Sermon Notes
Whatever Happens
PHILIPPIANS – Part 5
May 10, 2026
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.
Philippians 1:27-30
How The Church Stays On Mission:
1. With Teamwork and Unity
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in
whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
2. With Fearlessness
3. With Shared Suffering
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and
follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
Luke 9:23-24
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I
have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange
were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be
overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the
Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind
of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God
that you bear that name.
1 Peter 4:12-16
Small Group Discussion Questions for the Week of May 10, 2026.
Opening
1. When you are feeling emotionally down, what do you typically need to lift you up?
Digging Deeper into the Scriptures
Read Philippians 1:27-30.
1. When Paul wrote in v. 27, “…conduct yourself worthy of the Gospel.” – what would an everyday life
practically look like?
2. In vv. 27-30, observe the words that describe church unity or teamwork. Why is this important for a
church to have? When unity breaks down in a church what happens to their Gospel effectiveness?
3. How can suffering be “granted (or a gift) to us”? Have you ever experienced suffering that you thought
was a gift? Explain how you saw your suffering as a gift.
Applying the Scriptures
1. What are practical ways that v. 27 can be applied to your Small Group? To the church at large?
2. Think of someone in the NOVA family who is suffering. How can your Small Group support them?