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Text: Philippians 1:3-11

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Questions to Consider:

1. In verses 3-4, Paul thanks God for the Philippian church. What does that suggest about the existence of the church, as well as the rejoicing evidences of grace in her corporate life?
2. In verses 5-7, it seems that Paul is giving reasons for his joy in them before the throne of God? What reasons might these be?
3. In verse 7, Paul basically says what he will say later in 1:28-29, that suffering for Christ is, in some sense, a grace from God. Have you thought about suffering for the Gospel as a gift from God? How might it be so?
4. In verse 8, Paul speaks with very strong language about his longing for this church, even with the affections of Christ Jesus. What follows from this affection (1:9-11)? We might even ask, what is Jesus' heart for us (the summary point of 1:9-11)?
5. In verses 9-11, Paul tells us his prayer for this church in shorthand. What do you think is the central thrust of the prayer? How does it relate to the wider context of the whole text (1:3-11)? Are we laboring to have our life together clearing paths for the Gospel to spread?