Community Group Questions:

Engage Yourself:

Have you ever been disappointed in a Christian leader or pastor? In what way did that effect your own walk with God?

What is it about Paul’s understanding of his own circumstances that is most compelling and challenging?

Engage the Text:

Paul says in v. 17 that there are some who preach Christ “out of selfish ambition”. That same term shows up in Rom. 2:8; 2 Cor. 12:20, Gal. 5:20, Phil. 2:3, and James 3:14, 16. Why do you think Paul is still celebrating, even when he has so many harsh words for those who live like that?

Engage your Neighbor:

How might God be challenging you in your own trials and struggles to still be used for the “advance of the Gospel”?