Philippians 2:19-23

19I want to be encouraged by news about you. So I hope the Lord Jesus will soon let me send Timothy to you. 20I don’t have anyone else who cares about you as much as he does. 21The others think only about what interests them and not about what concerns Christ Jesus. 22But you know what kind of person Timothy is. He has worked with me like a son in spreading the good news. 23I hope to send him to you, as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me.

~~~

Timothy was a true servant. He wanted what was good for Christ, not what was good for him. He willingly served with Paul, as a son with his father. He submitted to Paul’s teaching. Paul and Timothy worked together to spread the good news about Jesus.

Paul had confidence that Timothy would honestly minister God’s word in Philippi. Therefore Paul would be cheered by Timothy’s report.

As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ our first concern should be to help God. We have a Master who no longer calls us servant, but friend because He has told us everything that the Father taught Him. Servants don’t know what the master is doing, but friends know the secrets of the Master. When we serve Christ as a child with his Father, we do what Christ wants, not what we want.

Servant, friend, child. Each title reflects what God does for us. As Servant, he shows us the way when we don’t understand. As Friend, He reveals his secrets so we can work for him and he can provide for us. As His child we learn to live in the inheritance we receive as we serve at the Lord’s side.

~~~

In what ways do you see yourself as a servant of Christ?

As friend?

As child?

What are your interests? How can you use these to work for Christ?

Philippians 2:3-11

Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. 4Care about them as much as you care about yourselves 5and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought: 6Christ was truly God.

But he did not try to remain equal with God.

7Instead he gave up everything and became a slave,

when he became

like one of us.

8Christ was humble.

He obeyed God

and even died

on a cross.

9Then God gave Christ

the highest place

and honored his name

above all others.

10So at the name of Jesus

everyone will bow down,

those in heaven, on earth,

and under the earth.

11And to the glory

of God the Father

everyone will openly agree,

“Jesus Christ is Lord!”

~~~

We should not assume that we’re right or that our needs are the most important. Instead humbly consider others – think about them as more important than yourself. Focus on what others want. Think like Christ who was fully human even though he was also fully God.

Christ was willing to obey his Father in anything. He had to make a way to the Father. So He humbled Himself before the Father and didn’t think about His own comforts. All He wanted was to please the Father. When things became very difficult, He asked whether there might be another way. But, He trusted the Father and was willing to do what must be done.

~~~

What would it be like if you gave everything to God?

What if you completely surrendered to God’s will?
Do you obey when obedience brings pain?

What does Paul teach us about how to be humble?

Philippians 3:10-11

All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life.

In the flesh there is no hope. We die and become dust. Paul, in the body, saw the One who rose from the dead. It was Jesus who made it possible for Paul to be lifted from the dead morally and spiritually – even while in the body. His physical body would someday die, but his soul would live on eternally. His soul had been condemned to death, but now there was new life.

Paul’s desire was that he would continually be changed in the spirit into Christ’s likeness. Everyday he died to himself, so he could know Christ. This was the only way he could experience new life.

We have the same human nature that struggles with what what is right. In our mind we are committed to God’s law, but we still sin. Like Paul we must put to death our desires. Daily we must crucify the flesh and live to Christ. It is a daily decision to choose good. Sometimes we’ll successfully do what we’ve chosen, other times we’ll fail. But each failure can teach us to draw closer to God. And with each success another part of our sinful nature dies. The Spirit within us has triumphed once again!

1. What are some things I don’t want to do, but do any way?

2. What are the successes that I’ve had in choosing the good that I should do?

3. What is an example of suffering that resulted in my putting away my own desires and bringing about God’s desire?

4. How does suffering help me to put to death my own desires?

Before you begin, read: Philippians 1:27, 28

. Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.
. Be brave when you face your enemies. Your courage will show them that they are going to be destroyed, and it will show you that you will be saved. God will make all of this happen,

~~~

. Paul endured persecution with humility. He began his letter by saying he was a servant. As one willing to serve others, Paul was willing to serve as an example of suffering with a humble heart.

. Suffering was not Paul’s focus because he chose joy rather than fear. Paul rejoiced because Christ was preached to so many people.

. While others were concerned about Paul’s imprisonment might be, Paul was concerned about his spiritual health. He knew that circumstances could turn out for spiritual deliverance. Nothing could take away Paul’s dream of seeing God’s will worked out in the lives of others.

. Fear was defeated not only in Paul’s life, but also in the lives of others. Because of him the brothers in the Lord were encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. Continual rejoicing had triumphed.

1. Why were we called to suffer?

2. Our present sufferings can not be compared to what?

3. How was suffering in my life used for God’s glory?

4. When I think of past suffering, do I think more of the suffering or the way in which God worked through the circumstances?

5. What should my attitude be when I suffer?

Philippians 1:12-24
Whether I live or die, I always want to be as brave as I am now and bring honor to Christ.

21If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more. 22I don’t know what to choose. I could keep on living and doing something useful. 23It is a hard choice to make. I want to die and be with Christ, because that would be much better. 24-25But I know that all of you still need me. That’s why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy in your faith.

There’s something about suffering that gives fresh confidence in the Lord. A boldness to proclaim Christ comes out of injustice or tragedy. Others notice Christ in us.

The struggle the Philippians endured was very real to Paul. Only Paul’s Roman citizenship kept him safe in Philippi. The Philippian saints might be discouraged, but God’s grace was greater. They were encouraged to let God’s grace into their lives by focusing on joy, the gospel of Christ and the Light.

1. In what way would suffering advance the gospel?

2. Have I ever felt put down because of my faith in the gospel?

3. Have I remained silent when I felt that others would disapprove of my message? In what way could I have used that message to tell the good news about Jesus?

4:2-5 Euodia and Syntyche, you belong to the Lord, so I beg you to stop arguing with each other. And, my true partner, I ask you to help them. These women have worked together with me and with Clement and with the others in spreading the good news. Their names are now written in the book of life. Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here.

Although the Philippians have strong church, they still have arguments. Some people don’t get along (be friends) with each other.

With God’s and the power of the Holy Spirit they can learn to live in harmony with one another. If they can’t get along they might not have success. Paul’s will be very joyful if they can work well together.

God’s people give joy when they are faithful to the truth. Our leaders have joy when we live the truths they teach. Their work is much more enjoyable when we obey them.

1. How does God give joy?

2. Why should we share joy?

3. How can I give joy to people?

4. Who is someone specific I can encourage? Who can I give joy to? How?

Philippians 2:17, 18
Your faith in the Lord and your service are like a sacrifice offered to him. And my own blood may have to be poured out with the sacrifice. If this happens, I will be glad and rejoice with you. In the same way, you should be glad and rejoice with me.

Will you choose the easy way or the right way? “By what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity” (I Timothy 4:12) pursue the right way. Many people want to show you another way, but there is “a much better way” (I Corinthians 12:31).

“These three remain faith hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13

Anything done without love has no meaning. A pure heart reacts in love. We can always choose to act in love, but automatic reactions comes from what’s in the heart. A heart filled with affection always gives love. How can we fill our hearts with love?

“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails! (I Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV)”

That kind of love comes from God’s spirit. It is from the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. “Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8). God’s love works through you. Then you will have an enduring affection. This love keeps on giving without judging or expecting anything. Looking for the right way produces saving love.
Sometimes this requires sacrifice. However, the joy that comes from seeing God work makes the sacrifice worthwhile.

1. Why should we rejoice in suffering?

2. How do we become more like Jesus?

The Philippians service to the Lord was a sacrifice given through faith. It was possible that Paul might die. Yet, not even death sentence would kill his joy. Paul taught the Philippians to rejoice in God’s plan. God would make good out of whatever situation. God had not forgotten them. He would finish the work he had started in them.

3. When have you shown love when it would have been easier not to?

4. What and how can I sacrifice for God (time, money, commitment, emotion)?

Philippians 1
18But that doesn’t matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. That is what makes me glad [joyful].

I will keep on being glad [joyful],

…25But I know that all of you still need me. That’s why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy [joyful] in your faith. 26Then, when I visit you again, you will have good reason to take great pride [joy] in Christ Jesus because of me.

3:1 Finally, my dear friends, be glad that you belong to the Lord. It doesn’t bother me to write the same things to you that I have written before. In fact, it is for your own good.

Joy is the “what”. Grace is the “how”. By grace we can have the joy Paul experienced. God reminded Paul that grace is enough. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Christ’s grace would always strengthen him. Joy would be the result.
God’s joy, deep joy, keeps us strong. We see God’s strength when He carries us to a place where joy is possible. So, our weakness brings us joy in His presence.
Through grace we are lifted from our humble position and to the mountaintop of God’s glory.

1. Why should we rejoice?

Paul encouraged the Philippians to rejoice in God. Doing what God wants is reason enough to rejoice. Joy comes from being in Christ Jesus not from the situation.

The Philippians needed to remember that circumstances should not decide one’s joyfulness. They were worried about Paul’s situation and disagreement in their church. But Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord!”
God’s presence gives us good reason to be rejoice in our salvation. Joy becomes thanksgiving when we think about what God has done. Jesus has prepared us to do His will and helps us to do it. There is always reason to rejoice in what God is doing. God has given us more than we need. Let us rejoice!

2. What happens when the joy of our salvation is restored?

3. What gives joy?

4. What does joy do?

5. When have you let God’s strength make you strong in a difficult situation? How did God give you joy at that time?

Read Philippians 1:3-5, 9-11
3Every time I think of you, I thank my God. 4And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy. 5This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.
9I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand 10how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, 11Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

1. Why did Paul pray with joy for the Philippians? Philippians 1:3-5

2. How often does Paul pray with joy? Philippians 1:3-5

_ _ _ prays that _ _ _’s love will keep on growing and that _ _ _ will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then _ _ _ will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, Jesus Christ will keep _ _ _ busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

The Philippians helped Paul spread the gospel. This made him joyful. Immediately, when they learned about Jesus, they joined Paul in the work of Christ. As Paul prays for them, he remembers the good times they shared together – their faithfulness and perseverance. Paul experienced a deep joy because the Philippians obeyed the voice of God. Paul could be confident they would do what was right and necessary.

Paul rejoiced because the Philippians’ names were written in heaven. But the Philippians wanted more. They wanted to show how much they loved God through their daily lives. Paul knew this and taught them everything he had learned. The Philippians eagerly learned God’s truths. Paul enjoyed watching them faithfully apply God’s Word to minister to others.

People who pray for us also rejoice as we obey God’s Word. Their prayers teach us the correct way to behave and to understand God (II Timothy 3:16). Then we are ready for every good work. People expect us to do things for God instead of for ourselves. Joyful memories created with other Christians help us to forget envy and rivalry.

1. Do you feel joy when you pray for others? Why?

2. Please share a joyful memory you have of serving God with other Christians.

3. How can you make the people who pray for you more joyful?

Before you begin read: Philippians 4:6-8

Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.

Review that verse again to yourself. This time, say your name.

_ _ _, Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With a thankful heart offer up _ _ _’s prayers and requests to God. Then, because _ _ _ belongs to Christ Jesus, God will bless _ _ _ with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way _ _ _ thinks and feels.

Here is the secret to knowing peace in difficult times. Two words make the difference – “with thanksgiving” When we thank God, we begin to believe even more that he always gives us everything we need. Paul knew that it is hard for a thankful heart to worry about things beyond its control.

We can be especially thankful because God already gave the greatest gift: His Son to forgive our sins. We don’t have to follow the Law of Moses or worry that we aren’t doing enough. Instead, we can be sure that faith in Jesus is enough. We can come boldly before God’s throne and ask anything to the God who made the world.

Peace comes when we are thankful. God promises that He will take fear from our hearts and make us content with what we have. Isn’t this an amazing kind of peace?!

God always invites us to Him all of our worries. However, an ungrateful heart may quickly forget that God wants to hear its troubles. When we forget what God has done in the past, we forget how much God also wants to take care of our current problem. So when you find yourself worrying, begin to count your blessings. Soon you will be thanking God not only for things in the past, but for the future as well.

Thankfulness helps us think about friendly and proper things. Complaining does not. Complaining makes us think about our weakness instead of God’s strength. Paul teaches us to be happy by praying and thinking about good things.

Why should we be thankful for salvation?

How can an attitude of thanksgiving keep me from worrying?

How can I practice thankfulness this week?

How do our thoughts change what we ask God for?

Do you think an attitude of thanksgiving helps us think about things that are friendly and proper? Why or why not?