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Text: Philippians 1:1-2

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Questions to Consider:

1. In verse 1, how does Paul title both he and Timothy? Would you describe yourself in this way? How would you know if you were? How might that speak to what's going on in the Philippian congregation (see chapter 2)?
2. In verse 1, Paul clarifies three addressees amongst the one congregation? Who are they? Note, he addresses himself to 'all.' Why?
3. In that same portion of verse 1, how many 'church offices' are described? What are they? Why might Paul order them the way he does? As an interesting aside, this is his only letter where he greets the 'overseers and deacons' of/with the church. Why might he do that here?
4. In verse 2, consider what that line might've said to you as an unbeliever. Now, consider it as it is. What or Who has made all the difference? What is the difference?
5. Christ is mentioned three times in these first two verses, once in each of the three main clauses. What's Paul's point? Who should be central in the life and ministry of the church? Read the now famous Philippians 1:21. Can we say the same? If not, how can we move ourselves that way? Look to the heart of the letter, the Christ Hymn, in Philippians 2:6-11. What might it's centrality to the letter say about what should be central in our lives and useful in centering our lives upon God's intended Center?