Sermon Discussion/Study ?'s - March 19 Sermon

 Ice Breaker: Humans will do remarkable things to stay alive. Pastor Thomas shared a story about a mountain climber that cut off his own leg to escape a mountain crevice. What is the most amazing human survival story you’ve heard?
 
Based on the sermon on Philippians 1:18b-26, how would you define “living with holy ambition”?
 
Paul takes personal ownership of his core statement in v.21. He writes, “FOR TO ME to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This phrase indicates that there are other passions or ambitions that people live for.

• At different points in your past or present life, what would you have put in that statement, other than Jesus, if you were being honest? “For me to live is __________________.”
• How would the second half of your version be spelled out: If your passion or ambition remained on that other aim what would death mean? “For me to live is ___________ and (therefore) to die is ______________.”
• What does death bring to every passion and ambition pursued apart from Christ?
• How should this reality impact how we think about engaging in various endeavors and hobbies?
• Does holy ambition and the reality of death mean we should eliminate every activity that isn’t distinctly, explicitly doing ministry, or is there another way that holy ambition would direct us?

 
READ Philippians 1:18b-26.
 
Four Promises That Accompany Holy Ambition
 
Promise #1: v.18-19. Holy ambition has big HELP.
What are the two sources of help that Paul celebrates in v.19?
How is each of these genuinely, powerfully helpful for the person seeking to live with holy ambition?
How does a Christian lean into each of these God-given helps? Are you?
 
Promise #2: v.20. Holy ambition has big HOPE.
What is Paul’s “hope” in this verse?
Why is this perspective hope-giving and helpful for sustaining holy ambition during changing circumstances?
 
Promise #3: v.22-26. Holy ambition makes living FRUITFUL.
Are you ever tempted by thoughts of escapism (running away from your situation) or how death would be easier?
How can the word “necessary” in v.24 help us battle against getting stuck in escapism or wishing for death?
READ through the verses again. Summarize in your own words what Paul explains as fruitful living.
How does Paul explain that living isn’t just about staying physically alive, but has a grander meaning?
 
Promise #4: v.23. Holy ambition makes dying DELIGHTFUL.
What thoughts or feelings stir in you when you think about your death? Why?
What thoughts stir in Paul and why?
List 5 or more reasons that death is gain for believers.
 
Close with a) prayers of petition that you would live with holy ambition and b) prayers of praise that Jesus has secured eternity’s bliss for you.