Wide Open, Week 12: Going Through It
Philippians 1:12-19 (NIV)
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Discussion Questions
The sermon opened with the refrain from "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" — can't go over it, can't go under it, gotta go through it. What's an obstacle in your life right now where you've been hoping for a way around instead of accepting you need to go through?
Paul wrote about joy from a Roman prison, chained eighteen inches from a guard for two years. What does it mean to you that some of the most hope-filled words in the New Testament were written from one of the hardest circumstances imaginable?
The sermon introduced the idea of "the gap" — the space between what happens to us and how we choose to respond. Where have you experienced that gap most recently, and how did you fill it?
Paul's perspective shifted from the obstacle to the opportunity it created — even his imprisonment became a way for the gospel to reach Roman soldiers. Has there ever been a hardship in your life that, looking back, opened a door you wouldn't have had otherwise?
The message asked, "What is my identity?" and pointed to Paul's repeated phrase "in Christ" as his anchor. When life gets hard, what voices tend to define you instead — shame, fear, circumstance — and how do you fight to anchor your identity somewhere more secure?
The list of biblical truths about identity (treasured child, fearfully and wonderfully made, more than a conqueror) was offered as a kind of toolkit for hard moments. Which of those statements is hardest for you to actually believe about yourself, and why?
The story of Bryce and Mark during Navy SEAL training showed how one person's presence and encouragement carried another person past their breaking point. Who has been that kind of presence for you in a hard season — someone "on the shore" pulling for you?
The sermon asked, "Are you becoming the kind of person who can be counted on to have this kind of presence in the life of a friend?" Honestly, how would you answer that question right now?
The message closed with three postures of worship in hard seasons: fix your eyes on Jesus, anchor your identity in Christ, and draw strength from others in prayer. Which of these three do you most need to practice in this current season of your life?
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