by Bethan Perry
Paul is in prison, probably in Rome in 60AD and he’s writing a letter to the church in Philippi. Acts 16 tells us of Paul’s first journey to Philippi where Lydia became a Christian, a demon-possessed girl was freed, and the town jailer famously asked, “What must I do to be saved?” He and his family trusted in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Go read Acts 16 and imagine some of those people now in the church in Philippi, listening to Paul’s letter being read out.
Starter Question: Think of someone you really love. If you could give them one thing, what would it be?
In Paul’s greeting he describes himself and Timothy as servants of Christ, they belong to Him. He describes the Philippians as IN Christ, AT Philippi and PART of a gospel community, receiving grace and peace from their heavenly Father.
Q1. How does Paul feel about the Philippians? Look at verses 3-4, 7-8.
Q2. Paul and the Philippians are separated by a big distance right now, but in another way he knows they are united. What unites them? Look at verse 5 and 7.
Paul and the Philippians are partners in sharing the good news about Jesus because they are ‘partakers’ of the same grace given by God. (GRACE: An undeserved gift from God, a new life in Jesus)
Q3. What does Paul pray for in verses 9-11? For their…
Q4. Why does Paul pray this for them (v11)?
Personal reflection: