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‘And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear’ (Philippians 1:14).
Paul’s suffering for Jesus and the gospel inspire confidence in others. Example is very powerful. We may speak of the worth of Jesus, the and the need to share the message, but this must be backed up with our example. This is certainly not about doing things to be seen by others! However, even what we do in secret has a supernatural effect on others.
We may have reasoned ‘because of my chains most of the brothers and sisters have become discouraged and won’t share the gospel’. However, many of us don’t share the gospel and this is because examples of gospel bravery are so rare. Cowardice breeds cowardice. Passivity breeds passivity. Suffering breeds bravery.
RESPONSE
How can you be an example of gospel bravery? Bravery is not the absence of fear, it’s doing what we believe is right even when we feel afraid. How about doing something that scares you for the gospel this week? Can we be open to the prompting of the Spirit and step out of our comfort zone?
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY – ADVANCING THE GOSPEL
Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Opener/Ice-breaker (Please could we all do this, this week)
Who were influential in your becoming a Christian and what good lessons could we all learn from them?
Introduction - please share in your group
God is advancing the gospel in the world. His plans to take the gospel to the ends of the earth are unstoppable because they are God's plans! God uses us as he used the Apostle Paul.
'Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.' (Philippians 1:12-13)
Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Paul’s life is full of great difficulty as he sought to follow Jesus and spread the message of the gospel. Paul saw the difficulties of his life as a means by which God advances the gospel.
What difficulties do you have that you might see as barriers to sharing the gospel?
How could you view or approach your challenges differently so as turn them into opportunities to share the love of Jesus?
'And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.' (Philippians 2:14)