Bible Study: Philippians 2:12-18

Homegroup Study on Philippians 2:12-18

Verses 12-13 1. What does Paul mean by ‘work out your salvation’? [Hint: remember what he’s been encouraging them to do from 1:27 onwards.] 2. What attitude are we to have in working out our salvation? Why? 3. In these verses both God and people are said to have a role in growth, but who does what? 4. How does this encourage you to grow in areas we’ve covered over the last weeks? Verses 14-18 5. How does the command not to complain or argue fit with what Paul has been saying so far in the letter about relationships? 6. Describe the picture Paul gives in v15-16 of Christians in the world. Where do we feel the challenge of this? 7. What does holding out the ‘word of life’ i.e. the gospel, mean in practice? What does it mean for you this week? 8. Why does Paul say that he and they should rejoice, even if they are both being ‘sacrificed’ i.e. suffering for the gospel? [NOTE: Paul sees himself as a drink offering which was offered along with a main sacrifice – in this case that is the Philippian church.] Alternative Bible Study A young Christian tells you they are finding themselves being pressured to join in with ungodly behaviour at their work place. Part of this involves being mocked for being a Christian and they are feeling discouraged. What would you say to them from these verses?