The God of Even If

The God of even if.

Philippians 2:17

Paul made a bold declaration in Phillippians 2:17. Paul is saying: “Even if what I want to happen does not happen, I know that God is working for my good. It’s taking fear to the end and saying that even if this happens, God is still working for my good and out his glorious plan. It’s not the end because God is not done.”

1. What stood out to you in this week's message?

2. Read Philippians 2:17. "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." Paul looked at all the “what if” scenarios and pushed it to the end. He concluded that “even if” he loses his life God is still there. How was Paul able to have this kind of confidence in God?

3. How does Paul's attitude of being glad and rejoicing in the midst of sacrifice inspire you when you face challenging situations in life?

4. Pastor James said: “What you’re in is not the end.” The truth in life is that we all will one day pass away. Everything that we own will be gone. What hope is there then for those who follow Christ?

5. If we truly believed that God is already in our future and that He sees what we can’t see, why would we still be afraid?

6. Do you know why circumstances put us under the table emotionally and physically? We envision the future with no thought of God working in our future.

7. Read Philippians 1:20. "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage (confidence) so that now as always Christ will be exalted (show his greatness) in my body, whether by life or by death." At the core of all our fears is that God will not always be there. How does Phillippians 1:20 speak to our fear?

8. Read Psalm 37:23–24. What do these verses tell us about how God is working in our lives? What promises can we find here for our future?

9. What steps can we take to trust God more deeply when we feel like our situation is hopeless?

10. Does your confidence rest in what you see or in what God sees?