LIVING FOR CHRIST

Philippians 1:12-29

Key Verse 1:21

1. Skim through the passage. How many times is the word "gospel" or "Christ" repeated? What is the gospel all about (27)? 

2. Read vs. 12-14. What does Paul mean by "what has happened to me" (Rm 1:15; Acts 19:21; 21:17-28:31)? How did Paul's chains practically advance the gospel (13, 14)? What does this passage show us about the blessedness of the life that is in chains "for Christ"? Can you think of any other examples (other than the example of Paul's chains) in which the Lord uses "chains" to accomplish his purpose of salvation? 

3. Read vs. 15-18. How many times is "preach Christ" or "Christ is preached" repeated? What does it mean to "preach" Christ? Paul says that preaching Christ is "the important thing" even if someone does so out of selfish ambition. Why is it so important (Phi 1:18; 2:17, 18; 3:1; 4:4,10; Lk 2:10-11; Jn 15:11; Psa 16:11)? 

4. Read vs. 19-26 and memorize v. 21. What does Paul mean by "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"? Stop for a moment and try to fill the two blanks describing the purpose of your “life” [in the first blank] and your view of “death” [in the second blank]: "For to me, to live is ____and to die is ____".  Even if to die is gain, why did Paul choose to continue on with his life in the body? What can we learn here from Paul?

5. Read vs. 27-29. What does it mean to conduct oneself in a manner “worthy” of the gospel of Christ? What are the examples of those who do "not" conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel? How can we conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel under all circumstances?