1. If you were being completely honest with yourself, what would you say is th substance of your life?

2. How does the Bible define the gospel? (1 Cor. 15:3-4; 2 Tim. 2:8) Why is it important to know what the biblical goespel is in relationship to our lives?

3. Describe a time you have had to stand firm for the truth, or found yourself striving for the faith of the gospel.

4. How does the truth of Philippians 1:6 relate to our call to stand firm and strive for the gospel? What encouragement can we find in this?

5. Why has it been "granted" for us to believe and suffer for Christ? (Rom. 8:29; John 15:8, 16; Phil. 1:12; Rom. 5:3)

6. What does Romans 8:17 teach us about suffering specifically?

7. What was the conflict Paul was talking about in v.30? (Phil. 1:12,20)

8. How can we take part in Paul's conflict? What are some practicial things we can do regarding this?