Philippians 2:1-11

Read through Philippians 2:1-11. Remember that Paul had just encouraged the Christians at Philippi to live as “citizens of heaven.” In this section, he mentions two ways to do that: (1) to live in unity with each other and (2) to live with humility. As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: Paul asks a lot of questions in verse 1. What’s that all about?

• Paul isn’t really asking questions. He’s using a writing technique that reminds the Philippians of certain truths. (Kind of like how your mom might ask you, “Is it your day to take out the trash?” She is kindly reminding you that you haven’t taken the trash out yet, and that you’d better do it soon!)
• We learn from other passages in this book/letter that there are arguments and debates in the church, which could easily lead to a division or split (Philippians 3:2-3; 4:2).
• Paul is pointing out that their behavior isn’t what it should be as a “citizen of heaven.” There was nothing in their conduct that set them apart from the unbelievers.

Observation #2: So what do unity and humility look like in everyday life?

• DO – keep Christ at the center of your relationship, love each other, work together, think of others as better than yourself, be interested in others and what they are doing
• DON’T – be selfish, live to make a good impression on others, think only about your own life
• Christ is our ultimate example of what it means to live with humility.

The Bigger Picture:
Reread Philippians 1:1-2:11. The first chapter in Philippians is about putting Christ first. The second chapter is about putting others next. This goes right along with the two Greatest Commandments: love God and love others (Matthew 22:34-40).

Questions:

1. How do you think the Philippians responded when they read this part of the letter?
2. Read John 17:21. Why is unity so important? (Hint: “And the world will _____.”)
3. How can you “take an interest in others” this week?
4. Remember that Paul is chained to a guard as he writes this letter. Why is he in chains? Does that affect how you read his words?
5. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Read through Philippians 2:5-8 every day this week. “Chew” on those words. Think about what it meant for Christ to humble Himself. Consider how He lived – how He washed His disciple’s feet, how He gave up His own life on the cross, how He spent hours talking with other people, how He treated other people… How can we follow His example?

Philippians 1:20-30

Read through Philippians 1:20-30. Keep in mind some of the people he’s writing to: Lydia (a business woman), the jailer and his family (see Acts 16). As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: Paul’s personal prayer is that he will continue to be bold for Christ. What does he mean?

• The word “boldness” refers to the ability to speak freely.
• For years, Paul had traveled to various cities and countries in order to share the news of Christ with the people there. But now he is on trial because of his faith. Even though “speaking freely” might lead to his death, Paul still wants to share the Good News through his words and through his actions.

Observation #2: Paul encourages the Philippian believers to “live in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ, as citizens of heaven.” What does this look like?

• Their lives were to reflect God’s standards instead of the standards of their community. As Christ-followers, they were expected to obey God’s Word.
• Philippians 2:1-18 actually gives us a glimpse of what God expects of His people: to live in unity with other believers, to live with humility, and to “let their lights shine” as a witness to the unbelievers. We’ll look at these more in depth over the next two weeks.

Observation #3: Paul mentions both the privilege of trusting in Christ and the privilege of suffering for Him. What is he talking about?

• We are offered the chance to believe in Christ. It is the gift of faith. Through Christ, we are saved.
• We are also offered the chance to suffer for Christ. It is a gift of grace. Through our suffering, we can encourage others in their faith.
• The Philippian believers could be treated just as Paul was – beaten, mobbed, jailed… even killed. Just because they followed Christ. But they considered it an honor to suffer for Him.

Read through Philippians 1:20-30 again.

Questions:

1. When are you likely to shy away from sharing the Good News with others?
2. Do you know someone who is a strong believer? Think of your experiences with them. How do they act?
3. What do you think it means to live “in unity” with other believers? to live with humility?
4. Look up Matthew 5:11-12 and 2 Timothy 2:12. What do these verses tell us about suffering for Christ?
5. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Paul’s personal prayer is that he will continue to be bold for Christ. What is the prayer of your heart?

(Feel free to comment and discuss this passage of Scripture by clicking on the “comments” link below.)

Philippians 1:12-19

Read through Philippians 1:12-19. Remember that Paul is imprisoned in Rome, not because of any crime, but because of his faith in Christ. As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: Paul is a prisoner and was constantly guarded by a soldier.

• They say that each guard was with him for six hours. That’s up to four different guards every day.
• Does it surprise you that Paul is leading the guards to Christ? Think back to Acts 16… Paul led the jailer and his entire family to Christ.

Observation #2: Paul was able to encourage the Christians in Rome.

• Paul’s example – his perseverance and joy, even while he was a prisoner – encouraged the Christians in Rome to share the Gospel.
• When Paul wrote that the Roman Christians were telling others about Christ, the phrase refers to an “everyday conversation,” not to preaching.

Observation #3: Paul wasn’t the only one preaching and teaching in Rome.

• Some people continued Paul’s work and preached the Good News in order to lead others to Christ.
• There were also some people who preached the Good News with selfish motives. Yet, even though these people had selfish motives, Paul still rejoiced at the outcome – people were coming to Christ.

Read through Philippians 1:12-19 again.

Even though Paul was illegally arrested and put in prison, even though he had been in prison for over two years, even though people in Rome were preaching the Good News with selfish motives… still Paul rejoiced. His focus was on helping people come to Christ. That’s all that mattered to him.

Questions:

1. Based on what we’ve read about Paul so far (in Acts 16 and in Philippians 1:1-19), how would you describe him? What stands out about him?
2. Imagine what it must have been like to be the guard, chained to Paul for six hours… as Paul writes letters to the believers in other cities, as he visits with people in Rome, as he prayed and sang hymns. What would be going through your mind? What questions would you want to ask him?
3. The believers in Rome shared Christ through their everyday conversations. How comfortable would you be talking about Christ to your friends? to the people you work with? to your family?
4. Verse 19 shows us that Paul counted on the prayers of the Philippian believers. Do you believe it’s important to pray for other people? How do you feel when you know that others are praying for you?
5. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Read through Acts 21:17-28:31 to learn more about how Paul ended up as a prisoner in Rome. As you read, make a timeline – list the city where Paul is at, the major events that happened while he was there, and the people that he encounters.

(Feel free to comment and discuss this passage of Scripture by clicking on the “comments” link below.)

Big Stuf Countdown

ONLY 32 HOURS UNTIL WE LEAVE FOR BIG STUF! YEAH!!!

A great time!

Thanks to everyone who came out and joined us at Winona Lake Park last night. I hope that everyone enjoyed the full contact volleyball game! We have another gathering on the calendar for July 11th. I hope that everyone will come out and check it out. Have a great day! Only 57.5 hours until we leave for Big Stuf!

Tomorrow Night @ WInona Lake Park

Hey everyone! Don't forget about tomorrow night at Winona Lake Park. Mo and I are hosting a gathering to play some games and just hang out from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. If you have any question please just let us know. Have a great day! - Evan

Philippians 1:1-11

Read through Philippians 1:1-11. Keep in mind what had happened during Paul’s trip to Philippi: he was beaten, illegally arrested, and humiliated before the people there. As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: Paul is writing to the believers of Philippi, including the “elders and deacons.” What does this tell us?

• That the believers had continued to gather together, even after Paul and Silas left Philippi
• That the “gathering” started to resemble what we know as “church” – deacons were responsible for the upkeep of the building/home where the people met for prayer
• That the church in Philippi was growing – there are at least two elders and at least two deacons (churches add staff as the congregation grows)

Observation #2: Paul refers to the Philippians as “partners in spreading the Good News about Christ.” What does this mean?

• “Partners” is a word that describes people who contribute financially
• The believers of Philippi had sent supplies to Paul when he was in prison (see Philippians 4:14-19)
• Since the church at Philippi was growing, it’s also logical to conclude that they had been sharing the Good News with others in their community

Observation #3: Paul prays for the Philippian believers. What does he pray for?

• Love – “that your love for each other will overflow more and more”
• Knowledge – “that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding”
• Wisdom – “I want you to understand what really matters”
• Character – “that you may live pure and blameless lives”
• Fruit of the Spirit – that “you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation…”

Read through Philippians 1:1-11 again.

Questions:

1. How would you describe the Philippian believers now? Do they remind you of anyone you know?
2. Have you ever had someone contribute financially to a mission trip or camp for you? How did that gift help you? (Go ahead and write them a thank-you note!)
3. Paul mentions the “fruit of salvation”, which points us to the “fruit of the Spirit.” Read through Galatians 5:22-23. Are these “fruits” showing up in your life? Read through John 15 to find out how to “bear fruit.”
4. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Pray through Philippians 1:9-11 every day this week. Pray for love, knowledge, wisdom, character, and the fruit of the Spirit – not only in your life, but in the lives of others. Include your family members, your friends, your small group leaders, your teachers, your youth pastors, etc.

(Feel free to comment and discuss this passage of Scripture by clicking on the “comments” link below.)