September 27, 2009 Philippians 1:27-30

September 27, 2009    Acting Out On Purpose

Icebreaker:

Do you recall a time, when you were a child, you either brought shame or exceptional pride to your parents because of something you said or did? 

SCRIPTURE:

Philippians 1:27-30 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;28in no way alarmed by your opponents--which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.29For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,30experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

QUESTIONS:

1.         Look at the following definition and then underline the verbs in this passage.       Conduct: v. walk or lead, manage or control, direct the course of                       What are the meanings of some of the other verbs?

            Which are the verbs we have control over in this passage, and which are the ones we have no control over?

2.         In verse 27, Paul wants to make sure the Philippians conduct is the same whether he is there or not?  What are you like when no one is watching?  Or what do you struggle with when no one is watching?  Are these actions, thoughts, words, inline with what God wants from you?

3.  Read verses 28 &29.  What, if any, opposition have you faced this week in your walk with God?   Can others see that you have something different in the way that you have dealt with opposition?  Is it something worth having?

3 b.  It has been given on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him (Praise God for that!)  but...to Suffer, as Paul did....  If this isn't happening in your life right now, would you pray for situations where you can stand firm with others as you conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel-maybe a little outside your comfort zone?  What will those actions be?  Can you come along side someone else who is suffering?