Philippains 1:1-11

Sunday morning comes so quickly. Scripture deserves a bit more attention than we can give it in a sermon. For those who would like to do some studying on their own, this page will offer a quick Bible study for either the week ahead or the week after.

The passage is offered in paraphrase, which means I re-wrote it in my own words. You can open your Bible and read along, or try your own paraphrase. And there is a question here, or two, to help you think about what the scripture means to you. Give it a try.  


Day One

From Paul and Timothy, who live as servants of Jesus, God’s chosen Messiah, to all those who live in the town of Philippi and who have been called by God to leave their old lives and live in Christ Jesus, together with those who lead the church and those who serve:

I send you the grace and peace that come from God, who is our Father, and from Jesus Christ, who is our Lord.

There is a lot of information here, in verses one and two. You can ask, first, what image Paul uses to describe himself and Timothy. These are very important people in the church, but who does Paul say that he is? Ask yourself what kind of grace and peace come from God. Is it different from the grace and peace that we are offered elsewhere?

Day Two

Every time I think of you, I thank God for you. Every time I pray for you, I smile at the thought of your partnership in the work of the gospel of Christ, which began on the first day that you came to new life in Christ and has continued until today.

Philippians 1:3-5

Day Three

I am confident that God, who first began a great work in you, will continue that work until it is completed at the day when Jesus comes again.

Philippians 1:6

Day Four

Don’t think that I place too much confidence in you. I have to feel this way, since I keep you very close in my heart. And I know that you share in the grace of God with me, whether I sit in prison or strive to defend and confirm the gospel. God will vouch for me that I long to see you all with the deep affection that Christ Jesus gives.

Philippians 1:7-8

Day Five

I am praying that your love may lead you to a deeper and deeper knowledge of God, so that your insight into God’s ways will help you understand what is absolutely best in this world, so that you will live pure lives, blameless in all you do, until the day when we see Christ.

Philippians 1:9-10

Day Six

I want you to be filled with the actions that result from a righteous life, something that can only come through Jesus Christ, so that people who see your life will give glory and praise to God.

Philippians 1:11