Philippians 1:1-30

Introduction

1.  Volunteer Positions still open(Setup/Cleanup, Table Leader, Prayer Recorder, Reader, Ice Breaker)

2.  Fellowship dinner on Sunday at 4:30 pm at First Southern

3.  The Hiding Place worship team meeting Friday at 7pm at First Southern

Challenge Review:

Share your stories about how you did the challenge last week.

Key Points:
1. I am a member of God's team.
2. I need to partner with other believers to advance the mission of Jesus Christ
3. I'm united with the family of God in the sufferings of Christ and the gospel of God

Key Themes:
o Paul and Timothy greet the Christians in Philippi(1-2)
o Paul gives thanks to God for the spiritual growth he was able to witness in the Philippians (3-4)
o Paul trusts that God will continue to sanctify the Philippians, because God called them to be His (6-7)
o Paul desires to be with the Philippians but prayers that they continue to grow in Christ(8-11)
o Paul rejoices in the opportunities his imprisonment have given him and others to advance the gospel (12-14)
o Paul says that as long as Christ is proclaimed it doesn't matter if a person does it for personal gain or for love and obedience to Christ (15-18)
o Paul rejoices in the proclamation of God's Word regardless of who does it(19)
o Paul communicates that his desire is to honor Christ in all he does either by life or death(19-26)
o Paul admonishes the Philippians to live a life worthy of the gospel(27)
o Paul instructs the Philippians to work together to advance the gospel (27-28)
o Paul reminds the Philippians they will be opposed and suffer as Christ and Paul have(29-30)

Reflective Discussion Questions:
1. What kind of groups or divisions do you see in the "Church"?Hierarchy? One Christian better than another?
a. How does the way Paul references himself and Timothy in vs 1 affect the way you view yourself in Christ?
b. How does Paul's address to the Christians in Philippi remind us that all followers of Jesus are part of one body?
c. How does vs. 2 remind Christians where grace and peace come from?
d. How does this reminder about the source of grace and peace affect how you deal with anxiety and trouble?
2. Why does Paul offer a prayer of thanksgiving when he thinks about the Philippians?(3-5)
a. What does it mean to partner with someone in the gospel?
b. According to vs 7, what are two ways that Chrisitans are linked or partnered in?
3. What does Paul pray for the Philippians?(8-11)
a. How does Paul view of the Philippians as partners affect the way he prays for them?
b. How does your view of members of the Church affect the way you pray for them? Do you pray the way Paul does for "partners in the gospel?"
4. How does Paul's assessment of his imprisonment cause you to re-evaluate seemingly bad experiences in life that may advance the gospel?
a. What does Paul say about people that preach the gospel out of rivalry, envy and strife? Do you agree with Paul's assessment?
b. How does the idea that all believers are part of the same team affect the way you interpret what Paul says in vs 15-19?
5. How does Paul's understanding of the mission of Christ affect his perspective on his life or death?
a. Which prospect seems more frightening to you, living or dying for Christ? How does the way Paul talk about living and dying for Christ in vs 20-26 affect your understanding of what it means to live or die for Christ?
b. What is the benefit or purpose Paul gives for him continuing to live for Christ instead of dying?(24-26)
c. How does what Paul say about his life affect the way you view his admonishment to the Philippians in vs 27?
d. How does reflecting on how you are partnered with Christ in vs 29-30 affect your perspective on life's blessings and struggles?

Individual Challenge:
Meet with another Christian this week and make a plan on how you can partner with each other in the gospel. Be ready to share how you and you're partner will help each other advance the gospel in your own lives and in the world.