Philippians 1: 1-11
- What does Paul do when he remembers the Philippians?
- What do the Philippians share with Paul?
- What does Paul pray for the Philippians?
- How is Paul’s desire for spiritual growth expressed in this passage?
- What is your next goal in spritual growth?
Love is not just a feeling that comes and goes as it wills. Through prayer, we grow in ‘knowledge and depth of insight.’ Reading the Bible regularly gives us something new to love about God. We understand a new truth; we dig a little deeper. It is in this way that we can start to make better decisions about how to live our lives. People watching us should be able to tell us ways that we have changed. Ask one.
Going Deeper
Observation
- What does Paul call himself in his opening?
- What title does Paul give those to whom he is writing?
- What does Paul extend from God their Father and the Lord Jesus Christ?
- Why does Paul pray with joy?
- Of what can God testify?
Interpretation
- Why doesn’t Paul call himself an apostle, as he does in other openings?
- What is a saint? Paul uses it for all the members of the church.
- How does Paul take a standard opening from ancient letters and make it his own?
- How are the Philippians partnering with Paul?
- How can Paul aid the church in Philippi in their spiritual growth?
Application
- How can you put your achievements to one side in order to model humility?
- How could you bring unity by laying your own interests aside?
- How can you use communication tools to develop your faith and the faith of those around you?
- How can you partner with a missionary of some kind? (You could act as a small group)
- How can you aid those around you in their spiritual growth?
Plymothian 