Memory Verse
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Philippians 4:8
Overview

The theme of the Philippian letter is joy. Paul believes that a relationship with Christ is a pipeline of joy and it produces a life of rejoicing. Paul is writing at the end of his life in a Roman prison, yet it is the most joyful book of the New Testament. Paul teaches us that in whatever prison we find ourselves, we can learn to rejoice. In whatever discontenting circumstance we encounter, we can learn to be content. 

Hymn: I Am from Sin Set Free
Sheet Music
Top 5 Facts to Remember
  1. Paul was able to rejoice whenever Christ was preached, regardless of the circumstances (Phil. 1:12–18).
  2. God has highly exalted Christ and given Him the name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9).
  3. Paul was willing to suffer the loss of all things for Christ (Phil. 3:7–11).
  4. Paul described the enemies of the cross of Christ as those “who set their mind on earthly things” (Phil. 3:19).
  5. Paul knew how to be content in whatever state he found himself (Phil. 4:11)
Theme: Joy in All Things

In Philippians, God is glorifying Himself through joy in the pursuit of Christlikeness, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people, for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.

Author: Paul

“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ…” 

Audience: The Saints in Philippi

“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” 

Key Verses:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:5–11

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:12–14

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6–7

Lessons:
  1. Gaining Christ is worth losing all other things.
  2. When we let God know our requests, He will give us peace that surpasses all understanding.
  3. We ought to meditate on things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy.
Outline
  1. Christ Is Our Life – Partakers of Christ (Phil. 1)
  2. Christ Is Our Example – Humility of Christ and Ours (Phil. 2)
  3. Christ Is Our Salvation – Pursuing Christ (Phil. 3)
  4. Christ Is Our Strength and Joy – the Power of Christ (Phil. 4)
Study Questions

What does Paul mean in his statement, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain”?
This means while Paul lives, he labors to bear fruit for the Lord; if he dies, he departs to be immediately where Christ is, which is far better. (Phil. 1:22–23)

How did Christ display His humility?
He “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:7–8).

How does a person receive righteousness from God?
By faith (Phil. 3:9).

How does Paul tell the church to handle anxiety?
Don’t worry about anything but pray about everything (Philippians 4:6–7)

Where does true strength come from?
From Christ (Phil. 4:11–13).

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