Philippians

intro & overview

• Philippians – MacArthur Bible intro 
• The Gospel in Philippians – Crossway article 
• Introduction to Philippians – TGC course
• Summary of Philippians in Nine Steps – Desiring God lab (summary overview)

general

• Take Notes: Philippians Scripture journal
• Study: Knowing the Bible: Philippians | 12-week Bible Study – The Gospel Coalition 
• Watch: Labs on Philippians – Look at the Book collection
• Listen: Philippians – Streetlights Bible
• Sing and Memorize: Philippians – Abby Houston album

Paul begins in Philippians 1 with his love for the people of this church. He is confident in God’s work in them, and prays that they would grow in Christ. He writes from prison, rejoicing that his suffering is used to advance the gospel. Why is Paul able to rejoice in the midst of his circumstances? Because he recognizes that his life and his death serve as worship to God. Out of this, he encourages the Philippians: stand firm.

• Read: A Life of Urgency – Alistair Begg devotional
• Watch: Labs on Philippians 1 – Look at the Book 
• Listen: Living Worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1) – John MacArthur podcast 
• Read: The Bonds of the Gospel (Philippians 1:7) – Alistair Begg devotional
• Read: Someone Needs to See You Suffer Well (Philippians 1:12-14) – Marshall Segal article

“…with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…” (Phil 1:27)
We need one another as we stand firm, strive, and suffer for the sake of Christ. 

• Discipling Others Through Times of Difficulty Blueprint Guide

Paul’s encouragement given to his beloved brothers and sisters in Christ to stand firm is rooted in Christ. Jesus followers have the mind of Christ, and so are able to live and walk in Christlike humility, following the example of Jesus who displayed such humility on the cross and was resurrected and exalted above all. Because of this glorious gospel reality, Paul encourages the Philippians to live in accordance with God who is working in them, and he presents Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of those who have lived this way.

• Watch: Labs on Philippians 2 – Look at the Book 
• Read: Put Others’ Interests Above Your Own (Philippians 2:1-4) – 9Marks article
• Sing: Memorize Philippians 2:1-11 as a family! Philippians 2:1-11 – by Northway Collective: Kids – Spotify
• Watch / Listen: Philippians 2:1-18 – Hershael York sermon
• Read: The Daily Oasis of Philippians 2:1-4 – Gospel Coalition article
• Read: Name Above All Names – Alistair Begg devotional
• Watch: How can Christians grow in humility? – Ligonier Q&A

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourself” (Phil 2:3)
To be like Christ is to be humble, following His example to value others as more significant than Himself even to the point of death for our sake.

• Cultivating Humility Blueprint Guide

Chapter 3 continues the charge to rejoice in the Lord– in what lies ahead in Him, in order to stand firm and live worthy of the gospel of Christ. Paul shares some of his personal story, modeling that he has counted all that he has as rubbish for the sake of knowing Christ. This is his pursuit, and this is the pursuit that he invites readers to join him in, longing for our awaited Savior.

• Watch: Labs on Philippians 3 – Look at the Book
• Read: Must We Count All as Loss to Follow Christ? (Philippians 3) – Crossway article
• Read: Nobody’s Perfect (Philippians 3:13) – John MacArthur article
• Read: How Do You Press On to Make It Your Own? (Philippians 3:14) – John Piper article
• Listen: Stand Firm in the Lord (Philippians 3:17-4:1) – Alistair Begg sermon

Philippians 3 challenges us to look ahead to what is to come– to meditate on and strive for future grace. View a complete PDF download of John Piper’s Future Grace here, comprised of thirty-one short chapters that can be read devotionally each day over one month. Grab the corresponding Blueprint Guide and work through it with your family or Go Group!

As we await our Savior, we rejoice in the Lord. In Him, we can have thanksgiving instead of anxiety. We can be content in the midst of times of suffering and times of flourishing. The church’s partnership with Paul not only provides for him in his time of need, but is an evidence of the Christlike fruit in their lives as well. As he closes, Paul challenges his hearers to set their minds on things that are excellent and worthy of praise– standing firm in the faith today as we rejoice in what is to come. 

• Watch: Labs on Philippians 4 – Look at the Book 
• Watch: Is anxiety a sin? – SBTS Honest Answers
• Watch: What words of comfort can help me fight fear and anxiety? – Ligonier Q&A
• Read: What Does Philippians 4:13 Mean? – Crossway article 

Anxiety is an enemy to our joy in the Lord. To pursue fighting against anxiety and for joy in God– either for yourself or for someone else in your life, check out the following resources and Blueprint Guides:

• When I Don’t Desire God – book and Blueprint Guide
• Future Grace – book (a free PDF here) and Blueprint Guide

November 17-30: Neighbors and Nations – a two-week emphasis as a church that reminds us to look outside of ourselves and pursue living for others’ progress and joy in the faith (Phil 1:27). 
Check out resources and reading plans for N&N here. 

December 1-31: Advent – each year at Advent, we intentionally turn our hope beyond our circumstances (Phil 3:8). We remember that Jesus has come to anticipate that He is coming again. Check out resources to help you celebrate Advent here.