SSQ1 2026 - Lesson 1: Persecuted but Not Forsaken

Overview Discussion (2)
Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
Core Theme: God can transform even unjust suffering and imprisonment into a platform for evangelism and spiritual growth, as demonstrated by Paul’s ministry from prison and his call to find joy and purpose in all circumstances.

Key Insights by Day:

Sunday: Paul, the Prisoner of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:1; Philemon 1)
  • Paul wrote Philippians and Colossians (among other “Prison Epistles”) while imprisoned, likely in Rome (A.D. 60-62).
  • Reframed Identity: He saw himself not as a prisoner of Rome, but as a “prisoner of Jesus Christ” and an “ambassador in chains,” framing his confinement as part of his divine service.
  • Strategic Impact: His imprisonment spread the gospel to the elite “palace guard” and members of “Caesar’s household.”
Monday: Paul in Chains (2 Corinthians 4:7-12; 6:3-7)
  • Paul endured multiple imprisonments and harsh conditions, chained to soldiers.
  • Source of Strength: He endured by focusing on God’s power working through human weakness (“treasure in earthen vessels”) and by relying on spiritual resources: purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, and “the word of truth.”
  • Divine Provision: Success in spiritual battle comes from depending on the Holy Spirit to overcome evil and impress Christ’s character upon us.
Tuesday: Paul in Philippi (Acts 16:9-40; 9:16)
  • Guided by a vision, Paul strategically brought the gospel to Philippi, a major Roman colony and gateway to Europe.
  • Strategic Evangelism: He targeted influential cities to maximize the gospel’s spread, leading to the conversion of key households (Lydia, the jailer).
  • Purpose in Suffering: Persecution (like his imprisonment in Philippi) was foretold (Acts 9:16) and often served to advance the gospel to new people.
Wednesday: Paul and Colossae (Colossians 1:7; 4:12; Philemon 15-16)
  • Paul never visited Colossae; the church was planted by his convert, Epaphras, showing the effectiveness of training coworkers for evangelism.
  • Cultural Challenge: The church faced intense pagan influences and a large Jewish population, requiring steadfast faithfulness.
  • Social Transformation: In Philemon, Paul subverts the slave system by urging Philemon to receive the runaway Onesimus as a “beloved brother,” modeling gospel-driven social change.
Thursday: The Churches of Philippi and Colossae (Philippians 1:1-3; Colossians 1:1-2)
  • Paul addresses the churches as “saints” (God’s set-apart people) and recognizes their organized leadership (“overseers and deacons,” “faithful brothers”).
  • Early Church Organization: The New Testament model shows intentional church structure and leadership training from the earliest days, vital for both outreach and retention of converts.
  • Apostolic Authority: Paul, sometimes with co-senders like Timothy, wrote with authoritative “I,” ensuring his doctrinal and pastoral guidance was clear.
Final Thoughts (Friday):
  • Root Principle: God chooses believers for salvation and sanctification, and faithful service will inevitably include opposition and unjust suffering.
  • The Believer’s Posture: The call is to stand fast with integrity, without retaliation, leaning on God’s grace and His promise never to forsake us.
  • Our Call:
    • Reframe trials as God-appointed opportunities for witness and growth.
    • “Rejoice always” not in the hardship itself, but in the Lord - His salvation, presence, and eternal promises.
    • Support and remember those persecuted for their faith, recognizing that persecution can paradoxically spread the gospel.
    • Hold fast to the “word of truth” and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome every challenge.
"Paul’s prison cell became a pulpit, his chains a testimony. The same God who turned confinement into a continent-wide mission can transform our deepest trials into triumphs of grace."
 
Greetings

Php 3:9 ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Paul speaks in Phillipians this verse summarizing the letter.

Jews are devout self empowered humans who obey the law with strict obedience in human powered strength, but Paul sees this righteousness as nothing before God, instead he sees faith in Jesus as the real obedience and His powers flowing in you to the Father glory. all by faith.

Php 3:10 That I may know him,

Not know about him as knowledge as Gnostics teach
but "yada" Him, to be intimate with Him, as He lives in you, because you ask for this daily.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Again Paul is speaking about faith - as EGW writes "to take to yourself the precious promises in the Word of God"

Shalom
 
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