Do you think of yourself as a saint? The book of Philippians starts with a greeting: “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi” (Phil. 1:1). Saint is a term of love—the writer, Paul, is addressing believers, and calling them holy. As you read Philippians today, you are included in his greeting, and all the encouragement that follows.
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul writes of the all-surpassing joy of following Jesus—but he writes during a period of great trouble, imprisoned for his faith. The timely encouragement he offers recognizes that faith and joy come in the midst of trouble, not in spite of it. Like a caring older brother, Paul points to examples of faithfulness, care, and prayer.
This month-long Bible study will take you through the book of Philippians, and Paul’s encouragement to find joy in Christ. Count yourself among the saints, and learn from Paul’s example of faithfulness.
Read: Philippians 1:1-5 To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi. (v. 1) Sometimes when we think of a saint, we imagine some angular figure crystallized in stained
Read: Philippians 1:3-7 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. (v. 3) Paul is grateful for his friends. Every time he thinks about them or prays for them
Read: Philippians 1:3-7; Acts 16:6-15 I thank my God . . . for your partnership in the gospel . . . for you are all partakers with me of grace. (vv. 3-7) What kind of
Read: Philippians 1:6-10 He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. (v. 6) Paul is not rolling the dice when he writes these words. When he
Read: Philippians 1:8-11 I hold you in my heart. . . . For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all. (vv. 7-8) Sociologists have a theory called “the looking-glass self.”
Read: Philippians 1:8-11; Matthew 9:35-38 How I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. (v. 8) Philip Yancey shares a brief story in his book What’s So Amazing
Read: Philippians 1:8-11; Hosea 11:1-9 I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. (v. 8) Yesterday we were reminded that some find it difficult to embrace the affection
Read: Philippians 1:12-18 What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. (v. 12) Paul wrote the epistle of Philippians from Rome, where he was under house arrest:
Read: Philippians 1:12-18; 2 Corinthians 4:1-10 It has become known throughout the whole imperial guard . . . that my imprisonment is for Christ. (v. 13) The Roman imperial guard was an elite
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