Philippians Study Lesson 2 – United!

Listen to Max Lucado as he writes about Philippians: “This is the apostle Paul. The tireless church planter who has traveled all over the world. The preacher who has liberated people in every port. The servant of God bound only by the will of God is now in chains – stuck in a dingy house – attached to a Roman officer. Surely this is a fellow who has every reason to be in a slump! He is restricted by walls. He is afflicted by friends (1:15). He is conflicted by danger (1:21). Look closely. He appears to be writing a letter. No doubt it is a complaint letter to God. No doubt it is a list of grievances. No doubt he is writing the version of Lamentations. He has every reason to be bitter and to complain. But he isn’t, and he doesn’t. Instead, he writes a letter that two thousand years later is still known as a treatise on contentment. Who couldn’t use a guide to joy in this world? Let’s follow Paul as he guides us down the trail to unearthly joy and otherworldly peace.”

Read : 1 – 11

1. Paul saw himself, first, as a slave to Christ . Let’s look further into the word doulos – translated: servant, slave, bond-servant. Read the following passages and see what insight you gain into the word. a. Matthew 8:9

b. Mark 10: 43 - 44

c. John 8:34

d. Romans 6:19

2. Paul writes to the “saints” in . Remember, that word is the Greek word, hagios. In the following passages, the same word is used. See what you learn. See what they say about you. Meaning? “Set apart for a different purpose than other men/women.” a. Romans 1:7

b. 1 Corinthians 1:2

c. 1 Peter 1: 15 – 16

d. 1 Thessalonians 3:13

e. How do you feel reading these scriptures? Nowhere is this word used to indicate perfection – so set the guilt down! You have a different purpose. Spend some time in prayer right now to speak with God about that purpose. How can you live it out in your own circumstances? What does it look like in your skin and in your life?

3. After thinking about yourself in light of the word, hagios, this is a good time to focus attention on verse 6!  What is Paul sure of?  What is the basis for the confidence?  Put yourself in that verse – hear Paul’s confidence – it will happen!

4. Gratitude for the Philippians’ partnership leads Paul to the prayer of 1: 9 – 11. What does he ask God for: a. (verse 9)

b. So that (verse 10)

c. And so that (verse 10)

d. And so that (verse 11)

e. For the ultimate goal of (verse 11)

5. What can we learn from 1: 3 – 11 about how to pray for each other?

We began with a quote from Max Lucado, let’s end with one as well:

“Paul prayed constantly. He prayed with faith. And, he assured them of his spiritual support. The result was a contagious joy, for them and for him. Prayer proves the psalmist’s claim, ‘Being with You will fill me with joy’ (Psalm 16:11)”

Recommitment: to be faithful partners in prayer