How to Be (Un)Successful book chapter for this session: 

Chapter 6 

Welcome and introduction

5 mins

In the sixth and final session, we’ll explore the ideas of resurrection power and participatory suffering: how churches engage with them, and how to balance both in our lives. 

Key verse 

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Philippians 3:10

Begin the session by opening in prayer  

Watch the video

15 mins

Bible passages 

Philippians 3:10, John 10:7-18 

Summary points 

• God calls us to know the power of Jesus’s resurrection and participate in his sufferings. 
• While it’s easy to over-emphasise one of these aspects of life in Christ, we need both. 

Discussion questions

25 mins

• What was your highlight from the session? 

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10 NIV) 

• What is your take on Philippians 3:10 – do you tend to focus more on the resurrection power side or the suffering element?  
• Vincynthia shares an amazing story of experiencing God’s power to heal: can you point to examples of seeing the power of Jesus’s resurrection in your own life? 

“What would it look like for you and your church community to grow into this? Is there a commitment to live in close proximity to the marginalised and oppressed? Equally, is there evidence of resurrection power – God’s supernatural signs and wonders – at work among you?” 

• How do we hold the tension of both as a Church community? What does it look like to both live in the reality of heaven and the reality of earth at the same time?  

“The paradox of Kingdom success is that it is hidden in the most unsuccessful looking things: laying down your life leads to fullness; becoming like Jesus in his death leads to resurrection; participation in the example of Jesus’ suffering leads to power.”  

• How has your idea of success been challenged or changed as you’ve gone through this series? 
• What has been your biggest learning from the series? 

Prayer and practical challenge

15 mins

Prayer 

Finish your time together by closing in prayer or splitting into small groups to pray for one another’s specific needs. 

Practical challenge 

Where would you like to grow – seeing God’s power or softening your heart to participate in the suffering of others? 

Choose an area you want to see God’s power move and commit to boldly praying for a miracle every day this week. 

Or ask God to move your heart for a person who is struggling. Commit to praying for them every day this week.