Philippians 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Philippians 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul calls the Philippians to unity and humility (vv. 1-4). They should be like-minded and have love for one another.

Key verse

“Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.”
Philippians 2:5-7 (WEB)

Outline

Philippians 2:1–4 Call to Unity and Humility
Philippians 2:5–11 The Example of Christ's Humility
Philippians 2:12–18 Working Out Salvation
Philippians 2:19–30 Commendation of Timothy and Epaphroditus

Discussion questions

In v1, what types of encouragement does Paul mention that believers might experience in Christ?
In v14, what are believers instructed to do without, indicating a specific attitude in their actions?
Paul's instruction in v12 to 'work out your own salvation': what does he mean by this phrase?
In v27, why does Paul emphasize the mercy shown to Epaphroditus in context of his illness?
When has a time of suffering made you more aware of others' needs, as seen in Epaphroditus' actions (v30)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Philippians 2: Philippians 1, Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 15.

Before next time: read Philippians 3.