Philippians Chapter 1 Summary
Triumph of the believer over suffering and persecution.
Discussion Questions for Philippians, Chapter 1
- Who in your life is praying for you, like Paul prays for the Philippian church? Who are you praying for like this?
- How has God started a good work in you? What do you think your life would look like if it were completed today?
- How can we ensure that our love continues to grow? What does it mean for our love to grow “in knowledge and every kind of discernment” (verse 9, CSB)?
- How did Paul's imprisonment advance the Gospel? What other examples of suffering have advanced the Gospel through history? How can you ensure that your suffering advances the Gospel?
- How can we identify and avoid preachers who preach Christ out of envy and rivalry? Why do these preachers sometimes have large followings?
- If Christ is proclaimed either way, why does it matter if a person preaches from love or from envy? God can use that preacher’s voice to change people’s lives, so what is the problem?
- What do verses 20–21 encourage us to do? How can we honor Christ both in life and in death? Why is death actually gain for Paul?
- Verse 27 encourages believers to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. What are some practical ways we can live out our faith in a manner that honors Christ? What are some things that you have done recently that might have dishonored Christ?
- Paul calls the Philippian church “citizens of heaven” (verse 27, CSB). Why would this have meant something special to the Christians in Philippi? How can we maintain a similar mindset?
- Do you actually suffer for Christ? Why is it important that Christians suffer for Him? How do you suffer for Christ?
Key Words/Phrase
Joyful tribulation, v. 20.
Characters
Christ, Holy Spirit, God, Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus.
Strong Verse(s)
6, 21, 23.
