SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
PHILIPPIANS 1:1-11
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Read Philippians 1:1-11
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
1. Given who Christ is, why is it a privilege (rather than oppressive) to be one of His “slaves”? (v. 1)
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2. How are you, as a “saint”, living a set-apart life in the things you pursue in your life and the things you refrain from? Where could you do better? (v. 1)
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3. What difference does the phrase “grace to you and peace from God” make in your life? (v. 2)
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4. Are there other places you are tempted to look in this world to find “peace” or true joy? What are they and why are you tempted to look there? (v. 2)
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5. Why is Paul so thankful for the church in Philippi? (v. 3-4)
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6. In your own words, what does it mean to be a “partner in the Gospel” AND how can we do a better job at being a good partner to those in our church/youth group? (v. 5)
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7. Paul seems to have a lot of concerns, but in verse 6 he says there is one thing about which he is not concerned. What is it and how does this comfort you as you go through your life? (v. 6)
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8. What are Paul’s feelings toward the Philippian church, as he states in verse 8? How does that relate to our feelings towards those in our church/youth group? (v. 8)
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9. How does growing in our love for God help us love one another better? (v. 9)
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10. What are some specific things from this text that we can (and should) be in prayer for as a youth group? (v. 9-11)
PHILIPPIANS 1:12-30
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Read Philippians 1:12-30
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
1. What are some difficulties you are facing right now, and how might they be used to advance the Gospel? (v. 12-14)
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2. “ One believer on fire for God can embolden many other Christians to bear witness for Christ.” Do you believe that? Do you know of any examples of this? How can you be more bold for Christ? (v. 14)
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3. In looking at these 2 different motives of people proclaiming Christ, we see that when envy moves in, love moves out. Have you ever experienced that in your own life? Explain. (v. 15-17)
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4. According to Paul in verse 18, what is the one thing that Paul was mostly concerned about? Is that what we are mostly concerned about in our lives? If not, what takes that place and why? (v. 18)
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5. How would other people in this world fill in this statement: “Living is _____________.” According to our Scripture, how do you think Paul would fill in this statement? (v. 19-26)
6. What is the Apostle Paul so confident about in verse 19? Explain. (v. 19)
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7. As you look at Paul’s life, how was it that he could live “unashamed” and “with full courage” for Christ with his life? (v. 20-21)
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8. Explain how Paul could describe his current situation as a “win-win” situation. Which option does Paul view as being better and why? (v. 21-23)
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9. Why does Paul say that it’s more necessary to remain on this earth, even though his desire was to be with Christ? (v. 24-26)
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10. In your own words, what does it look like to let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ? What specific areas of your life do you struggle to live a life worthy of the Gospel? (v. 27-30)
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11. The Gospel is good news, but it is never easy news…how does the content of the Gospel motivate you to live out the Gospel?
PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Read Philippians 2:1-11
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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1. How should the Gospel affect how we treat those outside of Christ? How should it affect how we treat those who are in Christ? (v. 1-4)
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2. Why is it so hard to love certain people?
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3. What are some things that you can do (personally) to keep unity in our Youth Group?
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4. How can you look to the interest of others more than your own this week?
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5. What kind of motivation does Paul give us as Christians to serve one another? (v. 1-4)
6. How does Philippians 2:1-4 show us our need for the Savior?
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7. How does reflecting on Christ's humility move you to worship Him? How does it challenge you to live like Him? (v. 5-8)
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8. What would it look like to humbly submit to the will of God in your life right now? How does the Gospel enable you to do this gladly, rather than grudgingly?
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9. What would happen in our relationships if we lived out Philippians 2:5-11?
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10. This passage ends by saying that Christ's work was done "to the glory of God the Father" (v. 11). Is that your great aim in life? Why or why not?
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End time by praying for a deeper desire to live for God's glory by following Christ's example...
PHILIPPIANS 2:12-30
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Read Philippians 2:12-30
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
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19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
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25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
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1. Paul mentions in verse 12 that as Christians, we are to be “working out our own salvation.” What effort are you personally putting in to grow spiritually?
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2. How can a Christian both enjoy knowing God AND tremble about that same God?
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3. How have you been motivated to enjoy growing in your sanctification? In which areas in particular will you pray for God to work in you as you work at growing in godliness?
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4. When are you most likely to grumble? What would it sound like to praise God in those moments instead?
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5. How will the things that matter eternally shape your priorities today?
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6. With whom could you share Christian joy today? Do you allow others to share it with you, even when you are facing difficult circumstances?
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7. Why do you think humility is not a highly-prized characteristic in our world today?
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8. What would it look like for you to adopt Timothy’s approach to life and ministry in your own life? What would it look like for you to adopt Ephaphroditus’ approach to life and ministry in your own life?
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9. If you had to explain to someone in a couple of sentences what humility is & how humble people live, how would you use Philippians 2 to answer them?
PHILIPPIANS 3:1-21
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Read Philippians 3:1-21
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
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Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
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Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
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1. What is something that specifically sticks out to you in these verses?
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2. According to Philippians 3:3, what are three distinguishing marks of a genuine Christian? Explain what they mean.
3. “Christianity isn’t about what you do, but about who you know.” Do you agree or disagree with that statement and why?
4. Why do we need Christ’s righteousness?
5. In your own words, what is the difference between knowing about Jesus verses “knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”?
6. Consider the things people treasure. Why do they treasure these things? Why do you treasure the things you treasure? Would you gladly give up those things (without hesitation) for Jesus? Why or why not?
7. Paul was a “one-thing” guy (v. 13), What would people who know you well say is your “one thing” and why? What is one change you could make in order to the pursue the “one-thing” that matters most of all?
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8. Specifically, how has the Gospel of Jesus Christ changed your life?
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9. If someone were to ask “how do I live the Christian life?” what would you say?
10. How should the promise of Jesus’ return affect the way that you run your race here on this earth?