Philippians 1:12-30

•	Read vv.29-30.  What’s your initial reaction to Paul’s words here?  Is this how you normally think about suffering in the Christian life? Do you find anything difficult about Paul’s statement?
•	vv.12-18: What opportunities did Paul have to ‘advance the gospel’ in prison?  How did this help Paul to trust in God’s purposes for him?
•	Think about your own life or the lives of Christians you know.  How has God used experiences of suffering or frustration to advance the gospel – both in the world and in our lives?
•	Compare Paul’s insights in Philippians 1 with Jesus’ words to his disciples in Mark 8:34-38.  How might your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus have to change as a result of these passages?  How can we help one another prepare for suffering and struggle in the Christian life?
•	Read over Hebrews 4:14-16.  What difference does knowing Jesus make to times of suffering and struggle in our lives?  Pray that whatever happens in your life, you might grow in your love and trust of him. 

Philippians 1:12-30

•	Read vv.29-30.  What’s your initial reaction to Paul’s words here?  Is this how you normally think about suffering in the Christian life? Do you find anything difficult about Paul’s statement?
•	vv.12-18: What opportunities did Paul have to ‘advance the gospel’ in prison?  How did this help Paul to trust in God’s purposes for him?
•	Think about your own life or the lives of Christians you know.  How has God used experiences of suffering or frustration to advance the gospel – both in the world and in our lives?
•	Compare Paul’s insights in Philippians 1 with Jesus’ words to his disciples in Mark 8:34-38.  How might your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus have to change as a result of these passages?  How can we help one another prepare for suffering and struggle in the Christian life?
•	Read over Hebrews 4:14-16.  What difference does knowing Jesus make to times of suffering and struggle in our lives?  Pray that whatever happens in your life, you might grow in your love and trust of him. 

Philippians 1:12-30

•	Read vv.29-30.  What’s your initial reaction to Paul’s words here?  Is this how you normally think about suffering in the Christian life? Do you find anything difficult about Paul’s statement?
•	vv.12-18: What opportunities did Paul have to ‘advance the gospel’ in prison?  How did this help Paul to trust in God’s purposes for him?
•	Think about your own life or the lives of Christians you know.  How has God used experiences of suffering or frustration to advance the gospel – both in the world and in our lives?
•	Compare Paul’s insights in Philippians 1 with Jesus’ words to his disciples in Mark 8:34-38.  How might your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus have to change as a result of these passages?  How can we help one another prepare for suffering and struggle in the Christian life?
•	Read over Hebrews 4:14-16.  What difference does knowing Jesus make to times of suffering and struggle in our lives?  Pray that whatever happens in your life, you might grow in your love and trust of him.