Read Philippians 1:1-2 – Greeting
1. Recall what we studied last week from verse 1.
2. (vs 2) Grace and Peace are Paul’s typical greetings in his letters to the churches.
a. Describe grace and peace
b. According to this verse, from whom do we receive grace and peace?
c. Note the following regarding the Lord Jesus Christ and consider the significance of each:
– Lord is His title – Jesus is His name – Christ is His role or mission
Read Philippians 1:3-6 – Paul Expresses His Thankfulness
3. (vs 3) Each time God brings the Philippians to mind, Paul is thankful to God. Consider the kindness shown to Paul from the following verses:
a. Kindness shown while Paul was in Philippi: Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33.
b. Kindness shown while Paul was apart from them: 2 Cor. 8:1-7, 2 Cor. 11:9. (Note: Philippi was in the area of Macedonia)
4. (vs 4) Praying for the Philippians brought Paul joy. Joy is a prominent theme of this epistle. The word “joy” is used 5 times, and the word “rejoice” is used 9 times.
a. Define joy and contrast joy with happiness.
b. What brings you joy?
c. Consider what John says in 3 Jn 4.
d. Paul was a man of prayer. From verses 3 and 4, what 2 different kinds of prayer do you see?
5. (vs 5) “Fellowship” is the word “Koinonia”. It means oneness, unity, intimacy, partnership. The Philippian church had partnered with Paul in the ministry since its beginning until the writing of this letter. What did this partnership/fellowship look like? Is fellowship in the gospel something we experience today? How?
6. (vs 6) What was Paul confident of in this verse?
a. Who began this work?
b. Who will complete it? Until when?
c. Then what was the role of the church in this work?
d. How can we apply this verse today?
Read Philippians 1:7-11 – Paul’s Affection and Prayer
1. (vs 7-8) Paul opens up his heart to them in these verses. He says, “I have you in my heart,” and “I long for you all with the affection of Jesus.” Describe this special relationship between Paul and the Philippian Christians. Does this remind you of any relationships in your life? Explain.
2. What does it mean to be partakers of grace? What are the two examples given of this in these verses? How have you been partakers of grace with others?
3. (vs 9-11) This section ends with Paul’s prayer for the church at Philippi. As we look at each specific request, what do each of these requests teach us, and what would be the result of these answered prayers?
a. That your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment
b. That you may approve the things that are excellent
c. that you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ
d. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ
e. To the glory and praise of God