Passages: Philippians
Big Idea: We work together so that others hear the good news about Jesus.
Ages: 8-11
Six lessons exploring the book of Philippians.
Paul wrote this letter from prison to the church at Philippi - a church he’d planted ten years before, and loved deeply. He’d visited the church twice before he wrote this letter. When Epaphroditus brought Paul a gift from the Philippians, Paul sent Epaphroditus back with this letter, to say ‘thank you’, amongst other things. The church in Philippi was under pressure. Pressure from inside the church - caused by a lack of unity and a lack of humility. Pressure from outside the church - from those who opposed the gospel. Paul wrote to encourage his dear friends to stand firm and contend as one for the gospel (Philippians 1:27-28).
He starts by reassuring them that God’s gospel is not under threat. Paul’s imprisonment has spread the gospel not only to the soldiers guarding him but throughout the entire palace guard. And even when people with wrong motives were preaching the gospel to cause more trouble for Paul, he rejoices, as long as the gospel keeps advancing. Paul encourages the Philippians to stand together as one, partnering with him to keep spreading the gospel.
In chapter 2, Paul commands his readers to think as Jesus thinks. To have the same mindset. To be humble, just as our Lord humbled himself for us - leaving all the privileges of heaven, to become human, and then die a shameful death on the cross.
At the end of chapter 2, Paul writes about Timothy (Philippians 2:19-23), who looked out for the needs of others (including Paul), rather than looking to his own needs first. Paul also writes about Epaphroditus, who brought their gift to him and who almost died serving him. Both Timothy and Epaphroditus are examples of what it means to live with the mindset of Christ.
In chapter 3, Paul shares his own story. Even though he was from the tribe of Benjamin, circumcised on the eighth day, and a Pharisee who zealously followed the law and persecuted anyone who followed Jesus, Paul counted all this as garbage compared to knowing Jesus. He knows only Jesus’ righteousness can save him. At the end of chapter 3, Paul calls his readers to fix their eyes on the glorious future - living now with the end in mind - knowing heaven is our eternal home, where our earthly bodies will transform into our heavenly bodies, and where our Saviour awaits.
Paul ends by encouraging the Philippians to stand firm together for Jesus. Instead of giving way to fear, they are to turn their worries into prayers. Asking God for his peace in the midst of persecution. Asking God to help them continue to give generously to Paul so the gospel can keep growing.
Highly recommended resource for children aged 6 to 12: Philippians, The Epistles For Kids, by The Open Word (https://www.theopenword.com.au/the-epistles-for-kids)
Every verse, every chapter, translated into easy to read language for children. A wonderful book for parents to read with their children, or for children to read each night while exploring the book of Philippians at Kids Church.
The unit comes complete with stories, pictures, suggested songs/memory verses, games, drama activities, crafts, large and small group activities. A resource pack full of crafts and activity sheets is also included.