PHILIPPIANS – SHORT but NEEDED BIBLE STUDY!!

1. Greeting and Prayer (Phil. 1:1–11)

i. Who is this salutation from? (Phil. 1:1–2)
ii. Who began the good work in us? (Phil.1:6)
iii. When will this good work be completed?
iv. What does Paul mention in this prayer? (Phil. 1:3–11)

2. Paul’s Reflections on His Imprisonment (Phil. 1:12–30)

i. What has Paul’s imprisonment done for the gospel? (Phil. 1:12–
18)
ii. What do you think Paul means when he says, “For me to live is
Christ”? (Phil. 1:19–26)
iii. What does Paul say that we must do to see the gospel being
preached? (Phil. 1:27–30)

1. Exhortation to Humble Service (Phil. 2:1–30)

i. What does Paul say that we must do to remain in unity? (Phil. 2:1–
4)
ii. Write down what our Lord Jesus Christ did as an example of
humble service (Phil. 2:5–11)
iii. How should we guard our salvation? (Phil. 2:12–18)
iv. Who are the two people mentioned as examples of selfless
servants by Paul? (Phil. 2:19–30)

i. Opponents of the Gospel: Where Does Righteousness Come From? (Phil.

3:1–21)
i. Who does Paul say believers are? (Phil. 3:2–3)
ii. How does Paul regard himself compared to knowing Christ?
(Phil. 3:4–11)
iii. What does he say he will do? (Phil. 3:12–16)
iv. Are there things you need to leave behind?

ii. Concluding Exhortations and Thanksgiving (Phil. 4:1–23)

1. What does Paul exhort believers to do at all times? (Phil. 4:4–9)
2. What are the key components in prayer? (Phil. 4:6-8)
3. In whose strength are we to rely on? (Phil.4:13)
 Additional Reading – Really Useful!
The two themes of Philippians are encouragement and joy: Paul wants to encourage the
Philippians to live out their lives as citizens of a heavenly colony, as evidenced by a growing
commitment to service to God and to one another. The way of life that Paul encourages
was manifested uniquely in Jesus Christ; it was also evident in the lives of Paul, Timothy,
and Epaphroditus. The theme of joy is highlighted throughout the epistle as Paul keeps
emphasising that we must rejoice in all circumstances because Christ is in control.
1. Christians need to keep making progress in their lives.
Philippians 1:12, 25; 3:12–16

2. A proper spiritual outlook is critical for progress in the faith.

Philippians 1:5–11; 2:1–11; 3:7, 15; 4:7–9

3. Christ is the supreme example of loving and faithful service to God, and mature
Christians can also serve as role models in this regard.
Philippians 1:12–26; 2:5–11, 19–30; 3:3–17; 4:9

4. Suffering will come, but through faith it can be met with joy.
Philippians 1:12–26; 2:14–15; 4:4, 11–13, 19

5. Prayer is crucial for maintaining a joyful Christian life.

Philippians 1:3–11; 4:5–7

6. The gospel is not individualistic: Christians are to share in rich fellowship with one
another, and to be united together in service to promote the gospel.
Philippians 1:4, 7, 24–27; 2:1–4, 19–30; 4:2–4, 14

7. The old covenant and observance of the law cannot provide the necessary right
standing with God. Believers can be saved only through faith in Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:2–10

8. Jesus is fully God and fully man. Because of his suffering on the cross, he is now
exalted as Lord and Christ.
Philippians 2:5–11