Philippians part 1-Who do You Live For?
How is your contentment? Can you find peace despite the circumstances around you? Are you steady even when things around you are a mess? Every Christian goes through seasons of life where joy seems elusive. In this study we will learn about the apostle Paul and his special relationship with the church at Philippi, a church he had planted on his second missionary journey.
As in some of my past studies, I am partnering with my
friend Callie to modifiy an inductive study by Precepts ministries for the
group of women we meet with weekly. To
do this study you will need a bible and a way of taking notes. That’s pretty much it! Let’s get started!
1. Philippians: Overview
- Read through the book of Philippians and record your thoughts about the following questions:
- What are your first impressions?
- Who is writing? What are your first impressions of him?
- Who is receiving the letter? What do you notice about them?
- What is the tone?
- What prompted the writing?
- What words seem to be repeated throughout the book? (This will indicate the books theme).
2. Reread chapters 1
& 2 and 4:21, 22. As you read make a
list of the things you learn about Paul.
Is there anything that helps you get to know the person he is. Is there anything you see in Paul that you
wish you could emulate in your own life?
Journal Prompt: Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Philippians 1:20-21, all letters written by Paul. What are you living for? Would you say it is Christ and the message of grace or something else? Do you desire this focus? Pray about your life’s direction and passions.
3. Historical context
- Read Acts 15:36-17:1. This passage describes Paul’s first visit to Philipi.
- Look up a map of Philippi and read some basic information about its geography and history at: http://bibleatlas.org/philippi.htm
- Read Acts 28:16-30 Where is Paul at the end of the book? Paul wrote this book 60-62 BC during his first Roman imprisonment.
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