2023 Book Study: Philippians
Dear Renewal Church,
This Fall, we look forward to being able to read the letter of Philippians within our Formation Groups. This epistle brings so much life when we read it individually or in community. Groups, hopefully, can plan to begin this 10-week study starting in October. We will read this letter, carefully together, listening to what the living God, through the Spirit is saying to us in the text and through the text.
The letter draws us to a few themes important to our community this season:
Joy in the midst of Suffering: Paul writes this letter from prison, yet emphasizes joy, peace and contentment despite the circumstances on a number of occasions. By studying Philippians, our community can learn the depth and source of Christian joy in the midst of the hardships that we face.
Christ's Example of Humility and Emptying of himself: Philippians 2 provides the Christ Hymn which is considered one of the most powerful and profound passages about the humility and exaltation of Christ. It's a call to believers to adopt the same attitude.
The Value of Community: Paul expresses deep love and connection with the Philippians. We can learn about the importance of relationships, partnership in the gospel, and how believers should support and love one another.
Pursuit of Christ above All: It's a challenge for each of us to assess our values and priorities and to center their lives around the all-surpassing worth of Christ.
Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel: Paul urges the Philippians to live in a manner that reflects their heavenly citizenship and calling. We can evaluate our collective actions and culture, ensuring they align with the teachings of the gospel.
Our 10-week study will be split up as follows:
Introduction to Philippians: background, authorship, and overview. Reading the epistle in advance, invite people to share main themes or patterns they observe.
Philippians 1:1-11: Paul's greeting and prayer for the Philippians.
Philippians 1:12-30: Joy in suffering and living for Christ
Philippians 2:1-11: The humility and exaltation of Christ.
Philippians 2:12-30: Working out salvation and examples of godly living.
Philippians 3:1-11: The surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Philippians 3:12-21: Pressing on toward the goal.
Philippians 4:1-9: Unity, rejoicing, and the peace of God.
Philippians 4:10-23: Contentment and the provision of God.
Wrap-up session: Main themes and application to life.
We encourage groups to read the entirety of the letter in one sitting before we start the series to get an appreciation of the letter as a whole. We echo the prayer of Paul as we journey through this letter together:
that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)
Grace and peace,
Pastor Josh, the Elders
Formation groups (or small groups) can find the facilitator guide here