LO G O S
Philippians Leader’s Guide A n O v e r v i e w
THE BIG IDEA:
In this study you will trace some of the major themes
of Philippians. In Chapter 1 you will discover PaulÕs
heart for his disciples, for the gospel, and for Christ.
You will explore PaulÕs call to unity in Chapter 2 and
see how humility leads to unity and draws unbe-
lievers to the gospel. The challenge to know Christ
experientially is the theme of Chapter 3. Finally, you
will examine the commands and promises of Chapter
4, in which Paul exhorts the Philippians to walk in
maturity.
DESIRED LIFE CHANGE:
As a result of this study, your students should begin pursuing a
heart like Paul and recognize personal humility as the key to
unity. TheyÕll see a renewed desire to know Christ and live out
the commands and promises Paul shares at the end of his letter to
the Philippians.
AUDIENCE:
A This study is written for growing Christians
who are ready to become self-feeders from
GodÕs Word. Studying each chapter
beforehand will help make this happen.
WHY THIS STUDY IS IMPORTANT:
Studying an entire book of the Bible helps you see the overall
message of the book and how the themes relate to one another.
This gets you inside the heart and mind of the writer, helps you
understand the context of each theme, and capture some of the
history, setting and background of key passages. The goal is to
help students establish habits and skills for a lifetime of
meaningful personal study of GodÕs Word.
Acknowledgments:
Primary Authors: Barry and Dee Dee Rush. Other Contributors: Dave Carlson, Judy Clark, Su Hecht, Damon Barnes, Lori Maynard,
Dennis Brockman, Ned Williams, Jarvis Davis, Annika Reigert, Kevin Scoleri, Greg Kriefall. Design: Thompson & Thompson Graphic Design.
Leader’s Preparation
This book study encourages your group to study the
chapter before coming to your group. It’s OK to stretch
them a little, but don’t overwhelm them with work.
The goal is to help them personally discover some of
the great truths of God’s Word.
Study each chapter and lesson far in advance making
note of ideas to give your group for their personal
study (note: also read and study Acts 16 for additional
background information). For example, encourage
them to find the major themes in Chapter 1 and
write a summary of their implications. In
Chapter 2 have them underline the key words,
look up dictionary definitions and think
through the significance of each word in the context of
the passage. In Chapter 3 they could explore and
summarize the major themes. In Chapter 4 have them
find one or two key verses to share with the group.
Emphasize life-change, not just
gaining knowledge about the
Bible. You want your group to
discover the truth Jesus expressed in
the Sermon on the Mount,
”These words I speak to you are not incidental
additions to your life, homeowner improvements
to your standard of living. They are foundational
words, words to build a life on. If you work these
words into your life, you are like a smart
carpenter who built his house on solid rock.“
(The Message, Eugene Peterson, Navpress)
 The Big Idea: Philippians Study One
This opening chapter gives us an inside look at
the heart of the apostle Paul. Studying his life gives
us a model of a vibrant walk with God.
PaulÕs heart for his disciples forms the motivation for
success in discipling others. Your group can catch this
same vision and heart for people. You want them to show
love, care and concern for their disciples. You want
them to get excited about helping their own disciples grow, serve
and make an impact in their world. Show them PaulÕs heart as their
model. Show them PaulÕs heart for the gospel and his compassion
for those who donÕt know Christ.
Your group is at different points in their relationships with
Christ. Therefore, they will respond to the challenge of this
Philippians study in different ways. PaulÕs life purpose was to know
Christ in a deeper and more intimate way. But your group members
will be captivated by insights related to their situation and apply
truths according to where they are in the growth process. You canÕt
make them grow, but you can help them listen to God, step out in
faith, and act on the Word.
( The Big Idea: Philippians Study Two
Unity is the central theme here. In Philippians
1:27 Paul introduces the topic of unity by connect-
ing it to his previous words which demonstrated his heart for the
gospel. He urges them to Òconduct (themselves) in a manner worthy
of the gospelÓ by Òstanding firm in one spirit, with one mind striving
together for the faith of the gospel.Ó He then gives several character-
istics of unityÐÐbeing of the Òsame mind, same love, and intent on
one purpose.Ó Next, Paul points out that humility is the crucial ingre-
dient that will bring a group of believers to a point of unity (2:3,4).
Finally, he puts power in his message of humility by giving four
examplesÐÐJesus emptied himself by becoming a bondservant, Paul
was poured out as a drink offering, Timothy was the only one who
was Ògenuinely concerned for (their) welfareÓ (2:20,21), and
Epaphroditus ministered to Paul and came close to death to help the
Philippians (2:25,30).
This study demonstrates that the conduct of believers affects
their ability to communicate the gospel with authenticity. Those who
are quarreling or are unconcerned about the needs of othersÐboth
believers and unbelieversÐare poor messengers of the gospel. Their
message lacks power because of the hypocrisy observed in their lives.
Note that the cycling illustration shows the benefits of unity and
the importance of humility even in a secular setting. How much
more significant is unity and humility among a group of believers
who want to reach others with the gospel? In the closing example of
ÒJohn,Ó you will explore the far-reaching impact of love and
humility in action. This study should encourage your students to
embrace the need for unity and humility in such a way that those on
the outside will be drawn by the love of Christ found in the
community of believers .
The Big Idea: Philippians Study Three
After reviewing Chapter 2, this study begins with a discussion
about rejoicing. Your students will be asked to think through why
ISBN 1-885702-36-1 ©1996 WSN Press; Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc.
OUTLINE OF PHILIPPIANS
I. A PERSPECTIVE FROM PRISON 1:1-26
A. Paul’s Heart for His Disciples 1:1-11
B. Paul’s Heart for the Gospel 1:12-19
C. Paul’s Heart for Christ 1:20-26
II. A CALL TO UNITY 1:27-2:30
A. Unity is the Proper Conduct for the Gospel 1:27-30
B. Unity Involves Mind, Emotion, and Will 2:1,2
C. Unity is Attained by Humility 2:3,4
D. Humility: The Example of Christ 2:5-11
E. Humility: The Example of Paul 2:17,18
F. Humility: The Example of Timothy 2:19-24
G. Humility: The Example of Epaphroditus 2:25-30
III. A CHALLENGE TO KNOW CHRIST 3:1-21
A. Exhortation to Not Put Confidence in the Flesh 3:1-9
B. Encouragement to Know Christ 3:10-16
C. Exhortation Against Living for Earthly Things 3:17-21
IV. A LOOK AT PEACE AND PROMISES 4:1-23
A. Peace with One Another 4:1-3
B. Peace with the Lord 4:4-9
C. Peace and Promises in Difficult Circumstances 4:10-19
D. Final Greetings 4:20-23
Christians can rejoice in difficult, seemingly hopeless situations. The
flow of this chapter follows three other major themes. YouÕll explore
the dangers of putting confidence in the flesh and examine PaulÕs
zealous commitment to put Òknowing ChristÓ as top priority in his
life. Finally, you will observe and discuss what it means to Òpress
onÓ in the Christian life.
Your students should walk away from this study with a proper
perspective on putting confidence in God, rather than in the flesh.
TheyÕll be challenged to take steps to help them make knowing
Christ a top priority. Finally, they will see that a conviction to Òpress
onÓ is essential for pursuing all of the above.
The Big Idea: Philippians Study Four
In rapid fire succession, Paul issues two
commands in the final chapter of his letter. He
wants the Philippians to change attitudes, change
actions, and change their perspective of the power
of God to meet their needs. Paul is intent on helping them through
the crisis of conflict in the church and is confident they will grow to
maturity as they trust in God through lifeÕs crises.
YouÕll find that promises form the ÒfoundationÓ (see diagram of
building with foundation) for the kind of life-change Paul feels the
Philippians need. The commands related to personal growth and
maturity (see SELF in diagram) call the Philippians to grow in some
areas that will help them make an impact on the lives of others (see
OTHERS in diagram). That is, someone who is Òstanding firmÓ and
ÒrejoicingÓ has the capacity to Òlive in harmonyÓ and Òhelp others
live in harmony.Ó
Though harmony is not the central theme, it is an excellent
jumping off point in light of the lack of unity in the Philippian
church observed in Chapter 2.
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