Philippians 1: 27 – 2:4

1. How should the Philippians conduct themselves, whatever happens?
2. What word is repeated in 1:27 and 2:2?
3. How is unity encouraged through this passage?
4. Where do you see people divided by self-interest?
5. How can you be an agent of reconciliation?

So many churches have split.  When we become closer to people, it is harder to overlook their shortcomings.  We can feel slighted, overlooked, offended.  However, these hurts are overlooked when we stop staring at ourselves and look to the needs of others.  When we rally around a common cause the in-fighting lessens.  Are you able to consider others better than yourself?

Going Deeper

Observation

• In what does the church at Philippi stand firm?
• What should the church at Philippi contend as one man for?
• What will poeple who observe the Philippian church and oppose them know?
• What is the cause and effect relationship listed in 2:1 and 2?
• To what should members of the church in Philippi look?

Interpretation

• Why isn’t spirit capitalized in verse 27?
• What is the faith of the gospel as distinguished from faith in general?
• How will the unity and faith in the Philippian church cause their detractors to know they will be destroyed?
• Is there any doubt that Christians possess the qualities prefaced with “if …” in the passage?
• In what ways might Philippians be looking to their own interests?

Application

• How could you and the Christians you know be of one spirit?
• How could your small group, church, or family contend as one man for the faith of the gospel?
• Who is mocking your faith?  How would your unified resistance cause them to become less confident?
• How could you be encouraged by recalling  things you have in Christ?
• In what ways can you look beyond your own interests to serve the interests of your family, friends, enemies, and community at large?  (Of course, your enemies’ interests must be ones that God would approve)