Row 1
What do you call a letter written from prison that makes everyone happy?
A Joy-nal. (Get it? A journal?)
What was Paul doing in Philippi?
He was Philipp-ing the script on his circumstances!
How do we know Philippian church was so good at sports?
Because they were always focused on the goal Philippians 3:14
What’s a Christian’s favorite type of fruit?
The "Fruit of Righteousness"
Why did the prison guards have such a great relationship with Paul?
Because they were really "attached" to him!
(Get it? Because he was in chains?)
To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.
Why is Paul so thankful? (v. 3-5)
What is Paul’s primary concern in 1:12?
That the Philippians know that his imprisonment has actually served to advance the gospel, rather than hinder it.
What are the results of his imprisonment? (1:13-14)
The whole imperial guard knows he is in chains for Christ, and his boldness has encouraged the brothers to speak the word of God more courageously and without fear.
What are the two motives for preaching? (1:15-17)
Some preach out of envy and rivalry (selfish ambition); others preach out of goodwill and love.
What is Paul’s response to those with selfish motives? (1:18)
He rejoices! Regardless of the motive, Christ is being preached.
Why is Paul rejoicing? (1:18-19)
Because the gospel is spreading and he is confident that his circumstances will turn out for his deliverance (salvation/vindication).
What is the "deliverance" Paul speaks of in v. 19?
This is a great discussion point. It likely refers to his ultimate vindication before God and his final salvation, regardless of whether he lives or dies in prison.
What are Paul’s feelings toward them? (v. 8)
He longs for them with the affection (or "bowels") of Christ Jesus.
What is Paul’s prayer for them? (v. 9-11)
That their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so they can discern what is best, be pure and blameless, and be filled with the fruit of righteousness.
What is the fruit of righteousness? (v. 11)
It is the result of being filled with the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ (not our own).
What does God’s use of an emotional Paul tell us about our own emotions?**
God doesn't want robots. He uses our personality and emotions as instruments to convey His truth.
Our emotions aren't "bad"—they are tools that, when surrendered to the Spirit, become powerful expressions of faith.
Why is it okay that Christ is preached, even if the motive is wrong? Doesn't the heart matter?
The heart does matter to God, but the Gospel is so powerful that it can do its work even through flawed vessels. It shows that the power of the Gospel isn't dependent on the "perfection" of the preacher.
From where does the fruit of righteousness come?
It comes *through* Jesus Christ, not from our own effort.
What do love and knowledge have to do with each other? (v. 9)
Paul links them because love without knowledge is blind/sentimental, and knowledge without love is cold/arrogant. They must work together for true discernment.
How is this different than earning your own righteousness?
Earning righteousness is a burden; receiving it as a gift from Jesus is an overflow. Fruit grows on a tree; it isn't "manufactured" by the tree.
What does v. 6 tell us about growth in grace?
It is a process that God initiates and guarantees. We are "works in progress," but God is the one doing the heavy lifting.
What does Paul mean by "approve what is excellent"? (v. 10)
Because God is the one working in us, we can trust our "spiritual radar" to discern what is excellent and live lives that are pure and blameless in preparation for Christ’s return.