Philippians 1

Paul started the church in Philippi, the first church of Europe. Read his opening barrage of gratitude to these people, in Philippians 1:3-8. What do you think it takes for a congregation, then or now, to make a pastor feel this way?

Paul says he’s going to be praying that the people “figure out what matters most and live accordingly” (Philippians 1:10). So, what matters most?

Paul apparently thought he would be found not guilty: “I know that I’ll get out of this just fine, thanks to your prayers and the help I’m getting from the Spirit of Jesus the Messiah” (Philippians 1:19). Many Bible experts say he did not get out alive, but that he was decapitated in the style of execution reserved for Roman citizens such as Paul. If that is what happened, how do you think it would have affected the faith of the church in Philippi?

Imprisoned, Paul struggles over whether he prefers to live or die. “I’m pulled both ways. I want to leave and be with Christ. That’s the better option, no doubt about it” (Philippians 1:23). How do you react to Paul’s thoughts about that? Is he being reasonable, drama-queen dramatic, or is he simply trying to get a handle on his own mortality and deal with the possibility that he could be dying soon?

Paul tells the Philippian Christians, “Practice what you preach. Live up to the message of the Messiah” (Philippians 1:27). How is that possible?

LIFE APPLICATION. Paul’s prayer for the church in Philippi is this: “May your love grow and grow—along with your knowledge and your ability to put that knowledge to good use” (Philippians 1:9). What are some of the ways we grow in our knowledge about spiritual things, which includes love? And what do you think is the most effective tool for helping us do that?

LIFE APPLICATION. Looking on the bright side, Paul says that his imprisonment is good news for Christianity because it is giving him the opportunity to talk about Jesus in a palace full of people, perhaps in Rome (Philippians 1:12). In your life or in the life of someone you know when has something like this happened, when a rotten situation produced something good for the kingdom of God?

LIFE APPLICATION. Paul had a special connection with this congregation. As far as the record reveals, it’s the only church from which he accepted money to help fund his ministry. They care enough about him that when they find out he’s in prison, they send a messenger with supplies. So he writes them a thank you letter that says, “Every time I pray for all of you folks, I’m feeling the joy” (Philippians 1:4). Who do you know like that?