Philippians 1

Context
Who Paul and Timothy, written to believers
What A letter to a group of people (an epistle)
When (significant events surrounding) Paul is writing from jail
Where - Philippi
Why To stress joy in all situations, and living in harmony and with obedience
towards God

Things that stuck out to me

V5 How do you think we have a partnership with the gospel? The partnership us
give Him and Him in turn giving us the fruit of the Spirit
V6 How does this verse give us hope? Christ starts, and completes a good work in
us. We ourselves to not carry that responsibility.
V7&8 Are there people in your life who reflect Christ in such a way that it is an
encouragement to you in your walk with God?
o Is there any reason to think that you cannot do the same thing for other
people? No! Dont think of yourself like that, and if there something in
your life that would incorrectly skew others view of God let this be some
added motivation to change that! We often get down on ourselves for what
we dont do, but thats an unproductive way of looking at things. Think of
how you HAVE sought God; praise him for it, for those that encourage
you, and for the opportunity to passively encourage others as you seek
God.
V9&10 When considering the duality of responsibility as we seek the best and
purest paths what part do we play, and part does God play? Our love abounds as
we love others, seek God, and make decisions. God gives us the wisdom and
knowledge to be able to discern how we are to act.
V11 a product of righteousness (right standing with God) comes from sowing
peace (James 3:18)
o This fruit of righteous, who does it start with and who does it end with?
God. His Spirit gives us the strength and gifting to portray the fruits of the
 Spirit (it is not us that are joyful, thats a byproduct of the Spirit in our
lives) And at the end it all goes to the glory and praise of God!
o Galatians 5:22-23 What is one fruit of the Spirit that you often see in your
life? What is one that you wish you saw more of? Who do you think you
should seek to see more of that fruit in your life, and who should you give
thanks for the fruits you do embody? God, and his Spirit in you.
V12-14
What does it mean to you that Paul references us as brothers and sisters?
If were looking at this section of verses as Pauls suffering, what can be said
about the suffering Paul faced and the sufferings we face as well? Does suffering
in our lives bring only bad? God can bring about good through suffering Anyone
have an example of suffering that has brought about a good result for God?
o Because of the promise that God WILL complete a good work in us (V6),
how should we respond to the good AND the bad? (Remember James 1?)
Respond with Joy!
V15-18 What does this section of verses say to you? Gods sovereignty strikes
again. Even when our motives are wrong that doesnt necessarily mean that all is
lost. God will continue to work towards his goals! Part of understanding Gods
grace and love is understanding that we can trust God to fix our mistakes.
V18b-20 Paul continues to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and
Gods provision what does that tell us about Pauls reaction to have joy in his
sufferings? It is Paul choice to be joyful. It also could be said that the real choice
is for Paul to believe in Gods provision and the peoples prayer, and that the joy
is, at least in part, an overflowing of the trust in God.
o So why does Paul choose joy? V20 also says Paul eagerly expects and
hopes that he will not be ashamed. Romans 8:18-19
V21 What can we pray for this to be more of a reality for our lives? Pray to see
our life as a temporary assignment, to live from an eternal perspective, and
to walk in humility.
V21-26 What does this section of verses say to you? The fruitful way isnt often
the easy way. For Paul, personally, he knows going home to be with Christ would
be the best thing he could do for himself, but it wouldnt be best for the body of
Christ so he wants to choose to stay for as long as he can.
 V27 What do you think it means to strive for the gospel? Living your life aligned
with Gods ways, but also with the knowledge that salvation is strictly by grace
and not something to be earned, its something to be lived out.
o If salvation is already done, what is the point of living your life for God?
Because He has commanded us to, Matthew 5:6, because we will
be filled when we seek for righteousness
There is no better way to show people Christ than to act like him
Romans 10:14
V27-30 Food for thought: We should conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of
Christ. Is there any manner in which you consistently act that you feel isnt
worthy of Christ? Have you sought forgiveness for that? Do you believe youre
forgiven? What can you do to start changing that behavior?