far away and stop talking about Jesus because I have suffered enough.
Read Philippians 1:24-26 - But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
The very opposite is true, he knew that if he was going to have the opportunity to live his purpose wouldn’t change.
How do we allow our circumstances to derail our purpose?
We can never allow anything to steal our purpose.
We must realize that any situation we face is another opportunity for God to use to bring other to him.
Your situation isn’t because of something it’s for something.
Next Step:
Is there something in your past derailing your purpose? Your situation may have been beyond your control, an illness abandoned by a love one. God can use it
Maybe it was your own failure. Satan is whispering in your ear that you have blown it. Don’t believe it! God is bigger than your failures and he can use it.
Give it over in prayer. Ask God to use it for his glory. Be on purpose no matter what the circumstances.