Our discussion this week begins to dig into the meat of Philippians. Last week consisted of an overview with some background on Paul and the Philippian church. We got to know this church just a little bit, understanding who they are and where they come from. All this will explain some of what Paul is sharing and help us hear his words just as the Philippian church would have heard them. We also read the letter several times in its entirety to hear everything in context.
With that background, we will now get to the heart of Paul’s message to the church. We hear him addressing what must have been their concern for him as he is in prison in Rome. He shares insight into what is foremost on his heart and mind in that place. Right here in chapter 1, we understand why Paul wrote this letter with joy as its theme, even while facing possible execution.
Discussion Focus: The Gospel
This week’s lesson focuses on the gospel – the message of salvation through Christ Jesus. As a leader, you must have a clear understanding of the gospel. In my discussions, I don’t worry so much about differing interpretations of many things so long as the group members can explain it through the scriptures, and often I will even allow “wrong” answers to sit for the sake of time. However, if a gospel issue comes up, it will always be addressed – I will never allow a wrong understanding of the gospel to go unchecked.
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, evidenced by a life growing more and more Christlike. On the cross, Jesus paid the full penalty for our sins, and we have no more debt to pay. Since Jesus was judged on our behalf, we will not face judgment for sin as non-believers do. Instead, we will come before Christ’s throne in judgment for reward and for our faithfulness to Him throughout our lives.
The gospel is our source of rejoicing even in life’s most severe difficulties. It tells us that this life is not the end, that suffering is not eternal for those who are in Christ, and that what is ahead of us is far greater than even the worst that this life brings to us. The gospel is the spotlight of hope in the darkness of this evil world.
See where your group is in terms of their understanding of the gospel. As the spirit leads, incorporate a gospel discussion into the conversation. It is my prayer that your group will leave today’s discussion glowing with joy at what Jesus did for them and the gift that He has given to them and that they will have a renewed passion for living for Him.
Discussion Opening
Lesson 2 Focus: To recognize the gospel as a spring of joy even in our most difficult situations in life.
Always remember to open in prayer.
Read through Philippians 1.
What stood out to you as you read this chapter?
I love opening discussions with an open-ended question like this one. I use questions like this to help gauge how the Lord has spoken to my group. As a leader, you can determine whether to dig into the topics that the group brings up at this point or simply say something like, “That’s a good point—we’re going to be getting to that as we talk today.” Adjust the remainder of your discussion as needed.
Did you have any questions about anything in the study guide?
Again, this is an opportunity to see how the Lord has spoken to group members. Responses to questions like this generally go two ways.
One is that the individual did not understand what the question was asking, which allows you to walk through that question with your group to help clarify.
Other times a person does understand the question but is looking for more information. If it can be answered through the study this week or through the background information from the week before, allow your group to clarify. “Does anyone remember something we studied that could speak to that?” is a good question.
Sometimes, the question will be discussed either in the Deeper sections or the For Further Study section, and you can encourage your group to dig into those extra studies to get a deeper understanding. Simply remember that you are not expected to teach or give additional information beyond what the group studied. Your role is to encourage them in THEIR study. With this in mind, at most, give them a direction to go as they seek answers. You are giving them a leg up, not climbing the wall for them.
Suggested Discussion Questions:
From this point forward, use questions such as these to cover anything that has not yet been brought up. Remember that most of your questions will come from the Wrapping it Up section of the study. This is intentional, as your group has already had an opportunity to think through these questions and will be more ready to give a response.
How would you state the theme of chapter 1 in just a few words?
Occasionally, a few group members will get tripped up by the word “theme” and have flashbacks to English class in school. If needed, reword this as “What is Paul’s main point in chapter 1?” or “What is Paul’s message in chapter 1?” If needed, review the chapter paragraph by paragraph, noting each paragraph’s theme or main point, and then unify these points into a central overall theme. Ultimately, you want the group to notice that the gospel is a recurring idea in this chapter.
What is Paul’s understanding of the gospel?
If needed, bring them to page 27 in their study. You can even walk through the questions on pages 27-28 about the gospel if that would help your group.
How does the gospel show Christ’s affection for us?
This is from pages 29-32 of your study. Ask what they learned about Christ’s affection from the cross-references on page 31. You can encourage your group that they will see this even more as they work through chapter 2 in the next lesson.
What role does the gospel play in your life? How does this compare with what you see in Paul?
My heart in asking this in the Wrapping it Up section is for us to consider how central the gospel is to our day-to-day thinking. Are we motivated by the gospel? Encouraged by the gospel? Is sharing the gospel a priority in our life? Are we walking in the joy that the gospel brings? When we are struggling, do we return to the truths of the gospel as our rock-solid foundation?
This question isn’t designed to shame or make individuals feel as if they are not “serious” enough about their faith. Rather it is to encourage them that the gospel can be a source of deep contentment and strength when we allow it to become a focal point in our lives.
Read Philippians 1:21. What does Paul mean by this statement? How would you fill in the blanks “to live is ____________ and to die is ______________ for your own life?
Your group considered this on page 45 in the Wrapping it Up section. As the Spirit leads and time allows, walk your group through Paul’s logical decision-making process (page 41). As far as the fill-in-the-blank, the purpose of this question is to let your group to evaluate their priorities. “To live is my children, to die is to leave them helpless.” “To live is my work, to die is to no longer be productive.” What are they living for? What would death mean for them? You can follow this up by asking, “What difference would it make to consciously be able to say with Paul, “To live is Christ and to die is gain?”
What references do you see to suffering in this chapter?
This is a more observation-level question. Paul refers to being imprisoned and those who would seek to afflict him in his imprisonment. Suffering takes a central place in verses 27-30, with references to the Philippians experiencing opposition, suffering, and conflict.
How do you normally respond when faced with opposition and suffering? How does Chapter 1 model a gospel-centered response to suffering?
Answers will vary. Some groups will have one or two members who will gladly share their life stories, and so long as it is relevant and you have time, this testimony can yield some rich discussion. Others will be more reserved. If you have a more reserved group, focus on the second part of this question, asking what difference it would make to them to have this kind of response the next time they face a difficult situation.
Be careful not to allow this question to become a counseling session. Some group members may be in the middle of acute suffering. One way to handle a delicate situation such as this is to offer to get together outside of the group discussion for some one-on-one time. Often, those who are in the middle of a period of suffering need a listening ear more than answers and will welcome having you pray for them.
Closing the discussion
At this point, your time may be running out. If you still have time, ask the group one of the “back pocket” questions from this post.
Point out the instructions at the end of the Wrapping it Up questions. Encourage your group to do this as we will return to these notes at the end of the study.
Take prayer requests, but keep them brief. Have them share their requests in one or two sentences.
Close in prayer, either yourself or see if a group member would be willing to close. Do not call on anyone to close in prayer unless you are confident they would be willing to do so.
How did your discussion go?
Let me know how it went! Did the Lord prompt you to ask any additional questions that spurred a great conversation? Do you have any questions about anything in the study? Share your thoughts in the comments to strengthen and encourage one another!
I’m praying for you and rejoicing with you as you shepherd your flock!
Found this post and wondering what study it goes with? Find Again I Say Rejoice: An Inductive Study of Philippians here or on Amazon.com.
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