Philippians (for 10/22)

LITERARY READING
Using the following outline, write a one sentence summary of each point and one question or observation about that point as it relates to your faith life.

I. Introduction (1:1-30)
a. Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians

b. Paul’s Personal Circumstances

II. Call for Christian Unity (2:1-18)

III. True and False Teachers (2:19-4:1)

IV. Conclusion
a. Closing Exhortations (4:2-9)

b. Acknowledgment of Philippians’ Support (4:10-20)

c. Farewell (4:21-23)

Or, choose a theme that seems common to Paul’s whole letter (joy, praise, love, thanksgiving) and see how many references you can find. What does this theme seem to mean for Paul?

HISTORICAL READING
Why do you think this letter was written? What question(s) are addressed?


What implied political or social realities should we consider?


What can you learn about the relationships between the people in Philippi? About the relationship between Euodia and Synteche? How might these relationships have precipitated Paul’s letter?


What can you learn about the apostle Paul, and his relationship with the Philippians?


DEVOTIONAL READING
The Lutheran Study Bible states, “This is Paul’s most joyful letter.” What images or passages best represent this joy? Recollect your most joyful experience of serving God. How does this inform the way you read Paul’s letter?


What does this letter have to say to our country? To our global community? Consider especially the social location of the Philippians in a prominent and well-off Roman city and our own social location in the United States of America. What would it mean for your public life if you took Philippians 3:20 seriously?


What similarities exist between the church at Philippi and our church today? What does is God saying to our church in this letter? What is God saying to you?


What does Paul most want for the Philippians (1:9-11)? How do Paul’s words compare with Jesus’ great commandment in Matthew 22:39 and similarly in John 15:12? What does it mean to love according to Scripture? (See also Philippians 2:4; 4:6-11, 17).


Read Philippians 2:3-5 and 3:2-11. What do these verses mean for you? What sort of living is Paul advocating? Why? What might it mean to “boast in Christ Jesus”?


What would change in you if you took Paul’s words seriously? What would you be concerned about? What person or situation would you see differently than you see now?

LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL READING
In what ways do you hear Paul’s words as law? What demands or judgments are being made?


How does this text confront you with your own sins?


How does this text proclaim the gospel (God’s good news of forgiveness, grace, and promise)?


In what ways does this text point you or lead you to Christ?