Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, 17 January 2026.

Central Theme: Life is short, and it is vital to make the greatest possible impact for God’s kingdom within the years God grants us.

Read in Class: Philippians 1:19-20. Compare with Galatians 4:19.

Study: What seems to be Paul’s expectation as to the outcome of his trial? What does he consider even more important than being acquitted? What did Paul want to see accomplished in the people he won to Christ?

Apply: Look at how you live and how you treat people, especially people who don’t treat you nicely. What kind of witness for Jesus do you present?

Share: Your friend says, “Isn’t making sure we have eternal life the whole purpose of accepting Jesus as our savior? So why would Paul not care if he lived or died so long as Christ is magnified? Is there more to the cross and salvation other than just making sure we get eternal life?”

Read in Class: Philippians 1:21-22 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

Study: What is the basis of the spiritual war we wage, and what are our weapons? How do we understand Paul’s point, especially in the context of the great controversy?

Apply: In what ways, right now, are you experiencing the reality of the great controversy? How can you draw comfort and strength from knowing that Christ has won the victory for us already?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean, ‘To me to live is Christ and to die is gain?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Philippians 1:23-24.

Study: What does Paul mean when he says that “to depart, and be with Christ” is “far better”?

Apply: Knowing that our days in the flesh here on earth are numbered, how can we make the best use of our time to share the Gospel, especially those of us who are working full-time jobs or are in school full-time?

Share: Your friend says that Philippians 1:23-24 proves that we go straight to heaven the moment we die. What do you tell your friend? For a hint, see what Paul says later in Philippians 3:10-11.

Read in Class: Philippians 1:27-30 and John 17:17-19.

Study: What do both Jesus and Paul say is indispensable for unity in the church? How does our unity and “striving together for the faith of the gospel” relate to fearlessness?

Apply: What hope, what comfort, should we, as Christians, have amid our suffering?

Share: Your friend says she has noticed that people in the church who work together to spread the Gospel don’t seem to bicker, complain, or gossip as much as those who aren’t working in the church to spread the Gospel. Do you agree with your friend? How do you respond to your friend?

Mission: Can you think of someone who works a full-time job or goes to school full-time, and still makes good use of their time sharing the Gospel? Can you reach out to them this week and encourage and affirm their ministry? Maybe even pray with them that God will continue blessing their ministry?