Philippians 2 is Paul’s call to unity and humility in the church, anchored in the story of Christ who emptied himself and took the form of a servant. These questions are for small groups, Sunday classes, and personal study. Each set moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how a believer lives it out this week.
Philippians 2 at a Glance
Paul opens by urging the Philippians toward one mind, one love, and a humility that counts others as more important than themselves. He then points them to Christ as the supreme example, moving from his preexistence and self-emptying through his death on the cross to his exaltation as Lord. From there he turns to practical outworking: working out salvation with reverence, shining as lights in a crooked generation, and honoring faithful workers like Timothy and Epaphroditus.
A leader can use the questions in order, or pick one set to fit the time available. The first set focuses on the text itself, the second on its theological meaning, and the third on personal and communal application.
Observation Questions
Begin here to slow the group down and keep everyone looking at the text before offering opinions. Ask people to find the answer in the verses first, then invite others to add what they noticed.
Philippians 2:1-4
1 If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, 2 make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; 4 each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
(WEB)
Read this passage first so the group hears Paul’s appeal for unity and humility before the hymn begins. It sets the purpose for everything that follows in the chapter. Pause after verse 4 to let the call to look to others sink in.
Philippians 2:5-8
5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.
(WEB)
This is the heart of the chapter, describing Christ’s self-emptying in a few carefully chosen lines. Reading it slowly helps the group notice the progression toward the cross. Allow a moment of silence afterward before moving to discussion.
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(WEB)
These verses show God’s response to the humility just described, with exaltation and universal homage. Reading them right after the hymn’s humbling section gives the group the full arc. It also keeps the focus on Christ’s lordship as the foundation for Christian conduct.
Philippians 2:12-13
12 So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.
(WEB)
This short passage holds human effort and divine work together in a single thought. It is a useful reading when the group is wrestling with questions about responsibility and grace. Ask the group to note which phrase they find most challenging or encouraging.
Philippians 2:14-16
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, 16 holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn’t run in vain nor labor in vain.
(WEB)
Paul’s call to live without complaining and to shine as lights is especially fitting for a group that wants to practice its faith in the world. Reading it aloud helps the group consider both their character and their witness. Use it to close the teaching portion before the prayer.
Memory Verse for Philippians 2
Philippians 2:3
Doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself…
(WEB)
This verse gives a short, memorable summary of the humility Paul commends in the chapter. It is easy to carry into daily conversations, meetings, and decisions. Encourage the group to say it aloud together a few times before they leave.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you thankful that you have shown us the mind of Christ, who emptied himself and took the form of a servant. Forgive us for the rivalry, conceit, and grumbling that so easily creep into our lives and our church. Teach us to look to the interests of others, and give us the humility to count them as more important than ourselves. Work in us both to will and to work for your good pleasure, so that we shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation. May the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord, be honored among us today. Amen.
