Courage For The Message

The book of Philippians:

Courage for the Message

The book of Philippians, an amazing book found in the New Testament, is filled with characters that possess courageous faith in a world hostile to the followers of Jesus. In chapter 1, Paul is in prison for preaching the Message, and the church is questioning what God is doing. They are concerned for Paul’s life, but he encourages them to look up and see the bigger – more eternal – picture.

Because of Paul’s Imprisonment:

1. Soldiers are hearing the good news of the Messiah.

2. Paul’s situation has fired up other Christians to be more courageous for their faith and for evangelism.

3. Even Paul’s envious Christian brothers in Rome who saw him as a threat to their position in the church, stepped out in boldness for the Gospel.

4. Even in seemingly tragic situations, God is at work!

Whose will is it for Paul to be in Rome – in Prison?

God’s! (Acts 23:11)

Key verse: Philippians 1:21 (NIV) “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

A question to ponder for your small group this week:

Can you think of a circumstance in your life where you thought God was not paying attention – only to see Him later working in amazing ways within that circumstance?