Press on doing the right things by standing firm in your faith. Don’t be frightened or become discouraged by opposition or those that make fun of you or judge you because you follow Jesus - don’t allow their influence to sway you, neither let yourself become addicted to earning their approval, which would negatively impact your ability to follow Jesus with all your heart, mind & strength.

This morning take a moment and reflect on the past week. Does your life represent the salvation God has given you? Does your freedom from sin and death shine through? Does your life, actions and words, represent the unconditional love and grace given to you?

Philippians 1.27-30

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does it mean to “conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel”? (vs. 27)

+ Why are we not to be afraid of those who oppose us? (vs. 28)

+ What does Paul mean by “... not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him” from verse 29?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there a habit or tendency that you have that misrepresents the Gospel? How can you be honest and vulnerable about that? Share it with a friend or trusted mentor

+ In which relationships are you feeling opposed because of your relationship with Jesus? At work? At home or school? In certain social circles? What does “standing firm” look like when you are around them?

+ Paul says it was “granted to us” to also suffer for Him, to say it is a privilege. Reflect on how you or someone you know has suffered for their faith.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How might you come alongside someone else who is suffering for Jesus? Is there someone you can encourage to stand firm?

+ Who is in your sphere of influence that doesn't know Christ? Have you prayed for them? Have you loved them?