1. Read Philippians 1:27-30. In verse 1:27, Paul says “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” What does it look like for the gospel to be not only something you know but also something that truly transforms the way you live? In what ways has the gospel changed your own “manner of life”?
2. Jesus relates to His people in many ways. But what does it mean for Jesus to be our King (Revelation 17:14)? What would your life and faith look like if you failed to view Jesus as King?
3. To be a Christian on this earth means possessing a “dual-citizenship.” We are in this world but not of this world (John 17:14–16). How does our “dual-citizenship” sometimes come into tension?
4. Wherever the glory of God is expressed and enjoyed, the kingdom of heaven touches earth. And the place where God’s glory ought to shine clearest is the church. The church is a colony of the kingdom—a people founded and formed by the gospel of Christ. Who are some of the people with whom you are making the kingdom of God visible by the way you love, suffer, and glorify God together? Said another way, who are the people you are “striving side by side” with in the way Paul commends in Philippians 1:27?
5. Paul says to the Philippian church that he desires to “hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit” (Philippians 1:27). Are you experiencing disunity with any believers in your community of faith in either minor or significant ways? What could it look like to pursue reconciliation with them? What are some of the long-term dangers of remaining disunified?
6. In what areas of your life are you feeling distinctly vulnerable? How are you suffering? Where are you weakest? If Satan were to take you out, how do you think he would do it? What resources has God already given you in the local body of believers that could help you stand firm, suffer well, press on, and remain faithful to Jesus? Who are the specific people who could help?
