Philippians - Week 1
/Pastor Jon Dixon shares Part 1 in our NEW Spring series “The Book of Philippians”.
Live Stream
Sermon Only
Discussion Notes
Download Sermon & Discussion notes in PDF format.
Sermon Notes
Reflection & Discussion
Read: Philippians 1:1-2; Acts 16:1-32. Pray for your study time.
When you hear the word “joy,” what comes to mind? Does it feel realistic in everyday life or kind of out of reach?
Philippians 1:1) Paul calls the believers “saints.” What do you usually think of when you hear that word?
(Acts 16:13–15) Lydia seems successful and put together, but still needs God to “open her heart.” What does that show us about how people come to faith?
(Acts 16:16–18) The slave girl is spiritually and physically trapped. What does her story teach us about the kind of freedom Jesus brings?
Acts 16:25–30) Paul and Silas are worshipping in prison. What stands out to you about their response in a hard situation?
(Acts 16:33–34) The jailer goes from guarding prisoners to washing their wounds and rejoicing. What does this kind of immediate change show us about what happens when someone meets Jesus? How were you changed after meeting Jesus?
Looking at Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer... what do they show us about the kind of people God brings together in a church?
(Philippians 1:2) Paul starts with “grace” and then “peace.” What do these two words mean?Why do you think that order matters? How do those two ideas connect?
(Acts 1:8) Jesus says the gospel will go “to the ends of the earth.” How do we see that happening in Acts 16 when Paul arrives in Philippi?
Pastor Jon explained how the city of Philipi had an impact on the Kingdom of God and the spread of the gospel "disproportionate to their size." How can this be true of our church and province as well?
The Philippian church was made up of people from totally different backgrounds. Do you think that describes our church? Why or why not?
Which person in Acts 16 do you relate to most right now - Lydia, the slave girl, or the jailer? Why?