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: If you could write a moto for your life, what would it be?
Q1. Paul is in prison but he’s not feeling sorry for himself, he’s rejoicing! What are the reasons for this? Look at verses 13, 14 and 18.
Q2. In verse 20 Paul is confident that ‘Christ will be honoured.’ Who else plays a role in that and how (v19)?
Q3. How does Paul’s view on life in v21 honour Christ?
Q4. In vv23-26 Paul is putting the needs of others above his own. What is his desire for the Philippians in v25?
Q4. Paul wants the Philippians to live lives ‘worthy of the gospel,’ lives that fit with and display the good news of Jesus being our saviour and greatest treasure. What will that actually look like according to vs 27-30?
Personal reflection: