Introduction

Thank you for joining me in this new study on Paul’s letter to the Philippian Christians. I look forward to what we will learn together. As we delve into Paul’s words, it is my prayer that we find ourselves drawn closer to the heart of God and inspired to live out our faith with renewed vigor.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians opens with a greeting that, at first glance, might seem unremarkable. Yet, as we examine it closely, we find it brimming with theological significance. “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:1-2). Here, Paul identifies himself and Timothy not as apostles or leaders, but as “servants of Christ Jesus.” The Greek word used here, doulos, carries the weight of complete submission and dedication. It’s a reminder that no matter our role in the church, we’re first and foremost servants of our Lord.

This humble self-identification sets the tone for the entire letter. As C.S. Lewis once wrote in The Weight of Glory, “The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor’s glory should be laid daily on my back.” Paul exemplifies this Christ-like humility, bearing the burden of the Philippians’ spiritual growth even as he sits in chains. It’s a powerful image that challenges us to consider: How do we view our own roles in the body of Christ? Are we serving with the same selfless dedication that Paul demonstrates?

As we move into verses 3-6, we encounter a beautiful expression of thanksgiving and partnership. Paul writes, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5). The word “partnership” here is koinonia in Greek, a term rich with meaning. It speaks of a deep, abiding fellowship that goes beyond mere association. This partnership in the gospel is not just about shared beliefs, but shared lives, shared struggles, and shared victories.

It's worth noting that Paul is writing these words from a Roman prison. Yet his circumstances don’t dampen his joy or gratitude. Instead, they seem to heighten his appreciation for the Philippians’ faithful partnership. As G.K. Chesterton once quipped, “Joy, which was the small publicity of the pagan, is the gigantic secret of the Christian.” Paul’s joy in the face of adversity is indeed a gigantic secret, one that speaks volumes about the transformative power of the gospel.

This partnership in the gospel that Paul celebrates is not static but dynamic. In verse 6, he expresses confidence that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). This verse has been a source of comfort and encouragement for believers throughout the ages. It reminds us that our spiritual growth is not solely dependent on our own efforts, but is ultimately God’s work in us. As the Methodist hymn writer Charles Wesley penned, “Finish, then, Thy new creation; Pure and spotless let us be.” We are God’s new creation, his workmanship, and God is faithful to complete what he’s begun.

Moving to verses 7-8, we see Paul’s deep affection for the Philippians. He holds them in his heart, considering them partners in God’s grace, both in his imprisonment and in his defense and confirmation of the gospel. This brings us to an important theme: contending for the gospel. Paul’s life was dedicated to this cause, and he saw the Philippians as his co-laborers in this vital task.

But what does it mean for us today to contend for the gospel? It’s certainly not about engaging in fruitless arguments or displaying an antagonistic attitude towards those who disagree with us. Rather, it’s about living out the truth of the gospel in our daily lives, being ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, as Peter encourages in his first epistle. It’s about embodying the love and grace of Christ in our interactions with others, and standing firm in the truth of God’s Word in a world that often rejects it. The truth of the gospel is not a dry, academic exercise, but a living, breathing reality that should shape every sphere of our lives.

Finally, we come to one of my favorite sections in Paul’s letter, his prayer in verses 9-11, a passage that pulses with pastoral concern and spiritual insight. “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11).

This prayer is a masterpiece of spiritual aspiration. Paul doesn’t simply pray for the Philippians’ love to increase, but for it to increase in knowledge and discernment. This is crucial. In our day, love is often reduced to mere sentiment or feeling. But biblical love, the kind of love Paul is praying for, is grounded in truth and wisdom. It’s a love that can distinguish between right and wrong, between the excellent and the merely good.

The goal of this discerning love is purity and blamelessness “for the day of Christ.” This eschatological focus reminds us that our present choices and growth have eternal significance. We’re not just living for the here and now, but for the day when we will stand before Christ. This sobering reality should inform our daily decisions and priorities.

Yet, lest we fall into the trap of legalism or self-righteousness, Paul reminds us that the “fruit of righteousness” comes “through Jesus Christ.” Our growth, our discernment, our purity – all of these are ultimately the result of Christ’s work in us. And the end goal of it all? “The glory and praise of God.”

As we reflect on these rich verses, may we, like Paul, cultivate a heart of gratitude for our partners in the gospel. May we contend for the truth with love and grace. And may we continually pray for an increase in love, knowledge, and discernment, always keeping our eyes fixed on the day of Christ.

Key Principles

1.      Christian partnership transcends mere association, involving shared lives, struggles, and victories in the gospel. This partnership, exemplified by Paul and the Philippians, calls us to deeper commitment and mutual support in our faith journey.

2.      Contending for the gospel in today’s world involves living out its truth in our daily lives, being ready to articulate our hope, and standing firm in God’s Word. It’s not about winning arguments, but about embodying Christ’s love and grace in all our interactions.

3.      Genuine Christian love is inseparable from knowledge and discernment. As we grow in Christ, we should pray for and cultivate a love that is grounded in truth, capable of distinguishing excellence, and aimed at glorifying God.

Bible Study Questions

1. In Philippians 1:1, Paul refers to himself and Timothy as “servants of Christ Jesus.” How does this self-identification set the tone for the letter, and what does it teach us about Christian leadership?

2. Philippians 1:5 speaks of “partnership in the gospel.” What does this partnership entail, and how can we cultivate such partnerships in our church communities today?

3. How does Paul’s expression of confidence in Philippians 1:6 relate to the doctrine of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation and sanctification?

4. In Philippians 1:7, Paul mentions his “defense and confirmation of the gospel.” What might this have involved in Paul’s context, and how can we apply this concept in our own setting?

5. Examine Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-11. How does Paul connect love with knowledge and discernment? Why is this connection important?

6. What does Paul mean by “approve what is excellent” in Philippians 1:10? How does this relate to Christian maturity?

7. In Philippians 1:11, Paul speaks of being “filled with the fruit of righteousness.” How does this relate to Jesus’ teaching in John 15 about abiding in him?

8. Throughout this passage, Paul expresses joy despite his imprisonment. How does this reflect his understanding of the gospel and its implications?

9. In Philippians 1:10, Paul mentions being “pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” How does this eschatological focus shape our understanding of Christian living?

10. How does Paul’s prayer in verses 9-11 reflect his pastoral heart and his understanding of spiritual growth? How can this prayer guide our own prayers for fellow believers?

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced true partnership in the gospel. How did it impact your walk with Christ?

2. In what ways do you find it challenging to be a “servant of Christ Jesus” in your daily life? How can you cultivate a servant’s heart?

3. How does the assurance that God will complete the good work he began in you affect your approach to spiritual growth and challenges?

4. What does “contending for the gospel” look like in your life? Are there areas where you need to be more bold or more gracious?

5. How can you cultivate a love that abounds in knowledge and discernment? What practices or habits might help in this regard?

6. Reflect on the phrase “approve what is excellent.” In what areas of your life do you need greater discernment to distinguish between good and excellent?

7. How does the prospect of the “day of Christ” influence your daily decisions and priorities?

8. In what ways can you cultivate joy in the midst of difficult circumstances, following Paul’s example?

9. How can Paul’s prayer for the Philippians shape your prayers for yourself and others in your church family?

10. Reflect on the “fruit of righteousness” in your life. Where do you see evidence of this fruit, and where do you desire to see more growth?

Action Steps

1. Choose a fellow disciple of Christ or group of disciples and commit to praying for each other daily for the next week, using Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 as a guide. Keep a journal of your prayers and any insights or changes you notice.

2. Select a current issue or decision you’re facing. Spend time this week studying relevant Scripture, seeking godly counsel, and praying for discernment. At the end of the week, write down how your understanding has grown and what you believe is the excellent path forward.

3. Identify one area in your life (work, family, community) where you can more actively share or demonstrate the truth of the gospel this week. This might involve initiating a conversation, serving someone in need, or standing firm on a biblical principle. Reflect on this experience and share it with a trusted friend or small group.

Thanks again for joining me in this study of Philippians 1:1-11. I pray that it’s encouraged you and spurred you on to greater love, knowledge, and discernment in your walk with Christ. If you’ve found it helpful, I encourage you to share it with others who might benefit. Consider subscribing to receive future studies, and invite your friends and family to do the same. Together, let’s continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, you can find additional materials not included in our email updates by visiting our Walking Points page. May God bless you as you seek to cultivate the mind of Christ in your daily walk.