Philippians 2:1-18

Key Points:

1. Christians must be of one mind and purpose.
2. Humility is the key to unity in the body of Christ and the Church being effective in it’s mission.
3. When the Church is united, it is an effective witness to the lost.

Key Themes:

1. Those in Christ strive to be of one purpose and mind by humbling themselves and caring for one another. (1-4)
2. Followers of Christ will grow in their humility by remembering how Christ humbled Himself by dying for us and how God glorified Christ for His humility. (5-11)
3. Follow Christ in righteous living by fearing God and fulfilling the purpose for which God redeemed you. (12-13)
4. Paul exhorts the Philippians to be united as believers without fault and to hold to the message. (14-16)
5. Paul rejoices in having labored to teach the Philippians about Christ and how to follow Him.  (16-18)

Reflective Discussion Questions

1. What does Paul ask the Philippians to do in vs 1-4?

1. What does vs 3 suggest may be a stumbling block to the unity of the Body of Christ?
2. According to vs 4 what is the cure to pride and self exaltation?
3. How does genuinely caring for the interests of others kill the inclination towards self-elevation?

2. What is so exceptional about Jesus humbling Himself?

1. How does understanding the authority and glory of Jesus sharpen your understanding of His humility?
2. How does the example of Jesus’ humility compare to they way important and powerful people behave?
3. According to vs 9, why does God exalt Jesus?
4. What is the result of Jesus’ exaltation? (11)

3. What does Paul command the Philippians to do in vs 12?  

1. What does it mean “to work out your salvation with fear and trembling?”
2. Who does Paul say is the one that enables Christ followers to “work out their salvation?”(13)

4. How is Paul’s instruction in vs 14-15 connect to His instruction in vs 1-4?

1. Why is it important for the body of Christ to be united according to vs 15?
2. What are the characteristics of a fellowship of believers that are not united?
3. How does the gospel enable Christ followers to be united as one body?

5. Why does Paul rejoice in being a sacrifice for the sake of the faith of the Philippians?

1. Why does Paul tell the Philippians they should be glad and rejoice?
2. What is Paul rejoicing in and instructing the Philippians to also rejoice in?
3. How is Paul’s suffering, and the result of his suffering mirrored in this passage?

Individual Challenge:

Read Philippians 2:1-10 every day this week and reflect on the humility of Christ.  Also take time each day to record your observations about how you can grow in your humility.  Be prepared to share with the group what you've observed about your humility and what you've learned in your scripture meditation.