Philippians 2:19-30

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God. Discover How would you describe a mature, Christlike disciple of Jesus? Why might the selfless, sacrificial life of Jesus seem admirable but unrealistic for “ordinary” Christians? Who have you known whose concern or sacrifice helped you see the character of Jesus more clearly? What about that persons life made Christ’s character especially visible to you? Nurture How does knowing that God is at work in “ordinary” Christians (Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13) change your expectations for Christian maturity in yourself and others? When you compare Timothy’s “genuine concern” for the welfare of others with those who “seek their own interests”, how does caring for the children of God reveal a genuine love for Jesus? Considering Paul’s description of Epaphroditus, what would it look like for a church to “honor such people”? Act Which quality Paul describes in Timothy and Epaphroditus most convicts or challenges you? What specific action will you take this week to practice that quality for the good of someone else? What will you ask God to work within you this week and what step of willing obedience will you take in dependence on Him?