The Good Life: Service

Read Philippians 1. What are some of the struggles this church is dealing with? What struggles does Paul have? How does this set up Philippians 2?

Read Phil. 2:2. What does Paul call the church to do? Now read Phil. 4:2. Paul uses the same language to describe two women in the church who were in a dispute. Have you ever had a sharp disagreement with another believer that caused you pain? Did you resolve it? Why or why not?

Can believers disagree on issues? What issues? How should we disagree with one another and maintain unity?

The conceit in Phil. 3 is “vain” conceit. In other words, it is vanity. In what ways have you struggled with conceit? In what ways do you struggle with selfish ambition? How does the second half of v. 3 provide a solution?

What is one practical way you will apply Phil. 2:4 this week?

What is the attitude we need to adopt according to Phil. 2:5? What attitude did Jesus have?

Read Hebrews 1:3. What does that passage say about Jesus’ deity? How does this line up with Philippians 2:6? Why is it important that Jesus is fully God and fully man?

Consider what Jesus did by coming to this earth, taking on flesh and dwelling among us. Pray and thank Him for what he did for you.

How did Jesus humble himself according to Phil. 2:8? Jason C. Meyer says, “The cross was deemed an especially appropriate death for rebels and slaves because it was designed not just to kill but also to shame. The victim was stripped down to no (or few) clothes and typically nailed to the cross through the ankles and wrists (or, sometimes, fastened with ropes). Death would come by suffocation, when the victim could no longer lift himself to draw breath. This excruciating pain and shame was common to all who were crucified, but Jesus’ suffering on the cross is unparalleled and unequalled because he bore the terrible curse of sin (Gal. 3:13) and suffered the awful wrath of God as an atoning substitute and sacrifice (Rom. 3:21–26).”

Read Isaiah 45:19-25. What similarities do you see between this passage and Philippians 2:6-11?