Go Beyond Comfort

Look Back

What did you do to take your doubts to God or a trusted Christian friend this week? What were the results?

Look Up

Read Philippians 1:12-14

1. What are some of the positive things Paul says were happening because he was “in chains” ? What was Paul’s attitude and why did he see things the way he did?
2. Paul mentions the impact his imprisonment had on the “palace guard”. Why did he mention this specific group and how does this apply to Jesus followers today?

Read Philippians 1:19-20

1. What two things does Paul say will lead to his “deliverance” in verse 19? How do these two things work together in your life, and how do they give you confidence to go beyond your comfort zone?
2. Paul says he was confident that he would never be “ashamed” of his actions. Based on these verses, what would have caused Paul to feel “shame” and how does this differ from what typically causes people to feel shame today?

Read Philippians 1:21-25, Philippians 3:13-14 and Matthew 28:19-20

1. What does Paul say was the purpose of his remaining alive in Phil 1:25? How does this compare to what most people see as the purpose of remaining alive? What does this say about Paul and people?
2. How do Paul’s words in Philippians 1 and 3:13-14 reflect his understanding and commitment to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28? How does his example help you go beyond your comfort zone in fath?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

Is what I am living for worth Christ dying for? How comfortable is my faith today and what is my next step in order to grow in my faith?

Notes

Jesus went beyond. He crossed heaven’s divide and met us in our brokenness. He sacrificed, served, and rose so that we can live whole and free. Our response is to follow Him beyond comfort, beyond fear, and beyond ourselves. We’re called to crowd Heaven. Jesus continues to call us beyond what’s safe, into what’s sacred. We go because He came. And because of Him, we’re never going alone.