Union with the Suffering Christ

Discussion Questions

Philippians 3:8-11

1. The speaker said Paul was "prepared for suffering". V. 8 ​​​​"whatever gain I had I counted as lost".
   What are the "gains" in your life that if you lost today would really affect you badly? 
    
2. How are some ways you could practically prepare for suffering? 
   The speaker spoke of 3 ways...  give some specific examples of how you could incorporate them into your lives. 
    
3. The purpose of suffering is to draw us near to an intimate relationship with the suffering Christ. 
   Christ is able to symphatize/relate with us. How does that help us through our suffering? 
   Have you had such an experience? Please share.
    
4. How does knowing suffering comes from God actually comforts us to face our suffering?  
    
5. How does the assurance of our salvation and righteousness comfort us through our suffering?