Today, we begin a brand new ten-week series on the book of Philippians. Philippians is a short book, but it's packed with depth. Paul wrote it in prison, but it's full of joy, encouragement, and reminders of what it means to belong to Jesus together. When Paul first arrived in Philippi (Acts 16), there were no believers, church, or plan - just a riverside prayer meeting, a slave girl set free, and a jail cell turned into a sanctuary. That’s how this church was born. And it’s through songs in the dark that the first members of this church saw Jesus. Let’s explore how that powerful beginning set the tone for everything in Paul’s joyful letter. So whether you’re new to church or have read Philippians a hundred times, this series is for you.

Philippians 1:1-2

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:21-23 

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Icebreaker: Describe a time when someone’s attitude or joy rubbed off on you.

2. Law: Paul writes from prison yet models joy, humility, and confidence in the Gospel. Where does your attitude fall short of that standard?

3. Gospel: Paul says in Philippians 1:21, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” How does knowing Christ gave everything for you free you to live with joy and purpose?

4. Application: What would it look like to be a “witness through worship” in your everyday life - in school, at your job, on social media? Pick one place where you’ll live that out this week.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Philippians 1 together. Take some time to find out who Paul and Timothy were. Around what year did Paul write this letter? How does Paul describe himself at the beginning of this letter?

3. Look again at 1:2. What do grace and peace mean? Who does Paul apply this to in this letter?

4. Read Acts 16 together. What does this Bible passage tell us about Paul’s journey to Philippi? What major events happened there?

5. Paul starts the letter by expressing deep gratitude and joy for the Philippians. How can we grow a similar attitude for others?

6. Find one person each day this week and tell them you are thankful that Jesus loves them and is at work in their lives.