Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Yep, it’s Tuesday and that means Bible Study and we’re in Philippians now. And yes, Paul starts that letter with those words to.
I’m glad you’re here. This is a joyful letter and my prayers are that we will see and experience it as we study. So much of what God has for us can be experienced in this life and in experiencing it draw us ever closer to Him.
Let’s pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for leading us to this book and being with us every moment of the day. Thank You for the time to study and the words we’re about to read. Thank You, for being over everything for us and having such wonderful plans for us. So, Lord, I ask You to lead us in this study and help us not just read it but know the joy we can have in learning more about You. In Your name, I pray. Amen
Start with Reading Philippians 1:1-3
What distinction is there in the addressees of this letter? Just in the first phrase, not after ‘together’.
How often do you live your days in Christ? And when you do, do you think of His holiness covering you? Maybe days is too long, minutes or moments of in Christ, meaning focused on Him.
What does ‘To God’s holy people in Christ Jesus’ make you feel?
Read Philippians 1:4-6
Why does he always remember them with joy?
Read Philippians 1:7-8
The affection of Jesus Christ. Have you ever thought about that?
Read Philippians 1:9-11
Turn those verses into a prayer for you and your loved ones.
Let me show you another one Paul prays:
Ephesians 3:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Specifically the power to grasp how high and deep, wide and long is the love of Christ. To know experientially His love.
Read Philippians 1:12-14
Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospe
May we all be fearless and confident and so bold to proclaim our faith too.
Read Philippians 1:15-18a
The important thing is that?
Read Philippians 1:18b-19
Through your prayers… yes, your prayers matter a whole lot more than you think they do. They are the most important thing, most often, that we can do for others.
Read Philippians 1:20-26
That is a focus. To live is Christ. To live in Christ and let Him have free reign in your life over every facet of it requires faith and focus. And it’s completely true, ‘to die is gain’. Because if you have and are in Christ here while you’re living, you’re assured to be with Him forever and ever. Death is a doorway more than anything else. If you’re in Christ, there is part of You already in heaven with Him.
“I will continue with all of you for your…” write out that sentence. What part of it sticks out most to you? Two parts do to me, “Joy in the faith” and “your boasting in Christ Jesus.” Whatever sticks out to you, make it evident in what you write out.
Read Philippians 1:27-30
Life Worthy of the Gospel
Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Stand firm in the Spirit. Strive together for the faith. Do not be frightened, you will be saved.
This is a joyful and full of love book and it’s such a joy to be studying it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.
Chapter two will be here next week. Keep your focus on Christ. Work your faith. Experience His love, because You are loved.
Thank You, Jesus, for these wonderful words, this beautiful letter, the strengthening You do through our study. I praise You and give You all the glory. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Thanks so much Tammani