Western Meadows Baptist Church

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY GUIDE

SUGGESTED VERSES FOR MEMORIZATION & MEDITATION

Philippians 2:12-13 | Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

OPENING THOUGHT

Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi is one of joy in the midst of pain. The apostle wrote the epistle from prison, where he was sent for preaching Christ, and his audience, the Philippians, were likely beginning to experience persecution of their own. Yet because of his confidence and joy in Christ, Paul’s letter overflows with rejoicing.

So far, we have read Paul’s greeting to the Philippians, where he expressed his thanksgiving to God for them, as well as his affections and prayers for them. He then assured them that his imprisonment has served and will continue to serve the advancement of the gospel. Finally, he commanded them to behave as citizens worthy of the gospel by being united in one mind and humbly serving each other.

After having done his best to describe the absolute humility and glory of Jesus, Paul now launches into a new, yet connected, urging for the Philippians. He pleads for them, because of the servitude of Christ, to obey the commands of God just as they always have. The apostle concedes that they have walked diligently in obedience so far, yet he presses them to strive even further in his absence than they ever did in his presence.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Read Philippians 2:12-13 and discuss the following.

1. Which verses stood out most to you as you read Philippians 2:12-13 this week? Why? What do these verses teach you about who God is?
2. What does it mean to work out our salvation? How is that done? What role does obedience play in our salvation? Why is fear and trembling important?
3. How does God work in us? Why is that significant?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Because all Scripture profits us through teaching, reproving, correcting, and training us, reflect upon the studied text, and ask yourself the following questions about the present text.

• What has God taught you about Himself?
• What sin is God convicting or reproving you of?
• How is God correcting you?
• How is God training and equipping you for righteousness?