Discover the Greatest Life You’ll Ever Live: Week 3 Reflection
Author: Stan Guthrie
September 30, 2026
Below are the main points we learned on Sunday, allowing us space for growth and reflection during the week.
September 27: Living in Christ
Philippians 1:12–26
1. Attributes
Seeing suffering from God’s perspective
12Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
Focusing on the gospel, even in difficult circumstances
12Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14And 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.
Avoiding jealousy
15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Participating with the Spirit in prayer
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Living for Christ, not self
20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Facing death with confidence
20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…
Experiencing joy through obedience
24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
• Richard J. Foster: “Joy, not grit, is the hallmark of holy obedience.”
• C.S. Lewis: “Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”
Serving others
23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
2. What do you need God’s help with?
3. Next week
October 4: One in Christ (Pastor Chris teaching)
Philippians 1:27–2:11
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