Philippians 1:1-11 - This is My Story

  1. Can you remember the first time you really heard and understood the gospel story? How did you respond to the gospel back then? How has your understanding or your response changed since then?

  2. Read Philippians 1:1-11. How would you describe the tone or emotional quality of these opening remarks? What language does Paul use to convey such a tone/emotion?

  3. In v5, Paul talks about the Philippians “partnership in the Gospel from the first day.” This is the very first church ever planted in Europe. Read Acts 16:9-40, the story of Paul’s first visit to Philippi. Who from this story might have been in the congregation that first received Paul’s letter? How does the history from Acts affect your reading of Philippians?

  4. The Gospel is a major theme of Philippians. In the sermon today, Robb said, “for Paul, the gospel is the whole story of Jesus.” What do we learn about the gospel from Phi 1:1-11? From Phi 2:6-11?

  5. Another major theme discussed in the sermon this morning is ‘participation’ or 'koinonia.’ What does Paul mean when he speaks of ‘partnership in the gospel’ (v5) and being ‘partakers with me of grace’ (v7)? (See also Phi 3:10-11).

  6. The final theme discussed in the sermon this morning is joy. What is the relationship between gospel, koinonia, and joy? In what ways might we be tempted to compromise the gospel, or compromise our commitment/participation? How does that affect our joy in Christ?

Robb EsperatComment