Sermon Notes
“Confident Expectations”
PHILIPPIANS – Part 4
May 3, 2026
20 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.
Philippians 1:20-26
Paul’s Confident Expectations
1. Expecting That Christ Will Be Honored
2. Expecting A Glorious Future
That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Philippians 3:10
3. Expecting Fruitfulness
4. Expecting A Reunion
Small Group Discussion Questions for the Week of May 3, 2026.
Opening
1. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
2. What new perspective did your near-death experience have on your life?
Digging Deeper into the Scriptures
Read Philippians 1:20-26.
1. Paul suggests in verses 20-23 that he might be executed. Then in verses 24-26 he appears to be
convinced that he will remain. Why the difference?
2. According to Philippians 1:22-26, what are the two outcomes Paul is considering, and what does he
see as the benefits of each?
3. If you were a member of the Philippian church, what would you learn from this section of the letter?
Applying the Scriptures
1. What does it look like to approach life (work, family, relationships, possessions, success, reputation,
etc.) with a Philippians 1:21 attitude?
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you can be more faithful and fruitful for Christ, as Paul aimed
to be in Philippians 1:22-26. What practical actions will you take to achieve this?