Paul was writing a letter to the Philippians from jail, where he had been imprisoned for preaching about Jesus. Though in jail, Paul felt joy because people were hearing the gospel through his imprisonment and others were emboldened to preach boldly about Jesus as well. Paul was content to be in jail if it meant more people learned of God's love through Jesus Christ.

1. LESSON 2:
Advancing the Gospel
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice
Philippians 1:18b
Step Up: Introductory Activity
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be in jail? Probably not! Normally we try really hard to
do the right thing, so we don’t end up in jail. I want you to think for a minute though, what would it feel like
and be like if you were in jail?
What do you think some of your feelings might be?
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What might you do with your time? What do you think your days would look like?
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Step In: Lesson
Read Philippians 1:12-18. As you read these verses circle the word chains. How many times was the word in
those verses? Why do you think that is important?
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Remember last time we learned that Paul was writing this letter to his friends because they filled Him with joy?
Where was Paul when he was writing this letter? Right, Paul was in jail just for telling people about Jesus. In
the introductory step up activity you had a chance to think through what it might feel like and be like to be in
jail. We didn’t focus on WHY you might be in jail. Most of the time we think about being in jail for doing
something wrong, but Paul was in jail just for telling people about Jesus.
We are lucky in our country because we won’t go to jail for telling people about Jesus. But there are people
who have to be worried about that. What were some of the things you said you would feel if you were in jail? I
would feel scared and mad. The verses we read last week told us that Paul had joy. He felt this because of his
friends who knew and were following Jesus. He was happy that they were able to tell people about God.
Do you remember what Paul said about being in chains? He said that people knew He was in jail because he
believed in Jesus. This means people were hearing about Jesus just because Paul was in jail, He didn’t even
need to tell anyone. Do you think you would be happy if you were in jail? What if people were hearing about
Jesus because YOU were in jail?

2. Paul also said that his brothers and sisters, those were other people who believed in Jesus,
were more confident to tell people about Jesus. Paul’s choice to tell people about Jesus even
though he knew he could be put in prison made others think they could be bold and confident
to talk about Jesus too.
At the very end of the letter Paul says that he will rejoice because being in jail has caused
people to talk about Jesus and spread the gospel. That means because Paul was in jail others
were telling people how much God loves them, and Jesus died on the cross and came back alive
so they could have a relationship with God. Doesn’t it seem crazy that Paul was rejoicing even
though he was in jail? He knew that telling Jesus was more important than staying out of jail.
Step Out: Journal Questions
1. Paul was most likely dealing with discomfort while in jail. What are some things in your life causing
uncomfortable or negative feelings? What are those feelings?
2. It wasn’t fair that Paul was in jail for telling people about Jesus. He was trying to do something right.
What are some things in your life that might feel unfair?
3. Paul said he had joy because people were becoming bold about talking about Jesus. Do you struggle
to talk about Jesus? Why or why not? How might your perspective change on this issue knowing
Paul risked talking about Jesus even though he knew he would end up in jail?
4. How might you pray today about having joy in difficult circumstances?