Finding Purpose and Strength in Christ Amid Struggles
Summary
Today’s focus is on discovering and living out our true purpose, not in what we do, but in who we belong to—Jesus. Life is full of changes, struggles, and even suffering, but our purpose remains anchored in Christ, not in our circumstances or achievements. Paul’s words in Philippians 1 remind us that even in the midst of imprisonment and hardship, his purpose was unshaken because it was rooted in Christ. The “what” of our lives—our jobs, roles, and seasons—will always change, but the “who” and “why” remain constant. Our calling is to live out our purpose in Christ wherever He places us, holding loosely to the externals and clinging tightly to Him.
Faith in the fight is essential. Paul’s chains did not hinder the advance of the gospel; in fact, they inspired others to boldness. Our own battles, when faced with faith, can become testimonies that encourage those around us. Strength in the struggle comes not from our own abilities, but from praise, prayer, and the presence of God. We are not meant to struggle alone; sharing our burdens and allowing others to pray for us is a vital part of the Christian life. Pride isolates, but humility and vulnerability open the door to God’s strength and the support of His people.
Security in surrender is a paradox—true safety is found when we let go and trust God fully, even when it means admitting our need and asking for help. Living for others, as Paul did, is not about neglecting ourselves, but about allowing God to use us to refresh and strengthen those around us. Finally, there is a unique beauty in boldness. When we stand firm in faith, especially in suffering, our lives become a powerful witness to the world. Our struggles, surrendered to Christ, can inspire and draw others to Him. The invitation is to step out of isolation, surrender fully, and experience the beauty and power of a life lived with one purpose—in Christ.
Key Takeaways
- Purpose is Found in Christ, Not in What You Do
Purpose is not about your job, your achievements, or your current season of life. It is rooted in your relationship with Jesus, the “who” and “why” that remain constant even as the “what” changes. When your identity and purpose are anchored in Christ, you can navigate life’s transitions with confidence and peace, knowing that your value is not tied to your circumstances. [10:55]
- Faith in the Fight Inspires Others
When you face opposition or hardship, your faith can become a beacon for those around you. Paul’s imprisonment did not silence the gospel; it emboldened others to speak with greater courage. Your willingness to trust God in the midst of your battles can encourage and strengthen the faith of your community, turning personal trials into collective testimony. [14:09]
- Strength in the Struggle Comes from Praise, Prayer, and Presence
Struggles are a normal part of life, but you are not meant to endure them alone or in your own strength. True strength is found in praising God, seeking prayer from others, and resting in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Humility to ask for help and openness to community are essential for receiving the strength God provides in difficult seasons. [25:32]
- Security is Found in Surrender, Not Self-Sufficiency
Surrendering your struggles and needs to God—and to trusted people in His family—brings a deep sense of security. It is not weakness to admit you need help; it is the pathway to healing and restoration. When you let go of pride and isolation, you open yourself to God’s provision and the support of others, discovering that vulnerability is the soil where faith grows. [28:26]
- There is Beauty in Boldness, Especially in Suffering
Boldness in the face of suffering is not about bravado, but about a quiet confidence in Christ. When you stand firm in faith, even when life is hard, your life becomes a testimony to the power and beauty of the gospel. Others are drawn to Christ not by your perfection, but by your dependence on Him in the midst of pain and uncertainty. [35:28]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Star Wars Day and Series Introduction
[03:05] - The “One” Theme and Purpose Overview
[05:30] - The Problem with Purpose Tied to Doing
[08:45] - Anchoring Purpose in Christ
[10:55] - The Changing “What” and the Unchanging “Who”
[13:00] - Faith in the Fight: Paul’s Imprisonment
[14:09] - Personal Story: Faith in the Fight
[19:11] - The Arrowhead Vision and Family Calling
[22:43] - God’s Provision and Praying for Purpose
[23:28] - Strength in the Struggle
[25:32] - Praise, Prayer, and Presence
[28:26] - Security in Surrender
[31:00] - Living for Others and Breaking Isolation
[35:28] - Beauty in Boldness and Suffering
[40:00] - Responding in Prayer and Surrender
[48:51] - Closing and Invitation to Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: One Purpose – Anchored in Christ
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### Bible Reading
Philippians 1:12-30
*(Main text for the sermon; read the whole passage together as a group)*
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Paul in Philippians 1:12-14, what was the result of his imprisonment? How did it affect other believers?
2. In verses 19-21, what does Paul say gives him strength and courage during his struggle?
3. What does Paul mean when he says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (v. 21)?
4. The sermon mentioned that Paul’s purpose was not shaken by his circumstances. What specific examples from Paul’s life or words in this passage show that? [[12:00]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says our purpose is not found in what we do, but in who we belong to—Jesus. Why is it dangerous to tie our purpose to our job, achievements, or current season of life? [[05:30]]
2. Paul’s faith in the fight inspired others to be bold. How can someone’s response to suffering or hardship encourage the faith of others? [[14:09]]
3. The sermon talks about “strength in the struggle” coming from praise, prayer, and the presence of God. Why do you think these three things are so important when we’re struggling? [[25:32]]
4. The idea of “security in surrender” is called a paradox in the sermon. How can letting go and admitting our need actually make us feel more secure? [[28:26]]
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### Application Questions
1. The “what” of our lives—jobs, roles, seasons—will always change, but the “who” and “why” remain constant. Is there an area of your life right now where you’ve been holding too tightly to the “what”? What would it look like to hold it more loosely and cling to Jesus instead? [[10:55]]
2. Paul’s chains inspired others to be bold. Think of a time when you saw someone go through a hard season with faith. How did it affect you? Is there a current struggle in your life that, if faced with faith, could encourage someone else? [[14:09]]
3. The sermon says true strength in the struggle comes from praise, prayer, and presence—not just our own effort. Which of these three do you find hardest to practice when you’re struggling? What’s one step you could take this week to lean into it? [[25:32]]
4. Pride isolates, but humility and vulnerability open the door to God’s strength and the support of His people. Is there a struggle or burden you’ve been carrying alone? What’s stopping you from sharing it with someone and asking for prayer? [[26:51]]
5. The sermon challenges us to live for others, not just ourselves. Who is someone in your life right now that you could encourage, pray for, or support in their faith or struggle? What’s one practical thing you could do for them this week? [[28:26]]
6. Security is found in surrender, not self-sufficiency. Is there an area where you need to let go of control and trust God more fully? What would surrender look like for you in that area? [[28:26]]
7. There is beauty in boldness, especially in suffering. Is there a place in your life where you need to stand firm in faith, even if it’s hard? How can your response point others to Jesus? [[35:28]]
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Closing Prayer:
Invite group members to share prayer requests, especially if anyone is in a fight or struggle right now. Pray for faith, strength, and the courage to surrender and live with purpose in Christ. Encourage anyone who needs extra support to reach out for prayer during the week.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in the Fight
Even when life feels like a battle and opposition seems relentless, God calls you to have faith in Him, trusting that He is working through your circumstances to advance His purposes. Paul, imprisoned and facing trial, saw his chains as a means for the gospel to spread and for others to be emboldened in their faith. Instead of focusing on the motives or actions of others, he rejoiced that Christ was being preached, freeing himself from comparison and criticism. In your own fight, remember that your faith is not determined by your circumstances but by the One in whom you trust. Reflect on the times God has been faithful in your past, and let that fuel your faith for today’s battles. [14:09]
Philippians 1:12-18 (ESV)
"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,"
Reflection: Where in your life are you facing a fight right now, and how can you choose to trust God’s purpose in the midst of it rather than focusing on the actions or motives of others?
Day 2: Strength in the Struggle
Struggles are a part of life—whether they are physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual—but God provides strength for you in the midst of them. Paul teaches that strength in the struggle comes through praise, prayer, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. When you praise God, even in difficulty, you push back the darkness and invite His presence. When you ask others to pray for you, you break the power of pride and isolation, allowing God’s people to support you. And in the quietness of His presence, you find the strength you need to endure and overcome. Don’t try to handle your struggles alone; lean into God’s provision and the community He’s given you. [25:32]
Philippians 1:19-21 (ESV)
"for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Reflection: What is one struggle you are facing today, and how can you invite praise, prayer, and God’s presence into that struggle—perhaps by reaching out to someone for prayer or setting aside time to worship?
Day 3: Secure in Surrender
True security is found not in self-reliance but in surrendering your life to Jesus and to the care of His people. Paul wrestled with the tension between his own desires and the needs of others, ultimately choosing to remain for the sake of their growth and joy in faith. Surrender means admitting your need, reaching out for help, and allowing others to walk with you. It’s not about being the center, but about being part of a body where you both give and receive support. When you surrender, you open yourself to God’s healing and the encouragement of community, breaking the chains of isolation and pride. [28:26]
Philippians 1:22-26 (ESV)
"If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to surrender—either by asking for help or by coming alongside someone else in their struggle? What step can you take today to move from isolation to community?
Day 4: Beauty in Boldness
There is a unique beauty that shines through when you live boldly for Christ, especially in the face of suffering or opposition. Paul urges believers to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, standing firm together and striving as one. This boldness is not about bravado but about a humble confidence rooted in Christ, inspiring others and pointing them to God’s faithfulness. Even your struggles and suffering can become a testimony that encourages others and reveals the beauty of God’s work in your life. Don’t shrink back—let your boldness in Christ be a light to those around you. [35:28]
Philippians 1:27-30 (ESV)
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have."
Reflection: Where is God calling you to step out in boldness for Him today, and how might your story of faith in the midst of struggle encourage someone else?
Day 5: Purpose Is Found in Christ, Not in What You Do
Your true purpose is not defined by your job, achievements, or changing circumstances, but by your relationship with Jesus—the “who” and “why” of your life. The “what” of your life may shift many times, but your purpose remains anchored in Christ, who calls you to live for Him wherever you are planted. When you root your identity and purpose in Him, you are free to serve with excellence in any season, trusting that He is working through you for His glory. Let go of the pressure to find purpose in your performance, and instead embrace the unchanging purpose you have in Christ. [07:40]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: In what ways have you been seeking purpose in what you do rather than in who you are in Christ, and how can you shift your focus today to live out your purpose in Him, regardless of your current circumstances?
Quotes
And I just found myself with that notebook, knowing that God had called us and there was faith involved, only to realize that when we obeyed him and we started on that journey, it engaged in a fight all the time. Like, from the moment we went, yes, God. It wasn't like, yes, God. Yeah! Everything was like, amazing, awesome. God opened up the floodgates of heaven and poured out so much blessing we couldn't contain it. It was, nope. We stepped out and we engaged. It was like, oh, this is a fight from all sides. Before we left England, moving through and in the years, it was just like, what's going on? And so I'm preparing this. Where was my faith in the fight? And he came back to that drawing that I so -called did. It's not a drawing, it's a thing. [00:19:46] (51 seconds)
And I'm shooting your family across the Atlantic Ocean. And you may be the tip. You may be the call that you think you're going to hit and the tip. However, you may be the tip, but the rest of your family are going to have a multiple way greater impact than you could possibly imagine. Trust me in this. So all the time then, the praying for our kids changed. And so when you're engaged in a fight, all the time was like, oh, come on, Lord. What about this? What about this? What about this? In different ways. And so I could spend a comfortable two hours giving you story after story after story of how the Lord has come through on that promise. [00:21:08] (43 seconds)
It is truly mind blowing to see all four of my kids who are now all in their 20s, all married, to have had the honor of marrying all your kids. And to see that they chose Jesus loving, Jesus following, all in for Jesus spouses. That's way more important than a career. Way more important than financial stability. But God planted that in my heart on the 28th of January, 2013. And he said, you trust me in this. And I trusted him by faith. But a fight came with it. It wasn't like God said it. This is going to be so awesome and great. Oh, it's going to be so awesome. Channel away. [00:22:31] (46 seconds)
Second one, strength in the struggle. Strength in the struggle. Let's read the text. Philippians 1, we continue up to verse 21. So 19 to 21. Yes, and I will, here he goes, he says this, I will continue to rejoice. For I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 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. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [00:23:36] (44 seconds)
Some of you are in a struggle right now. Let me just define the struggle. A struggle is maybe you've got a health struggle. It's a mental decision struggle or some struggle in your mind. An emotional struggle. A relationship struggle. Maybe it is a career struggle. A job struggle. These are struggles, you see. Can I just tell you? Struggle is identity that you are human. It's life. Yeah? Struggle is normal. It's how we're meant to be. The struggle from even how you were born was struggle. Sorry about that. Okay? The struggle, but how we are in it makes a huge difference. What I need in my struggle is strength. Don't you? [00:24:22] (46 seconds)
You need strength in it. They're going to exist. And right now, for some of you, they're draining and they're fatiguing and it's really difficult and it's hard. So you need strength in the struggle. Now, the strength in the struggle you need is not you. You see, if purpose is all about what you do, then you'll be basing your strength on your skill and your ability. But because your purpose is in him, your strength is from him. And Paul says how it happens. Number one, I will continue to rejoice. Praise. Look at his situation. Rejoice. Praise. Praise reverses the curse. Praise push backs the darkness. Praise makes a difference in the heavenly realm and in your immediate realm. Praise makes all the difference. The Lord inhabits the praises of his people. This is the purpose of hallelujah. [00:25:07] (56 seconds)
Last year's word of the year. Praise. I'll continue to rejoice. And he says, for I know that through your prayers, praise, prayer. Now, not just your prayers, but he says their prayers, which we'll get into briefly because some of us just think I'm praying for it and God's not coming through. You need to ask others to pray for it. But for some of you to do that, you need to get rid of the number one sin in your life, which is pride. I'd like us to do a once and for all deal and deal with your pride here and now today. The problem is pride will come creeping back on your lap. But right now we need to pride. Yeah, but she's got a bigger problem than me, so I won't share mine. She's in more pain than me, I won't share mine. He's just lost his job and my job struggling, so I won't ask him for this. You see what happens? The enemy wants to isolate you. Paul is saying it's because of your prayers. [00:26:03] (60 seconds)
So we've got praise, then we've got prayer. And he says, and God's provision of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit. Praise, prayer, presence. That's your strength in the struggle. So in your struggle, praise. In your struggle, pray. But you need to gather others around you, and you need to share that struggle. Not lots of people. Share that struggle that they can pray in. Paul's saying this is what makes a huge difference. He could literally sense the prayers of people. And the Holy Spirit dwelling in him, it all comes in. So praise, prayer, presence. The presence of God in it. And you need to be calm. And that's why you need to have some still moments to recognize that. [00:27:03] (51 seconds)
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