Read Philippians 1:27 and then 2:1-4. What themes from 1:27 re-emerge in chapter 2 after Paul’s short teaching on fear (1:28-30)?

Christ is our POWER.
Review once more the ‘any’ statements of v1. Which of these gifts of grace have been most precious to you in your walk with Christ? Which seems most foreign? How does our experience of v1 affect our capacity to follow vv2-4?

Christ is our MODEL. Read Philippians 2:5-8. How would you describe Jesus’ model or mindset? What elements in these verses are most challenging for you personally?

With the phrase ‘even the death of the cross’ (2:8), Paul indicates the special nature of Jesus’ crucifixion. What made the death of Jesus special? Read Galatians 3:13; Romans 5:6–8; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24. Read Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 for amazingly detailed prophecies of the cross of Christ. What do these prophecies teach about the nature of Christ’s death?

Christ is our HOPE. Read Philippians 2:9-11. What is the relationship between vv6-8 and vv9-11? How do these verses bring hope to suffering Christians? To you personally?

Consider memorizing Philippians 2:5-11 together as a group - just 2 verses a week and you’ll be done before Easter!

• Question 4 taken from Roger Ellsworth, Opening up Philippians, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2004), 40.