Philippians Study Guide (weeks 1-4)
🔹 Week 1: Gospel-Centred Relationships
Text: Philippians 1:3–11
🧊 Icebreaker
What’s one relationship in your life that has strengthened you spiritually?
đź“– Read Together
Philippians 1:3–11
đź’¬ Discussion
1. Head (Understanding Truth)
Paul talks about “partnership in the gospel.” What do you think that really means beyond just friendship?
How is that different from how people normally build relationships?
2. Heart (Personal Reflection)
Do most of your relationships lean more toward convenience or purpose? Why?
How has your understanding of God’s Word shaped the way you love people?
3. Life (Practical Application)
What would it look like to intentionally build more purpose-driven relationships this week?
Is there someone you could begin to pray for or invest in spiritually?
🔄 Activation
Identify one person you can intentionally encourage or pray for this week
Send a message, have a coffee, or pray with them
🙏 Prayer Focus
Pray for deeper, Gospel-centred relationships
Ask God to grow love that is rooted in truth and wisdom
🔹 Week 2: The Power of Humility in Relationships
Text: Philippians 2:1–11
🧊 Icebreaker
What’s one small act of kindness someone did for you that stuck with you?
đź“– Read Together
Philippians 2:1–11
đź’¬ Discussion
1. Head
What stands out to you about the mindset Paul describes in this passage?
How does Jesus model humility differently than the world defines it?
2. Heart
Where do you find it hardest to put others first?
What usually gets in the way—pride, insecurity, busyness?
3. Life
What is one practical way you can “consider others” this week?
How can renewing your mind with Scripture help shift your attitude?
🔄 Activation
Choose one relationship where you will intentionally serve or prioritise the other person this week
Do it quietly—no recognition needed
🙏 Prayer Focus
Ask God to reveal areas of pride
Pray for a Christ-like mindset in everyday relationships
🔹 Week 3: Letting Go of Offence & Moving Forward
Text: Philippians 3:12–14
🧊 Icebreaker
Have you ever held onto something longer than you should have (serious or funny)?
đź“– Read Together
Philippians 3:12–14
đź’¬ Discussion
1. Head
What does Paul mean by “forgetting what is behind”?
How does this connect to spiritual growth?
2. Heart
Is there anything from your past (hurt, offence, regret) that still affects your relationships today?
Why is it sometimes hard to let go?
3. Life
What would “pressing forward” look like in a real, practical sense for you right now?
Is there a step of forgiveness, conversation, or surrender God might be prompting?
🔄 Activation
Write down one thing you need to release
Pray about it and, if appropriate, take a step (forgive, reach out, or let it go)
🙏 Prayer Focus
Pray for freedom from past hurts
Invite God to bring healing and forward movement
🔹 Week 4: Strengthening Relationships Through Encouragement
Text: Philippians 4:2–9
🧊 Icebreaker
Who is someone that consistently encourages you? What do they do?
đź“– Read Together
Philippians 4:2–9
đź’¬ Discussion
1. Head
What stands out in Paul’s approach to conflict in this passage?
What does it mean to “think on these things” (v.8)?
2. Heart
How do your thought patterns affect how you treat people?
Are you more likely to assume the best or the worst in others?
3. Life
What’s one way you can bring encouragement or peace into a relationship this week?
How can you practically guard your mind with God’s truth?
🔄 Activation
Encourage at least two people this week (text, call, or in person)
Practice Philippians 4:8—replace one negative thought with truth
🙏 Prayer Focus
Pray for peace in relationships
Ask God to renew your mind and help you think in line with His Word
🔥 Leader Tip (Super Practical)
Keep reminding your group:
“We don’t just want better relationships—we want transformed thinking that leads to better relationships.”
And give permission for honesty. The power of this series will be in people saying:
“Yeah, I struggle with that”
“I need to change how I think here”
