Laura Laughlin

Bible Study 3

Gen. to Rev. 2016

Focus: A Life Centered in Christ

Key passage: Philippians 2-3
Small group: 6-8 married couples, ages 25-85
This study will be focused on reading through the text together and
pausing throughout to have the couples discuss questions together.
The study will also include large group discussion.
Sources:
New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible (Philippians, Letter to the by
Stanley P. Saunders)
o Abingdon Press in Nashville, TN produced this bible dictionary, in
2009 with Katharine Doob Sakenfeld as the General Editor. It
provides an in-depth look at the names, terms, etc. in the Bible,
organized alphabetically. The series aims to provide historical
information, as well as interpretive tools such as looking at the
ancient languages. The dictionary also appears to provide
theological content, helpful for those looking to serve in the
congregational setting.1
Abingdon New Testament Commentary
o Abingdon Press in Nashville, TN produced this commentary series
in 2001. There are different authors (theologians and religion
professors) throughout the series and the focus seems to be
primarily historical and theological. This series provides critical
commentary on the books of the Old Testament, specifically
focusing on an audience of theology students and pastors, and
can be used for teaching in congregational settings. The
commentaries seek to provide tools for careful interpretation and
critical engagement with the biblical texts.2
Enter the Bible (New Testament: Philippians by Paul. S. Berge)
o This online resource was developed and produced by Luther
Seminary and contributed to by its faculty. The purpose behind
the resource is to provide information about the books of the
Bible for any reader to understand the text more fully. The
articles cover the main points of each book, key themes, history,
and theological insights to pick up on. It is especially helpful for
Bible study settings.3
HarperCollins Study Bible
1http://www.ministrymatters.com.luthersem.idm.oclc.org/library/#/nidb/d2201edf64f45061e0ce61f0d
81a204c/philippians-letter-to-the.html
2http://www.ministrymatters.com.luthersem.idm.oclc.org/library/#/abtc/9086aa786137804a50640efd
00d0633e/introduction.html
3 http://www.enterthebible.org/newtestament.aspx?rid=9

Laura Laughlin

Bible Study 3

Gen. to Rev. 2016

o The revised edition was produced by Harold W. Attridge (General

Editor), along with a group of Associate Editors, and the Society
of Biblical Literature. It was published by HarperCollins Publishers
in 2006 (Revised Edition). The notes throughout the study Bible
provides in-depth and comprehensive information about the text,
focusing on history, language, and interpretation.
Background Information:
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul calls its readers into a living relationship
with Christ, no matter what state of life one is experiencing. The letter
provides a way for Paul to demonstrate and explain the living dynamic of
Christian community in the face of whatever threats are present. The second
and third chapters of Philippians speak to the theme of the centrality of
Christ. We read about Christ as servant and Lord of all, and the call that this
reality gives us to center our own identities in Christ. Paul warns of the
dangers of a self-centered life, a life not oriented to the gift of salvation in
Christ.4
Living with Christ at the center not only unifies community, but it also
provides the model for all relationships and communities experienced in
ones life. In the beginning of chapter 2, Paul writes of unity in the face of
opposition. The unity that Paul is referring to is not uniformity, but a common
focus upon Christ that engenders the same love, faithful obedience, and
humility that Christ embodied. The Christ Hymn (2:6-11) reminds the
Philippians what Paul means by the mind of Christ. The unity of the
Philippian congregation and communities today must be rooted in the story
of Christ and maintained in practices that point to Christ.5
Pauls intention in teaching the story of Christ is to affirm that Christ is the
first and best example of what a life lived for God can be like. The entire
purpose of Pauls message is to persuade the Philippians that they must give
up their own preferences for the sake of the other.6 In the midst of struggle
and strife, we are to look to the others we experience in our lives and reach
out in the love of Christ. This, according to Paul, can be a joy-filled existence
(he references joy sixteen times in the letter).7 We, with the Philippians are to
embody this joy and let it strengthen us to get us through whatever
obstacles we experience, to be united in the relationships and communities
we are a part of, and to strive to serve our neighbors.
Bible Study:
Opening
o The leader invites the participants to introduce themselves to the
group. The leader welcomes everyone and opens with prayer.
4 Enter the Bible: Paul S. Berge
5 New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible (Philippians, Letter to the by Stanley P. Saunders)
6 Abingdon New Testament Commentary
7 HarperCollins Study Bible

Laura Laughlin

Bible Study 3

Gen. to Rev. 2016

Reading
o The leader asks for a volunteer to read Philippians 2: 1-11. Before
the reading begins, the leader invites the participants to use the
scratch paper provided to write down any words or phrases that
stick out to them, or any questions that the text raises for them.
o After the passage is read, the leader invites the participants to
share with their significant other what they had written down.
After a few minutes, the leader invites anyone to share with the
larger group.
o The leader asks for another volunteer to read Philippians 2:12-18
and uses the same format as before for reading, writing, and
sharing.
o Another volunteer reads 2:19-30 and the couples again share
their observations and questions.
Discussion
o The leader invites the group to listen to the entire chapter read
out loud (by the leader) one more time, listening for anything
new.
o After the chapter is read, the leader invites the couples to break
off to an area in the room and discuss the following questions:
Paul mentions unity in the sense of being in the same
mind, having the same love, and being in full accord and of
one mind. What does this look like in the context of your
relationship?
What does humility mean to you?
Is Pauls request in verse 14 realistic? Why or why not?
What does a relationship centered on Christ look like?
Reading
o The leader asks for a volunteer to read Philippians 3: 1-11. Before
the reading begins, the leader invites the participants to use the
scratch paper provided to write down any words or phrases that
stick out to them, or any questions that the text raises for them.
o After the passage is read, the leader invites the participants to
share with their significant other what they had written down.
After a few minutes, the leader invites anyone to share with the
larger group.
o The leader asks for another volunteer to read Philippians 3:12-20
and uses the same format as before for reading, writing, and
sharing.
Discussion
o The leader invites the group to listen to the entire chapter read
out loud (by the leader) one more time, listening for anything
new.

Laura Laughlin

Bible Study 3

Gen. to Rev. 2016

o After the chapter is read, the leader invites the couples to break
off to an area in the room and discuss the following questions:
What value do you find in Christ?
Paul writes of his suffering and how he considers that
suffering lost compared to what he gained in Christ. What
are some times of suffering in your life and what role did
your faith in Christ play in those times?
What are some of the things today that threaten faith? How
can your relationship with your significant other be a
support to your faith?
What are some ways in which you can strive to keep Christ
at the center of your relationship?
Ending
o The leader thanks the couples for participating and asks for their
feedback on the studys format. The leader asks for input on
what the group would like to study next and for any prayer
requests; the leader ends the time with prayer.