Theology from a Prison Cell

1. READ

   Acts 28:16-31; 1 Corinthians 13; Philippians 2

2. CONNECT

   10min
   In the last lesson we saw wave after wave of suffering and injustice wash over Paul. In this lesson we are going to look at some of the topics that filled his prayers, letters, and conversations during these final years of his life which were marked by ongoing suffering and imprisonment.

3. Reflection

   What themes would people say you come back to again and again in conversations?

4. WATCH

   20min

5. DISCUSS

   15min
   1. What is something you want to remember from the video?
   2. What reasons does Paul give for why Christ deserves honor?
   3. How does Paul explain the fact that although Jesus Christ rules over the entire creation with absolute power, there is still sin and suffering in the world?
   4. According to Paul, how does our union with Christ provide us comfort in the midst of suffering?

6. APPLY

   15min
   1. In what ways are the three doctrines that unify Paul’s letters from prison (Jesus Christ as King of creation, believers’ union with Christ, and a call to ethical living) related to each other?
   2. If Jesus Christ is King over all creation, what does this mean for our ethics?
   3. Read Philippians 1:27 and Colossians 1:10. What additional reasons does Paul give for believers to obey Christ and his commands?
   4. In what ways do the three repeated doctrines in Paul’s letters from prison run counter to the cultural beliefs or practices in the community, city, or culture where you live?
   5. For most Christians, there is nothing new in these doctrines, yet we often lose sight of them in our everyday lives. Why do you think this happens?
   6. What impact does being convinced that these doctrines are true have on a person’s life?

7. CHALLENGE

   What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is King? Let the following quote from Dr. David B. Garner, lead you into a time of praise and thanksgiving to your King Jesus Christ:

   What we now have at our disposal by virtue of our union with Jesus Christ is the power, actually, to say yes to Christ, to say yes to God’s expectations upon us. No longer is the law merely something that condemns, but by the outpouring of the Spirit and fulfillment of the new covenant, realized in the resurrected Christ, who is the life-giving Spirit, we are empowered, we are enabled, we are motivated now to respond in obedience to God in Christ. So, our union with Christ actually fleshes itself out in the way in which we walk in delighted obedience, and knowing that when we sin, oh!, we have an advocate with the Father who stands and lives ever to intercede for us. But in that reality, in that repentance, as we enjoy that forgiveness, we are compelled once again to live in the dynamic of resurrection power because Jesus Christ is raised, and we are raised with him.