01 Introduction to Philippians (Philippians 1:1-8)

Paul’s letter to the Philippians begins with a call to “choose life” by loving, trusting, and holding fast to Christ, even in hardship. In this episode, we look at Philippians 1:1–8 alongside Acts 16 to see how God began a “good work” in a small, vulnerable church in a Roman colony—and why Paul is so deeply joyful and confident about their faith. In this week’s episode, we explore:How Philippians as a whole can be summed up as “choose life” or “pursue Christ-likeness,” echoing Moses’ call in Deuteronomy 30:19–20 The story of how the Philippian church began—Lydia by the river, a slave girl freed from a spirit, and a jailer rescued in an earthquake—and what their setting in a proud Roman colony meant for following Jesus Why Paul highlights the Philippians’ “partnership in the gospel,” especially their eager financial support, and what that reveals about what they value most How Paul’s prayers show what truly matters to him—and how our own prayers expose what we really care about before God What Philippians 1:6 teaches about the Christian life: God himself begins the work of faith and will carry it all the way to completion, even as we struggle, repent, and grow over time After listening, you’ll come away with a clearer picture of how Philippians invites you not just to study the Bible, but to “choose life” in response to it—to see your prayers, your money, your endurance in hardship, and even your ongoing struggles with sin as part of a good work God himself has started and promises to finish in Christ. Series: Philippians: Choose Life