The Book of Philippians

A four week study through the book of Philippians to discover the secrets to living a Jesus-centered life!

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Shownotes

I’m excited to explore the book of Philippians with you! It’s a short book packed with some great nuggets for living out the Christian life.

Here is the question we’ll answer today: “How do I choose joy when life goes wrong?”

Maybe you’re struggling in your marriage right now. Perhaps you’ve received a tough diagnosis. Maybe you lost a job, just had a break up or have a kid with an addiction. Is it possible to be joyful in the face of such crises?

Here’s what we’re going to discover as we study this book: Paul did. He had joy in the midst of tough circumstances. How? Why?

John Piper said, “Philippians is the most joyful book in the Bible — the apostle Paul uses the Greek words for joy and rejoicing sixteen times in only 104 verses.”

Paul wrote this letter from a prison cell yet the letter was full of joy. In fact, it uses words for joy and rejoicing over 16 times in this short book. Philippians 1:1-7

Background on Paul and the Philippian church:

  • Paul planted the church in AD50 and wrote this letter about 10 years later. It was the first church plant in what is now eastern Europe (See Acts 16)

Let’s go to the text.

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

The secret of Paul’s joy was rooted in his relationship with Jesus. That’s why Paul encouraged the church to grow in knowledge and depth of insight- growing in understanding of God’s character and trusting His plan. Philippians 1:9-11

SPOTLIGHT VERSE: 9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

This has actually been one of my life verses. I remember reading this years ago when I recently rededicated my life to Jesus.

Growing up in a Christian home, I had a lot of head knowledge. I knew the gospel message. I prayed “the prayer” at a young age. But I easily ditched Jesus for other things as I grew older.  But, when I came back to Jesus and started reading the Bible with more adult eyes, I discovered the treasure of KNOWING Jesus. As I practiced spiritual disciplines, I began to understand the character of God. That He is good. That He has a plan for me. That the call for me was obedience. Walking in this I’ve gained depth of insight through experience. 

This is what Paul is saying to the Philippian church. Despite the circumstance, he had joy knowing that Jesus was with him. Jesus would sustain him. 

Back to the question, “How do I choose joy when life goes wrong?”

We can choose joy in hard times by going all in with Jesus. We can respond with faith, not fear, when we walk with Jesus practicing spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible, praying regularly, and mentoring Philippians 1:20-24

Talking Points:
  • Paul wrote this letter from a prison cell yet the letter was full of joy. In fact, it uses words for joy and rejoicing over 16 times in this short book. Philippians 1:1-7
  • The secret of Paul’s joy was rooted in his relationship with Jesus. That’s why Paul encouraged the church to grow in knowledge and depth of insight – growing in understanding of God’s character and trusting His plan. Philippians 1:9-11
  • We can choose joy in hard times by going all in with Jesus. We can respond with faith, not fear, when we walk with Jesus practicing spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible, praying regularly, and mentoring. Philippians 1:20-24
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Share both a joyful and difficult time in your life. How did those events impact your faith? 
  3. Up to now, how would you describe your relationship with Jesus on a scale from “closer than ever” to “non-existent” or “somewhere in between”. Explain your answer.
  4. Read Philippians 1:3-7, 12-13. Why was Paul thankful for the Philippians? What was their shared mission?
  5. Read Philippians 1:9-10. Paul talks about growing in knowledge and insight. What does this mean to you? What’s the difference between knowing about something versus really understanding it?
  6. Read Philippians 1:11 and Galatians 5:22-23. What is the fruit of our salvation? How do these grow in our lives? Which one(s) do you need to grow in most?
  7. Read Philippians 1:20-22. Paul had a radical devotion to Jesus. How does Paul’s outlook challenge you? How will your increased devotion to Jesus help you to have joy in the harder times?

Shownotes

We’re continuing in our series in the book of Philippians and Paul is sharing what a Jesus- centered life looks like.

Last week, we looked at how Paul could find joy in the hard times, and how we can too, through growing in knowledge and understanding of Jesus’ character and His plan for our lives. 

Today, we’re going to answer this question. “Would anyone know I’m a Christian?”

Here are a few questions to ponder. Would people be surprised to see the shows you watch on Netflix? Do you have healthy relationships in your life or are you as likely to gossip with your gal pals as your unbelieving neighbors? Would people observe that you make God a priority by going to church or attending a small group? What if they looked at your budget? Would they see that you invest in God’s kingdom?

Jesus set a clear example for how we should live as Christians.

Paul wrote what is known as the Messiah poem to articulate the attitude and actions of Jesus during His earthly ministry. Paul challenged the church to follow this example. Philippians 2:3-11

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.6 Though he was God,[a]he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];he took the humble position of a slave[c]and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,[d] 8  he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Think how different our world would be today if we were humble servants who looked out for the interests of others. 

The Philippian church functioned in a pagan culture much like we experience today. Paul’s challenge is that Christians should be set apart and attractive to unbelievers. Philippians 2:12-16

Now, back to the question. “Would anyone know I’m a Christian?”

SPOTLIGHT VERSE: 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Living a Jesus-centered life means reorienting our lives toward Jesus. It means aligning with His word and example to shape our values, choices and even our entertainment choices. Philippians 2:15, Psalm 119:105

Prayerfully take some time for a check up in some key areas of your life and evaluate if you are aligned with the example of Jesus.

  • Attitude check – How you think, how you serve
  • Entertainment – What you watch or read
  • Financial – Where you invest your money
  • Relational – You model healthy relationships and you don’t harbor bitterness 

Talking Points:
  • Paul wrote what is known as the Messiah poem to articulate the attitude and actions of Jesus during His earthly ministry. Paul challenged the church to follow this example. Philippians 2:3-11
  • The Philippian church functioned in a pagan culture much like we experience today. Paul’s challenge – Christians should be set apart and attractive to unbelievers. Philippians 2:12-16
  • Living a Jesus-centered life means reorienting our lives toward Jesus. It means aligning with His word and example to shape our values, choices and even our entertainment choices. Philippians 2:15, Psalm 119:105
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Share your faith journey. How has your life changed since putting your trust in Jesus?
  3. Reread the Messiah poem from Philippians 2:5-11. How does the Messiah poem describe Jesus’ attitude and actions? How does this challenge you? 
  4. How have you seen Christians set a bad example for unbelievers?
  5. Read Philippians 2:14-15. What are some things our culture elevates that go against biblical values? What are some practical ways we can speak against them? 
  6. Read Philippians 2:16 and Psalm 119:105. What are some good guidelines to use to evaluate whether your choices (entertainment, relationships, finances) align with biblical values? 
  7. How does the question, “Would anyone know I’m a Christian” challenge you? What areas might you still need to evaluate in order to be more aligned with Jesus?

Shownotes

We’re continuing in our series on Philippians and learning what it means to live a Jesus centered life. We’ve learned that the formula is pretty simple. It’s all about Jesus – gaining knowledge through His word and walking with him everyday trusting His character and plan for our lives. It’s following his example in humility and service.

In chapter 3, we’re going to see Paul address the issue of where our value and worth comes from. This is the question we’re going to answer today: “What voices are you listening to about your value and worth?”

As women, we feel the pressure to look a certain way to feel valued. We spend a lot of time and money trying to live up to a false reality we see in magazines and movies. The emphasis is what can be seen by others. We kill ourselves trying to do it all so people will think we’re good enough, smart enough, valuable enough.

Culture says:

  • Outward appearance
  • Social status
  • Job-salary
  • Social media presence (I’m struck by how painstaking people are in capturing the perfect insta photo.)

Paul once thought his value came from his own accomplishments and pedigree as a Jew and a Pharisee which made him part of the religious elite. Philippians 3:5-6

“I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.”

The Judaizers had infiltrated the Philippian church preaching a false message that Gentiles had to become Jewish to be accepted by God. Paul vigorously spoke against that message as it left the Gentile believers feeling unworthy and as outsiders. Philippians 3:2-3

Paul was protective of the Gentile believers who felt less worthy of Jesus than Jewish believers. The Judaizers diminished the work of Jesus and elevated works again.

“Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,”

Back to our question. ”What voices are you listening to about your value and worth?”

A Jesus-centered life means we let God define our value and worth. As God’s special creation, He has given each of us unique qualities and abilities to help us fulfill the plan He has for us. Philippians 3:7-9, Psalm 139:13-17

SPOTLIGHT VERSE: 8 “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ”

Back to knowledge and depth of insight. Go to God’s word to see what God has to say about you. 

  • Psalm 139:13b-17 – special creation, uniquely and specifically designed – You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God.They cannot be numbered!
  • Romans 5:1b-2 – Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace[a] with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
  • Ephesians 1:13-14 – And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

What voices are you listening to about your value and worth? Throw out the garbage and replace it with what God says about you!

Talking Points:
  • Paul once thought his value came from his own accomplishments and pedigree. He was a Jew and a Pharisee which meant he was part of the religious elite. Philippians 3:5-6
  • The Judaizers had infiltrated the Philippian church preaching a false message that Gentiles had to become Jewish to be accepted by God. Paul vigorously spoke against that message as it left the Gentile believers feeling unworthy and like outsiders. Philippians 3:2-3
  • A Jesus-centered life means we let God define our value and worth. As God’s special creation, He has given each of us unique qualities and abilities to help us fulfill the plan He has for us. Philippians 3:7-9, Psalm 139:13-17
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Who or what has most influenced your identity or self worth? How has the rise of social media damaged women and girls in your life?
  3. Read Philippians 3:5-6. How did Paul define himself in the past? How do we see similar attitudes reflected in our society or churches today?
  4. Read Philippians 3:2-3. How did the Judaizer’s message contradict the message Paul was preaching? Why is it so tempting to fall for a works-based gospel?
  5. Read Philippians 3:7-10. Paul taught that it’s faith, not works, that make us right with God. How should this message of grace impact our view of ourselves? What did Paul mean that he was willing to lose all else to gain Christ?
  6. Read Psalm 139:13-17. What special traits and abilities has God given you? How do you need to embrace those things more?
  7. Review the question, “What voices are you listening to about your value and worth?” Moving forward, how will you reject the garbage the world is selling and replace it with God’s truth?

Shownotes

We end our series with a prescription for how to live a Jesus-centered life. Paul says it like this: stay true to the Lord. 

Spotlight verse: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,[a] stay true to the Lord.

That’s our question to ponder as we see Paul end this hopeful, joyful letter.

Q: “How do I stay true to the Lord?”

It’s hard to stay the course in our journey of faith. It’s always going to be tempting to turn away from God when the unexpected happens or when someone hurts us. The world is always clamoring for our attention and it’s easy to elevate worldly things over spiritual disciplines. 

Paul talks in chapter 3 about running a good race. It’s easy when we’re on the spiritual high to be all in with Jesus. But then we can start to lose focus and get tripped up and before we know it, Jesus isn’t even in our minds at all.

  • A relationship that pulls you away
  • Pursuit of money
  • Sports and kids
  • Broken relationship

Paul ends his letter by admonishing the Philippian church to stay true to the Lord. Instead of allowing circumstances to dictate the quality of his faith, Paul kept his focus on Jesus and we should do the same. Philippians 4:1,11-13

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,[a] stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,[d] who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

Paul offers a prescription for living a Jesus-centered life. It starts with choosing to be joyful, being strengthened through prayer with a heart of thanksgiving, and focusing our thoughts on what is true and life-giving. Philippians 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul mentions two leaders whose conflict was creating division in the church. Paul calls for peace instead of conflict and unity over division. Philippians 4:2-3

2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner,[b] to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

Life is going to throw us curveballs. Paul certainly understood that. But he stayed true to the Lord in every circumstance by keeping his thoughts fixed on Jesus and pursuing Him with his whole heart. This can be true for us, too. When we live a Jesus-centered life, we can face any obstacle knowing that Jesus is on our side, giving us the strength we need to endure and joy in our hearts!

Talking Points:
  • Paul ends his letter by admonishing the Philippian church to stay true to the Lord. Instead of allowing circumstances dictate the quality of his faith, Paul kept his focus on Jesus, and we should do the same. Philippians 4:1,11-13
  • Paul offers a prescription for living a Jesus-centered life. It starts with choosing to be joyful, being strengthened through prayer with a heart of thanksgiving, and focusing thoughts on what is true and life-giving. Philippians 4:4-9
  • Paul mentions two leaders whose conflict was creating division in the church. Paul called for peace instead of conflict and unity over division. Philippians 4:2-3
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Share a time a struggle in your life tempted you to walk away from God. What stopped you from completely giving up on your faith?
  3. Read Philippians 4:6-7. Share a situation that is currently creating anxiety in you. How does this passage challenge you to respond differently? Why does thankfulness have the power to change our perspective? 
  4. Read Philippians 4:8-9. What are some examples of thoughts we should discard? What are some examples of life-giving thoughts? How can you replace the bad with the good?
  5. Read Romans 12:17-18. How have you seen a conflict divide households, churches and friendships? How can you make peace with someone who seeks revenge?
  6. What does it mean to you to stay true to the Lord? Identify the things that stick out to you from Paul’s example of how he did it.
  7. What are your takeaways from this series? What will you do moving forward to grow in your knowledge and understanding of Jesus and His word? What does living a Jesus-centered life mean to you?

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