Paul expressed how much joy the Philippian believers’ gospel partnership brought him and reminded them that their sovereign and faithful God would keep them to the end (1:3-6). He prayed that God would cause their love to increase so they would stay pure and blameless, full of the fruit of righteousness (vv. 9-11). That’s what the Holy Spirit does through the gospel: He transforms us.
Therefore, this Letter to the Philippians resounds with the unyielding confidence we should have in Christ Jesus: “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6).
What does this confidence produce? “Progress and joy in the faith” (1:25).
Where does this confidence and progress come from? “It is God who is working in you
both to will and to work according to his good purpose” (2:13).
Paul made the point in 2:5-11 that if Jesus, who is equal with God, was willing to live selflessly to serve sinful man, even by dying for them, then how much more should we be willing to live for others rather than ourselves!
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults
Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students
Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:
- The main point of the session
- Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
- Encouragements for leaders
Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
A Final Reminder
Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.
*This week’s leader devotional is written by Jonathan Hayashi. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 34, Session 4 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.