Philippians Small Group Questions Lesson 3

Joy in Humility (Philippians 2:1-11)

Background Churches are made up of people and where there are people, disagreements can arise. In the church in Philippi, there are two people whose disagreement had gone public - everybody knew about it (see Philippians 4:2). Paul, writing from jail, shows us that true humility leads to unity. As you study this section of scripture, keep in mind that Paul is shackled to a Roman soldier 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He writes,

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. (Philippians 2:1-2, NLT)

1. What encouragement do you have from belonging to Christ? Discuss a time when you experienced the comfort of God’s love.

2. Do you think agreeing wholeheartedly with each other means always having the same ideas and opinions? What do you think it means practically to be one in mind and purpose?

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2:3-4, NLT)

3. Why do you think we often feel such a strong desire to impress others? How does our culture contribute to this attitude of trying to impress?

4. What does Paul suggest we should do to counteract our natural tendency to try to impress others? What can you do to shift your focus toward taking an interest in others?

5. Why is it so difficult to think of others as better than yourself? What are some of the reasons that we struggle to live with such humility?

Background Paul understands that the key to living out the commands mentioned in the first four verses of chapter two is to “have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (Philippians 2:5, NLT). He then goes on to give one of the most powerful passages of scripture in all of the Bible. In the poem that follows in verses 6-11, Paul details the humility that Jesus demonstrated during his earthly ministry as an example for all believers to follow.

Though he was God, h​ e did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. ​ (Philippians 2:6, NLT)

6. Who does Paul start by saying Jesus is? (Also see John 1:1-5.) Reflecting on questions 3 & 4 above, what does this demonstrate to us about Jesus’ attitude?

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:7-8, NLT)

7. How does it make you feel to know that a perfect God, the King of kings, willingly chose to take the position of a slave? How did Jesus demonstrate his position as a servant during his earthly ministry and death?

8. What are some of the divine privileges Jesus temporarily gave up during his earthly ministry? Jesus demonstrated his humility by his obedience. How does obedience to God demonstrate our humility as well?

9. What are some practical things we can do that demonstrate an attitude of sincere humility?

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11, NLT)

10. Read Matthew 23:12. How do we see the principle that Jesus taught there play out in this passage? Discuss a time when you humbled yourself and how it made you feel.

Take Away Jesus demonstrated perfect humility which we are to emulate in our relationship with God and with others.