5.10.20 - The Joy of Trusting in God's Workmanship (Kenny Camacho)

SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:1-26

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. Paul wrote Philippians from prison. While we are not in prison right now (hopefully), the Covid-19 restrictions may make one feel imprisoned. What element of the stay in place order is most difficult to endure?

  2. If Paul was able to write the “Epistle of Joy” from prison, how can Paul’s example help us in times of our distress? How can Paul be joyful during imprisonment and amidst uncertainty about his future?

  3. In Philippians 1:3-8, Paul describes the joy he receives from others. How can we help overcome our distress by taking joy in our friends, family, and church? How can prayer for others impact us, too?

  4. In Philippians 1:21, “Paul says to live is Christ and to die is gain.” What is he talking about?!? One Bible commentary says, “Paul was so positively committed to the will of God that both life and death held certain attractions. If the choice were left to him, he would not know what to decide.” How difficult would it be to believe “to die is gain,” when one is young, married, with children or in another place in life where the future here on earth seems so full of possibilities?

  5. What “work” do you think the Holy Spirit is “seeing to completion” in you? Where do you see growth? Could you find joy in trusting this process more fully?

Kenny Camacho