Sermon Discussion Guide - To Live Is Christ

What has taken most of your attention this week?

Accountability

Last week’s message, Partners in the Gospel, invited us to move from attending to sharing the mission.

How did it go with the next step you chose last week?

Who would like to share a story about serving, giving, or encouraging someone this week?

If you were not here or did not choose a step, you are welcome to listen. An unfinished step is a chance for encouragement, not shame.

Before opening your Bibles, invite the Holy Spirit to speak through God’s Word. We expect God to speak tonight, and we want to listen and respond.

Setting the Scene

(Read this to the group before you read the passage.)

Paul is writing to the church in Philippi while he is imprisoned for following Jesus. These believers love him and have shared in his work. They could have wondered what his imprisonment meant for the gospel. Paul tells them the good news is still spreading, and his greatest concern is that Jesus will be honored. He wants to be with Christ, but he also wants to keep helping them grow.

Now read Philippians 1:12–26 aloud together. Tell your group to make notes of one word, phrase, or verse that stands out.

Highlight

What stands out?

Which word or verse caught your attention as we read?

Leader note: Let people explain why it stood out. If the conversation is alive here, let it continue. You may not need every Explain question if conversation is flowing.

Explain

What does it mean?

In verses 12–14, how is Jesus working through Paul’s imprisonment?

In verses 15–18, what matters most to Paul when others preach with selfish motives?

In verses 19–23, how does belonging to Christ shape Paul’s view of life and death?

In verses 24–26, what makes Paul want to keep serving these believers?

Apply

What does it mean for me right now?

Give people a moment to process before answering. You can re-read verse 21 prayerfully and let the quiet sit.

Where has Jesus used a hard season in your life to help someone else?

What is competing with Jesus for first place in your life right now?

Respond

What do I say back to God right now?

Jesus loved us and gave himself for us. We belong to him in life and death. Give people room to respond silently or aloud.

After hearing this passage, what is one honest thing you want to say to Jesus tonight?

Additional passages from the message: Romans 14:7–8; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1–3.

Invite everyone to write privately about one practical change that could grow from their prayer. Help them think through the first move: what they would do, when, and any help they need. Nobody needs to read their notes aloud.

Setting Goals

If you are ready, write one step in your own words to try before you meet again. Let it grow from what you said to Jesus. For example: “Before Friday, I will use one evening I normally spend on my hobby to help someone who needs me.” A smaller beginning could be: “Tomorrow, I will ask Jesus to help me choose one person to encourage.” It is okay to be at the beginning. Nobody has to share their step aloud. Put it somewhere you will see it again, and return to it gently next week.

Pray together

Share only as much as you want to say aloud.

Confess anything we have put ahead of Jesus.

Ask the Holy Spirit for help with the step each person is considering.

Pray for someone in the group facing a hard season, asking for comfort and courage.

Leaders: Pray for your group by name during the week. Follow up privately and gently with anyone who became quiet.