Big Idea: We can be an encouragement to others in our church family, no matter what we are going through, because of our hope in Jesus.

Bible Passage: Philippians 1:12-30

Parent Prep: This week we continue our study into Philippians, and read more about Paul's encouragement to the people of the church there. (To learn more about the book of Philippians, consider watching this Bible Project video.) It is while he is in prison that Paul writes this letter of encouragement to his friends. He assures them that "I will continue to rejoice, for…what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." and that "to live is Christ and to die is gain." Despite his own suffering, Paul encourages his friends in their own troubles, urging them to "Stand firm in the Spirit, striving together…without being frightened." 

Read Philippians 1:12-30 together in a children's Bible, or this easy-to-read version here.

Talk

Even though Paul is going through a lot of troubles, he is writing to encourage his friends to be brave. That's a very hard thing to do! Yet Paul says that he will 'continue to rejoice' (rejoice means to be glad and celebrate), because he knows that the hard things that happen to him, more people will know Jesus, and He will know Jesus better.

Listen

What are some hard things that our family has faced? Are we able to be glad and rejoice because we know they bring us closer to Jesus? Why or why not? Do hard things draw our family closer to God and His people and His Word, or make our family more distant from God, His people and His word? Why do you think this is? Do you think this makes it harder to easier to encourage others in our church family?

Think of one of the hard things your family has been through, or are still going through. How can we celebrate this and be glad? Where can we see God using it to send His good news of Jesus to other people? Where can we see God using this hard thing to pull us closer to Him and His people and His word? Can we sing and celebrate with a song or prayer now together? (You can use this song, or choose one of your own together – One Thing Remains)

Are there other families in our church family who need encouragement? Who can we be praying for? How can we encourage them to 'Stand together, with the same purpose, and work together like a team to help others believe the Good News," as we read in verse 27?

Do

If you haven't already, ask another family in our church family to be Gospel Partners with your family. Put a photo of that family on your fridge. Write down some ways you can help them "Stand together", "Work together like a team" and "Help others believe the good news". Consider how you can encourage that family this week. Consider drawing them a picture, or writing them a postcard or letter of encouragement like Paul did for his friends, and put it in their mailbox. Ask them to be praying for your family too. 

See you next week!