Ep. 137 - SBS - A Study of Philippians - Lesson 2 - Philippians 1:20-30 "Christian Life is Hard. Don't Give Up!"

SBS = Sunday Bible StudyA Study of Philippians: Renewing Joy in LifeFind the Study Guide here for the first verses: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wcqMOjsp7RePtEa8EY__TQsJAxR0xxXP/view?usp=sharing Here is the lesson 2 Study Guide for verses 1:27-30:https://drive.google.com/file/d/12L3M5JnXwCxtV5f-_30ktqzSH8J4Fwqf/view?usp=sharing Lesson 2 - Philippians 1:20-30 - "Christian Life is Hard. Don't Give Up!"Why is being a Christian so hard? Did you think it would get easier? Why is suffering not a sign that Christianity is not working? Why can we endure, not just with frustration and exhaustion, but with joy and excitement? What can our Synod do to better communicate the REAL Christian reality?The Text:I 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. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If 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! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.