Philippians – Contending for the Faith
Philippians is Paul’s warm and joy‑filled letter to the church in Philippi, written from prison to thank them for their partnership in the gospel and to encourage them to stand firm in Christ. Paul urges the believers to pursue unity, humility, and sacrificial love, pointing to Jesus’ self‑emptying obedience as the supreme example. He calls them to rejoice in the Lord regardless of circumstances, to press on toward spiritual maturity, and to resist false teaching that undermines the sufficiency of Christ. Throughout the letter, Paul models a life centered on knowing Christ, finding contentment in every situation, and living as citizens of heaven. Philippians shines as a pastoral invitation to joyful, Christ‑shaped living.
Bible Lessons
Philippians 1 – Joyful Confidence in Christ
Paul thanks God for the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel and shows how even his imprisonment advances Christ’s work. He expresses confident joy that Christ will be magnified in his life or death.
Introduction to Philippians
Philippians 1:1-2, Greeting to the Church in Philippi
Philippians 1:3-6, Paul’s Prayer of Thanksgiving
Philippians 1:7-11, Paul’s Prayer Request
Philippians 1:12-18, In Prison and Productive
Philippians 1:18b-26, For Me to Live is Christ
Philippians 1:17-30, For Me to Live is Christ
Philippians 2 – The Mind of Christ and Humble Service
Paul calls the church to unity and humility by following Christ’s example of self-emptying service, highlighting Timothy and Epaphroditus as models of faithful ministry.
Philippians 2:1, Encouragement in Christ
Philippians 2:2-4, Complete Paul’s Joy
Philippians 2:5-11, The Unique God/Man
Philippians 2:12-13, Work Out Your Own Salvation
Philippians 2:14-15, Do All Things Without Grumbling or Disputing
Philippians 2:16-18, Hold Fast to the Word of Life
Philippians 2:19-24, Timothy
Philippians 2:25-30, Epaphroditus
Philippians 3 – Pressing On Toward the Prize
Paul warns against false teachers, counts all things loss for knowing Christ, and urges believers to forget what lies behind and press forward toward their heavenly calling.
Philippians 3:1-4, Look Out for the Dogs
Philippians 3:4-6, Paul’s Confidence in the Flesh
Philippians 3:7-11, My Gain Was Counted as Loss
Philippians 3:12-16, Press on Toward the Goal
Philippians 3:17-21, The Need to Imitate
Philippians 4 – Contentment, Peace, and Generous Partnership
Paul exhorts the church to rejoice always, think on what is true and pure, live in God’s peace, and practice contentment. He commends their generous support of his ministry.
Philippians 4:1-3, Come to an Agreement
Philippians 4:4-7, Do Not Be Anxious About Anything
Philippians 4:8-9, Things to Think On
Philippians 4:10-13, Learn to be Content
Philippians 4:14-20, You Shared in My Trouble
Philippians 4:21-23, Greetings
Anchor My Faith 