Risky Business (Philippians 2:19-30)

RISKY BUSINESS

PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30

As citizens of the kingdom of heaven we must faithfully risk everything for the Gospel of Christ.

I. A MAN FOR YOUR INTERESTS (2:19-24)

A. Genuine Interest (2:19-21; cf. James 4:15, 1 Corinthians 10:24, 33)

B. Character of Proven Worth (2:22-24; cf. 2 Corinthians 8:2; Romans 5:4-5; 14:18)

II. A MAN OF HONOR (2:25-30)

A. A Wounded Soldier (2:25-27; cf. Philippians 1:8, 24, 2:3, 8, 3:8; Romans 15:16; John 11:1-3)

B. Receiving Such Men (2:28-30)

C. The Son Who Risked It All (John 5:30)

D. Risky Waters

DISCUSSION STARTERS

1. Monday—Is Paul veering from the overall argument that he has been making in Philippians (i.e., living as worthy citizens of the gospel of Christ)? Discuss the significance of Paul’s travel plans? Talk about how humility works within a community of believers.

2. Tuesday—Who is Timothy? Why is he a good candidate for Paul to send to the Philippians? What kind of relationship did Paul and Timothy have? What does it mean that when Paul says of him: “who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare?” (2:20) And how does that differ with others that

3. Wednesday—Discuss what having a character of “proven worth” might look like. Should we want our character to be tested? Can you think of people in Scripture who have had their character tested?

4. Thursday—Who is Epaphroditus? What did he do for the Philippians and how did he feel about them? What happened to Epaphroditus? Discuss how Epaphroditus reflected the self-giving, humble life of Jesus. How might that challenge us as we live together?

5. Friday— Why is it so risky to be a follower of Jesus Christ? What does the Gospel actually demand of us?