We had a great time tonight! We kicked the evening off by playing a game of “Is it a Veggie Tales Song or a Nursery Rhyme?” The students worked together to try to identify the songs. It was a great time of laughter and awkward singing!

The Lesson

The book of Philippians stands out compared to the other Pauline Epistles in that it’s not focused on warnings or corrections. By all accounts, this church was doing well, and the community was healthy. Instead, much of this letter was encouraging and pointed out things they should do to maintain a healthy environment.  As a student ministry, we are healthy and growing, but much like the Philippians, there are things we need to be intentional about to continue to grow well.

Be sure to stand together in the face of opposition.

• Philippians 1:27-30, 2:1-2
• Here, Paul reminds the church that it must stand firmly together in times of persecution and opposition. In standing together, they must be united not just by working together but by genuinely caring for each other.
• We live in a fallen world, and many things oppose the authority of the Scriptures and God’s sovereignty.
• As a church community, we must foster an atmosphere of support and trust. We need to know that we have each other’s backs, regardless of the circumstances. This sense of unity and support is what will carry us through the challenges we face.

Be sure to be humble.

• Philippians 2:5-11
• Here, Paul is reminding the Philippians to take on a posture of humility
• To illustrate this, he points the early church to the example of Christ, who put aside His divine privileges and lived as a man all for our sake.
• As a community, it’s essential for us to each as individuals to maintain a humble spirit.
• We must not be selfish or concerned about looking cool to others. We must be intentional about thinking about the needs and interests of others, especially the realm of what leads others to Christ.
• While this is sometimes difficult, we must remember the bigger picture: our goal is to help others know Jesus. We also need to keep in mind Jesus’s example. He sacrificed everything for us, and as a reward, God exalted him.
  • While it may be challenging to think of others at times, remember that God will provide for you in some fashion at the end of the day. It may not be how you want or think you should be cared for, but He will provide.

We need to be an example to others

• Philippians 2:12-18
• Paul challenges this early church to be intentional about being an example of how to obey God’s commands, the kind of attitude a Christian should have, and the way Christians should act.
• As individuals in this community, we should do our best to obey the commands of God.
  • This is a sign of our commitment and love for God, and by living it outwardly, we encourage other Christians in the community to do the same.
• As individuals in this community, we should do our best to set an example of the attitude we should have as Christians.
  • The example given by Paul here is to do things without complaining. Why? So that when the world sees us, they can’t criticize not just us but also our Lord, whom we represent.
• As individuals in this community, we should do our best to set an example in our conduct.
  • The things we do represent who Christ is. If we are rude, dismissive, and arrogant, then that’s how people will see Christ.

While this seems like a lot, the challenge’s context is great. Paul is giving this to a community, meaning they are challenged to help each other grow in these things. As we grow as a community of believers, if we are intentional about doing these things, then even as new people come in who may not know Christ or are just beginning a relationship with him, we can maintain a healthy environment that helps them get to know Him and grow in Him.