Phillipians Bs Leaders Guide

LO G O S

Philippians Leader’s Guide A n

O v e r v i e w

THE BIG IDEA:

In this study you will trace some of the major themes of Philippians. In Chapter 1 you will discover PaulÕs heart for his disciples, for the gospel, and for Christ. You will explore PaulÕs call to unity in Chapter 2 and see how humility leads to unity and draws unbelievers to the gospel. The challenge to know Christ experientially is the theme of Chapter 3. Finally, you will examine the commands and promises of Chapter 4, in which Paul exhorts the Philippians to walk in maturity.

Leader’s Preparation This book study encourages your group to study the chapter before coming to your group. It’s OK to stretch them a little, but don’t overwhelm them with work. The goal is to help them personally discover some of the great truths of God’s Word. Study each chapter and lesson far in advance making note of ideas to give your group for their personal study (note: also read and study Acts 16 for additional background information). For example, encourage

DESIRED LIFE CHANGE:

As a result of this study, your students should begin pursuing a heart like Paul and recognize personal humility as the key to unity. TheyÕll see a renewed desire to know Christ and live out the commands and promises Paul shares at the end of his letter to the Philippians.

them to find the major themes in Chapter 1 and write a summary of their implications. In Chapter 2 have them underline the key words, look up dictionary definitions and think through the significance of each word in the context of the passage. In Chapter 3 they could explore and summarize the major themes. In Chapter 4 have them

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AUDIENCE:

This study is written for growing Christians who are ready to become self-feeders from GodÕs Word. Studying each chapter beforehand will help make this happen.

find one or two key verses to share with the group. Emphasize life-change, not just gaining knowledge about the Bible. You want your group to discover the truth Jesus expressed in the Sermon on the Mount,

WHY THIS STUDY IS IMPORTANT:

Studying an entire book of the Bible helps you see the overall message of the book and how the themes relate to one another. This gets you inside the heart and mind of the writer, helps you understand the context of each theme, and capture some of the history, setting and background of key passages. The goal is to help students establish habits and skills for a lifetime of meaningful personal study of GodÕs Word.

Acknowledgments:

”These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock.“ (The Message, Eugene Peterson, Navpress)

Primary Authors: Barry and Dee Dee Rush. Other Contributors: Dave Carlson, Judy Clark, Su Hecht, Damon Barnes, Lori Maynard, Dennis Brockman, Ned Williams, Jarvis Davis, Annika Reigert, Kevin Scoleri, Greg Kriefall. Design: Thompson & Thompson Graphic Design.

The Big Idea: Philippians Study One This opening chapter gives us an inside look at the heart of the apostle Paul. Studying his life gives us a model of a vibrant walk with God. PaulÕs heart for his disciples forms the motivation for success in discipling others. Your group can catch this same vision and heart for people. You want them to show love, care and concern for their disciples. You want them to get excited about helping their own disciples grow, serve and make an impact in their world. Show them PaulÕs heart as their model. Show them PaulÕs heart for the gospel and his compassion for those who donÕt know Christ. Your group is at different points in their relationships with Christ. Therefore, they will respond to the challenge of this Philippians study in different ways. PaulÕs life purpose was to know Christ in a deeper and more intimate way. But your group members will be captivated by insights related to their situation and apply truths according to where they are in the growth process. You canÕt make them grow, but you can help them listen to God, step out in faith, and act on the Word.

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The Big Idea: Philippians Study Two

Unity is the central theme here. In Philippians 1:27 Paul introduces the topic of unity by connecting it to his previous words which demonstrated his heart for the gospel. He urges them to Òconduct (themselves) in a manner worthy of the gospelÓ by Òstanding firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.Ó He then gives several characteristics of unityÐÐbeing of the Òsame mind, same love, and intent on one purpose.Ó Next, Paul points out that humility is the crucial ingredient that will bring a group of believers to a point of unity (2:3,4). Finally, he puts power in his message of humility by giving four examplesÐÐJesus emptied himself by becoming a bondservant, Paul was poured out as a drink offering, Timothy was the only one who was Ògenuinely concerned for (their) welfareÓ (2:20,21), and Epaphroditus ministered to Paul and came close to death to help the Philippians (2:25,30).

This study demonstrates that the conduct of believers affects their ability to communicate the gospel with authenticity. Those who are quarreling or are unconcerned about the needs of othersÐboth believers and unbelieversÐare poor messengers of the gospel. Their message lacks power because of the hypocrisy observed in their lives. Note that the cycling illustration shows the benefits of unity and the importance of humility even in a secular setting. How much more significant is unity and humility among a group of believers who want to reach others with the gospel? In the closing example of ÒJohn,Ó you will explore the far-reaching impact of love and humility in action. This study should encourage your students to embrace the need for unity and humility in such a way that those on the outside will be drawn by the love of Christ found in the community of believers .

The Big Idea: Philippians Study Three After reviewing Chapter 2, this study begins with a discussion about rejoicing. Your students will be asked to think through why ISBN 1-885702-36-1

©1996 WSN Press; Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc.

OUTLINE

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PHILIPPIANS

I. A PERSPECTIVE FROM PRISON 1:1-26 A. Paul’s Heart for His Disciples 1:1-11 B. Paul’s Heart for the Gospel 1:12-19 C. Paul’s Heart for Christ 1:20-26 II. A CALL TO UNITY 1:27-2:30 A. Unity is the Proper Conduct for the Gospel 1:27-30 B. Unity Involves Mind, Emotion, and Will 2:1,2 C. Unity is Attained by Humility 2:3,4 D. Humility: The Example of Christ 2:5-11 E. Humility: The Example of Paul 2:17,18 F. Humility: The Example of Timothy 2:19-24 G. Humility: The Example of Epaphroditus 2:25-30 III. A CHALLENGE TO KNOW CHRIST 3:1-21 A. Exhortation to Not Put Confidence in the Flesh 3:1-9 B. Encouragement to Know Christ 3:10-16 C. Exhortation Against Living for Earthly Things 3:17-21 IV. A LOOK AT PEACE AND PROMISES 4:1-23 A. Peace with One Another 4:1-3 B. Peace with the Lord 4:4-9 C. Peace and Promises in Difficult Circumstances 4:10-19 D. Final Greetings 4:20-23

Christians can rejoice in difficult, seemingly hopeless situations. The flow of this chapter follows three other major themes. YouÕll explore the dangers of putting confidence in the flesh and examine PaulÕs zealous commitment to put Òknowing ChristÓ as top priority in his life. Finally, you will observe and discuss what it means to Òpress onÓ in the Christian life. Your students should walk away from this study with a proper perspective on putting confidence in God, rather than in the flesh. TheyÕll be challenged to take steps to help them make knowing Christ a top priority. Finally, they will see that a conviction to Òpress onÓ is essential for pursuing all of the above.

The Big Idea: Philippians Study Four In rapid fire succession, Paul issues two commands in the final chapter of his letter. He wants the Philippians to change attitudes, change actions, and change their perspective of the power of God to meet their needs. Paul is intent on helping them through the crisis of conflict in the church and is confident they will grow to maturity as they trust in God through lifeÕs crises. YouÕll find that promises form the ÒfoundationÓ (see diagram of building with foundation) for the kind of life-change Paul feels the Philippians need. The commands related to personal growth and maturity (see SELF in diagram) call the Philippians to grow in some areas that will help them make an impact on the lives of others (see OTHERS in diagram). That is, someone who is Òstanding firmÓ and ÒrejoicingÓ has the capacity to Òlive in harmonyÓ and Òhelp others live in harmony.Ó Though harmony is not the central theme, it is an excellent jumping off point in light of the lack of unity in the Philippian church observed in Chapter 2. 741-055S Distributed by Integrated Resources 1-800-729-4351