Pastor’s Notes
I am so excited to begin our new series and weekly devotion in the book of Philippians. The book of Philippians is an amazing book of encouragement for those who follow Christ. All throughout the New Testament Paul writes his letters to different places and people who are in need of correction. Encouragement was woven in all of his letters, but Paul did not hold back when shining light on the darkness he saw through the light of the truth he knew. Philippians was not one of those letters.
Out of all of Paul’s letter, his letter in Philippians was the only one where he did not have correction for the people, he had nothing but a desire to be with them. The people of the church of Philippi were people that Paul knew and loved. Paul was a church planter, and the people of Philippi were people he knew and loved deeply. Not only did he love them, he respected their walk with the Lord. This church is a view of what a mature church looks like and what we should all desire to be apart of ourselves. Paul looked at these people as faithful and radical, people he wanted to pour encouragement into.
This week we are going to set the table with this wonderful book and also look back at Paul’s first encounter with the people he so loves and desires to be with again.
Scripture to go along with the message
Read Acts 16. It’s very important for you to take the time and read the entire chapter this week as this section in Acts gives us a picture of the people Paul is speaking about in Philippians. On Sunday we will highlight verses 11-34 so make sure you read the text concerning the characters in this part of scripture.
Highlight in your Bibles
Highlight verses 3-6 in chapter 1 of Philippians.
Questions to consider
1.) In the first chapter of Philippians, Paul speaks of the people as being “partners in the Gospel” with him. What does that mean to you and how do you see a difference between this label vs simply being a Sunday church attender?
2.) After reading Acts 16, what stands out to you concerning the characters of Lydia, the possessed girl, and the jailer? How did you see Paul respond to each differently?
3.) Out of the 3 characters, who can you most and least relate to concerning her own walk and moment of salvation?
