Philippians 1:1-6 and 4:19-23 - “Living Lives Worthy of the Gospel”
- After studying Philippians for the summer months, what was the most important lesson that you learned from this book? How has God challenged you to live a life worthy of the Gospel?
- Paul’s letter began with encouragement to trust the Lord that He will bring to completion the good work He started in the Philippian church. Are you confident that Christ is at work in your life? Why or why not? If so, share with someone how the Lord is transforming you into His likeness? If not, what might be blocking your view of the Lord?
- Wrapping up the letter in chapter four, Paul zips through some exhortations that are given as a response to conflict (vs. 4-5), anxiety (v6) and life’s pressures (vs10-13). Why does Paul state, in verse 19, that it is “my God” that will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus? What is the difference between “wants” and “needs”? How can Paul be so confident that God will do this?
- What is the Gospel? Why is it so glorious? How does one grow in understanding its beauty and power? (Hint: see chapter 2:5-13).
- Recall all of the transformed lives presented in Acts 16 and in Philippians. In 4:22, Paul adds believers from Caesar’s household to the list. Think about the ramifications of changing allegiance to the true Lord. How easy was that choice for them? What does it mean to proclaim Jesus as Lord and still work for Caesar?
- Our lives are connected to a world-wide fellowship of Christ-followers through our faith in Him. Think about the church around the world. How do you view our brothers and sisters in Christ? Ask the Lord to impress upon your heart a part of this world or a people group with whom you are interested. How can you reach out to individuals from that country or a people group in daily life?
- When you end a letter, what do you say to bring it to conclusion? How different from you is Paul who concluded this letter by writing- “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
- How does this ending conclude this letter with hope? Why is the grace of Christ necessary in order to live lives worthy of the Gospel?
- How does Christ’s grace change our attitudes towards others as we work together for the Gospel?
- Please pray for BG and for yourself, that the Lord will enhance our understanding of the Gospel and its impact upon our lives. May He make BG a fellowship that loves Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, as well as our neighbors.
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Philippians 4:10-19 - “Learning The Secret Of Being Content”
- Chapter four of Philippians contains many memorable Scripture verses that encourage our daily walk with Christ. What verse is most meaningful to you? Why?
- What are Paul’s current circumstances in which he is writing this letter (hint:1:13, 14)? Try to imagine Paul’s emotions and thoughts as he faces these circumstances. How does he see God’s hand in all these things?
- Is there a difference between happiness and contentment? What might those differences be? What role does one’s circumstances play in happiness and in contentment? What are some of your experiences that confirm the differences?
- Why do you think Paul emphasizes that contentment must be learned? What lessons are learned from abounding prosperity and devastating hardships in our lives? Which extreme is the hardest for you? Why?
- At the top of the New York Times best selling self-help books is a book entitled “The Secret”. It emphasizes that the “law of attraction” is central to life and if you think positive thoughts, your wishes will be fulfilled. In addition, the book emphasizes that we are at the center of life, really god-like thinking, so the power for success is in our hands. How does Paul’s secret of contentment differ from this popular book (hint: see verses 10-13)?
- Consider Paul’s strong statement in verse 13 that “I can do all everything through him who gives me strength”. What does Paul NOT mean by this verse? What does he mean as seen in the context of the abounding prosperity and devastating hardships mentioned in verses 11 and 12? How might we respond to the swings of circumstances in our lives? How do “pride” and “despair” play a part in the way we respond to the swings of circumstances? How have you applied this verse to your life in the past? How should you apply this verse in the future?
- Paul emphasizes that learning the secret of being content is an inside job. Do you agree or disagree? What is this secret and why is it at the focal point of each Christian’s life?
- Think about the relationship of Paul and the Philippians as seen in 4:14-19. Do you think the Philippians showed contentment in their actions? If so, how did it show? If not, what was missing? How do you display contentment in your life? How does BG illustrated a corporate contentment?
- Is there such a think as ‘holy discontentment”? What’s the connection between 3:12-17 and 4:10-19? Why should we “press on to take hold of that which Christ took hold of me”? How does this “holy discontentment” get tempered by God’s grace?
- Are you part of a small group at BG? Have you allowed others to share in your joys and sorrows? What are you grateful for at this moment in your life? How are you generous toward others? What connection does gratitude and generosity have with contentment?
- Do you have a living day-to-day relationship with Jesus Christ? Why is this truth the wonderful secret of Paul’s contentment and confidence? Why is this truth at the center of all Christ-followers who long to live lives worthy of the Gospel?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Philippians 4:2-9 - “The God of Peace”
- Name several of the global “hot spots” that need peaceful resolutions to very destructive conflict. What’s happening that causes the conflict? Name some of the “hot spots” in your life? In your workplace? In your home? How does the peace of God guard your heart and mind as you face these issues?
- How do you think God views our conflicts with others over our personal preferences that often occur in the church? How does He view our responses to the many “harassing cares” of our personal lives? What does He promise His people and what doesn’t He promise His people as they live through these challenging situations (see 4:2-7)?
- In his book The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer states that “Christ stands between us and God and for that very reason He stands between us and other men and things.” How is this quote connected to Philippians 4:2-9? What does Ephesians 2:11-22 add to this understanding of being “in Christ Jesus”?
- Paul wants the Philippians to think carefully and logically about the virtues that give value to life. What virtues are included in his list (verse 8)? Why is it valuable to think on these virtues? How might one keep from thinking that these virtues are monotonous and colorless?
- How does Jesus describe the difference between conventional religious goodness and Gospel goodness (hint: think about his constant interaction with the Pharisees and other religious leaders)? What happens when we define our lives by the absence of something? How does Jesus turn things around by describing life as more than meeting the letter of the law? (see Matthew 6 –give, fast, pray and Luke 14: 1-14- dinner invitations)
- How is Gospel goodness a “bridge between the visible and the invisible”? How does Paul’s exhortation to live lives worthy of the Gospel encourage this practice?
- How do the lives of fellow Christians teach us the value of Gospel goodness for our lives? Name a few people who have exhibited Christ-likeness and from whom you have learned what it means to live for Christ?
- God wants us to worship and serve Him only. Why do you think the Lord established everyday life as the main venue for worship? What happens if God’s people only think of worshipping God in a “worship service”? How does a view that all life involves worship help give perspective to the corporate worship of any local church?
- Thinking right and acting right demands our commitment to God’s Word and His Spirit. How important is reading and meditating on God’s Word to you? What happens when we neglect this spiritual discipline? How does the beauty of Christ’s character, being formed in you, point others to Lord and His goodness?
- What is one important lesson that you have learned from the study of Philippians 4:2-9?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Philippians 4:2-9 - “The Peace of God and the God of Peace”
- Paul’s letter to the Philippians is full of personal interest and concern for his friends in Philippi. Review the first three chapters by identifying the relational connectedness and difficulties addressed in the letter. Where you surprised by any of the difficulties?
- In chapter four, Paul strings together a list of exhortations that are tied to the conflicted relationship of Euodia and Syntyche. How do these exhortations help address the major relational difficulties that are impacting that local church?
- How does Paul describe the conflict between these two women? What does he say about their actions and attitudes? What does he not say and do?
- What are the immediate action steps Paul wants these friends to take? What happens when people contend against each other and do not contend together for the sake of the Gospel? Are you in a broken relationship that is impacting others within the local church? What steps should you take to address this brokenness?
- At first glance, it seems that Paul is simplistic in his counsel. Why are his suggestions anything but simplistic?
- Anxiety seems to be part of life in a fallen world. When Paul states: “Don’t be anxious about anything”, is he realistic? What are the areas of your life that cause you worry and sleepless nights? How does prayer address your anxious thoughts?
- When Paul tells us to: “instead pray about everything”, what is he suggesting that we do? How do the different “prayer” words of this verse give us direction as to how we should pray? Why MUST we remember that the Lord is near?
- How does the peace of God guard one’s emotions? How does it guard one’s thinking?
- Why does Paul’s continual emphasis on being in Christ Jesus ring true? How does this truth address our conflicts with others? How is this emphasis crucial for our times of stress? What does the Gospel say about how we live our lives before God?
- When we sing “Lord, make us instruments of your peace”, what are we asking Him to do? Will you seek this week to let the peace of God flow through you in your relationships and in all areas of your life? If so, what might that look like in your most difficult situation? What would change in your life?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Philippians 3:17 - 4:1 - “Pilgrims on a Journey”
- Do you have someone in your life to disciple you? Or, conversely, is there someone or a group of people (e.g., children, teens) that you would like to invest your lives in?
- Who are the enemies of the cross? What makes them so poisonous?
- List three ways our Christian community can counteract the enemies of the cross.
- Why do you think Paul encourages Christians with a heavenly hope?
- What is the relationship between 4.1 with Paul’s overall exposition from 1:27 - 3:21?
- Identify five principles of “pilgrim living.” In light of these principles, what kind of changes do you need to make in order to live faithfully?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Philippians 3:12-16 - “Persevering for the Sake of the Gospel”
- For what purpose did God create you? Do you know what kind of life God has called you to live for Him? List a few practical ways to assist you in determining your calling.
- What kind of “emotions” and “issues” weigh you down? Identify ways your “past” can negatively impact your present life?
- What role do our three enemies (flesh, world, Satan) play in the process of “enslavement?” How can we break free from our past defeats and pains?
- In order to win the prize we must understand the “price of winning.” Identify four principles that will help you “persevere” for the sake of the Gospel.
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Philippians 3:1-11 - “Knowing Christ Transcends ‘I Do.’”
- How does Paul depict the enemies of the Gospel? What are the implications of pseudo people, pseudo worship, pseudo glory, and pseudo salvation?
- Identify four ways Paul challenges the “ego-salvation” view. How can we share the Gospel with these “type” of people?
- What does it mean to have faith in Christ? Have you made a decision to trust Christ for your salvation? Why or why not?
- To what extent have you experienced “fellowship” with Christ’s suffering? How did this experience deepen your relationship with Christ?
- Identify four principles for “knowing Christ” (in a more intimate manner). What are the benefits (or spiritual fruit) for knowing Christ?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Philippians 2:12-30 - “Seeking Christ’s Interests Together”
- In an era when Caesar was considered “lord”, Paul proclaims that Jesus Christ is the Lord over all creation. How would the Philippian people understand that claim? What did the Lordship of Christ mean to the Philippian church? To each one as individuals? What does this same reality mean today?
- Philippians 2:12-13 emphasizes the need for each Christ-follower to experience an ongoing reconstruction of one’s heart and mind by cooperating with God’s Spirit. What are some areas that need reconstruction work (hint see 2:14,15)? How will you cooperate with the Holy Spirit?
- As we are transformed by grace, Paul writes that we are to “hold out” and “hold onto the Word of Life”. What is the Word of Life? How does the Gospel of Jesus Christ make us shine like stars? (verse 15, 16)
- What are some ways you “hold out the Word of Life” in your daily life? How do you “hold on to the word of life” as you walk through each day? How are these actions central to any church’s vision?
- Scottish essayist Thomas Carlyle states that “History is the essence of innumerable biographies.” Why does Paul include examples of life together at the end of this chapter? How do these examples encourage BG’s life together?
- Paul had a wonderful relationship with the Philippian church as they gave wholehearted support to the spread of the Gospel. In what ways did their faith lead them to sacrifice and serve Paul? (verse 17) Why did Paul want them to rejoice with him?
- Timothy was described as one who takes a genuine interest in the welfare of the Philippian church. How does Timothy differ from others (see verse 21)? What are Christ’s interests that we should pursue as a congregation?
- The Philippian church sent Epahroditus to Paul for encouragement and support. How does Paul describe this man (verse 25)? How does Paul demonstrate the grace of Christ toward this man and the Philippian church? What qualities are needed for sharing life together at BG?
- Each one of us needs to invest in the spiritual growth of another person (or several others) and to receive encouragement for our personal growth. Who is your Timothy? Who is your Epaphroditus?
- Are you willing to be a part of a small group at BG that will foster spiritual growth and outreach to the Ithaca community?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Philippians 2:12-17 - “Shining Like Stars”
- Have you ever made a discovery in your life that prompted you to take action on your discovery? What was it? (hints: falling in love, visited the Grand Canyon, realized your need to extend forgiveness, found a short-cut to solve a problem, etc.) What did you do?
- What does Paul mean when he encourages Christ-followers to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”? Why “fear and trembling”, if the Scripture tells us that “perfect love casts out fear”? What does this heart attitude look like in practical terms?
- If we are told to work out what God has placed in our lives, what role does God play in the process and what role do we play (see verses 12-13)? What is the gift that God gives to His children? How does one’s obedience and faithfulness illustrate our response to that gift?
- Are you a grumbler? A complainer? Do you find pleasure in a good argument? What do you think is at the root of these actions? What effect do they have on relationships? On families? On the local church? On society? How can Christ-followers offer a different quality of life by not pursuing these attitudes or actions?
- How does Paul’s metaphor of God’s children “shining like stars” offer a vivid word picture of the role of God’s children play in our world? In the church? What does this word picture say about the power of Christ’s character in God’s people?
- In Paul’s day, stars provided navigational guidance for sailors. How might Christians point people to Jesus if they shine like stars (see verses 14-16)?
- Why does Paul encourage the Philippians to hold fast to the Word of Life? Why must we do the same twenty-one centuries later? How does the message of Christ act like a lamp to our feet and light for our paths?
- It is said that we must preach the Gospel to ourselves daily. What does that mean? Why might that be an important daily action for a proper perspective on life? How will it help the world see God’s grace and truth in His people?
- Rejoice! In Philippians, Paul uses this word often and encourages Christ-followers to exhibit joy in daily life and joy for what God is doing. How joyful are you? What brings your joy? What robs your joy? If joy is based on self-centeredness, why is it tempting to use others to provide us with good feelings? If joy is about purposes and goals in our lives, then what does unity in purpose and goals look like?
- How joyful are we at BG? Does the joy of the Lord exhibit through our lives? If people outside the church encounter us, are they surprised by our joy? Why or why not?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Philippians 2:1-11 - “The Mind of Christ”
- Paul wrote this letter to God’s people in Philippi, a proud city because of its favored status as a “colony” of Rome. How does cultural, professional, and ethnic pride seep into the way that we live our lives? What impact does this attitude have on God’s people in the way they live out their faith in the world and together in the church?
- What is the church’s foundation for unity? In verses 2:1-3, one discovers that encouragement, comfort, fellowship and compassion are traits of God’s work among us. How should this grace and truth of Christ impact our life together?
- When Paul writes that we should “consider others better than ourselves”, what is he asking each one of us to pursue? If humility is not doormat thinking or self-loathing, what does humility look like in everyday life?
- How does Christ’s Gospel change the way we see ourselves? In contrast to moralism (I can do it on my own) and relativism (no one tells me how to live), we are to continually apply the Gospel by seeing the example of Christ. Why is this so difficult for us to do?
- How does the attitude of Christ impact our thinking? The hymn of Christ, found in 2:5-11, is a sweeping picture of the humility and power of Christ’s action for humanity. How does this illustrate the idea that the way down (humility and not pride) is actually the way up?
- Christ displayed his grace and truth in everyday life. How did His incarnational presence display itself in practical terms? How is the church called to an incarnational ministry of grace and truth in our community?
- Christ served by giving His life for others. In what ways does the Lord desire that His people serve others? How is BG serving others in this community? How are you contributing to the ongoing presence of the Gospel in Ithaca?
- The Lordship of Christ means that because all of our lives come under His authority, we are called to live lives worthy of the Gospel. How does this reality impact the way we work, raise a family, go to the supermarket, or relate to our neighbors? What needs to be changed, by God’s grace, in your life as you worship Christ as Lord? In BG’s life?
- Having the mind of Christ is not about perfection of thought, but about an attitude of the heart. How is the Lord honored when His church lives out this heart attitude before a watching world?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
