Philippians 4:1-3

1. Read Philippians 4:1–3. What do you think Paul means when he instructs his readers to “stand firm thus in the Lord”? What does it look like for a believer to stand firm “in the Lord”? What does it look like when a believer isn’t standing firm in the Lord?

2. Critical feedback is always difficult to receive. But notice how Paul models a pattern for delivering necessary criticism by grounding the hard words of verses 4:2–3 on the foundation of 4:1. Think about a time where someone in your life had to give you hard feedback, but it was given to you with sincere love. How did their posture shape the way you received their words?

3. Are you currently in conflict with anyone in your church? Even if the relationship hasn’t escalated into full-blown hostility, what steps could you take today to seek reconciliation and enjoy all the benefits of gospel unity that Christ has purchased for you by His own blood?

4. In verse 4:3, Paul appeals to the whole church to “help these women.” Why do you think we, as the body of Christ, bear the burden of broken relationships together? What does that look like?

5. Paul gives a beautiful reminder in Philippians 4:3 that our co-laborers in the faith are the people whose names are written in the Book of Life. These are the people Christ died to redeem, and He loves them with an intensity we cannot comprehend. Are there any people in your church, even if it hasn’t escalated into full-blown conflict, you can sense your heart is cold toward or you are failing to love well? Be honest. What would it look like for you today to humble yourself and pursue the blood-bought unity Christ died to secure for both of you before it escalates into full-blown conflict?

6. Spend some time in prayer with one another. Confess how you have failed to love your brothers and sisters in the faith well. Pray that God would make your church a place where God’s people imitate Christ in humility, forgiveness, and unity.