Define happiness! Does your understanding of happiness depend on financial security, certain relationships, or ideal circumstances? What if those pieces change or don’t happen? Are you doomed to an unhappy existence? In the book of Philippians, Paul showed how true joy is found in Christ alone. We can see that life changes fast. Circumstances are not always favorable. But when we build our lives on the person, pursuit, and power of Christ—He is enough! Join us as we learn how pursuing Jesus is a choice that brings joy in the journey.
February 22, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#1 in series)
Philippians 1:1-2
Section 1: The __ of the Church:
They shared the gospel through 3 different types of evangelistic encounters.
Evangelism through __ with Lydia and some other ladies (Acts 16:11–15).
Evangelism through __ with a slave girl (Acts 16:16–24).
Evangelism through __ with the Philippian jailer
(Acts 16:25–34).
Tim Keller provided the following chart in Church Planter Manual.
Download the chart by clicking here
Section 2: The __ of the Letter:
Paul wrote to thank the church of Philippi for their __ gift and to remind them that true joy is found in __ alone.
We will be challenged in five areas as we work through Philippians.
__: Gospel advancement will cost us, but Jesus is worth it.
__: Joy doesn’t just happen. We choose joy by
choosing Christ.
__: The enemy tries to divide. Be diligent to
maintain the unity of the Spirit.
__: Extravagant generosity flows from treasuring Jesus above all.
__: Partnerships can advance the gospel further and faster.
Section 3: The __ of the Introduction:
March 1, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 in series)
Philippians 1:3-5
Big Truth 1: Fellowship describes participation in the gospel that includes __ and __.
William Hendriksen lists eight aspects of Christian koinōnia. These pieces bring depth to Christian fellowship. Christians experience a…
1. Fellowship of __ (Ephesians 2:8)
2. Fellowship of faith (Acts 16:31)
3. Fellowship of __ and thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
4. Fellowship of love (1 John 4:7–8; 1 Corinthians 13)
5. Fellowship of __ to the needs of others (Galatians 6:10)
6. Fellowship of promoting the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20)
7. Fellowship of __ from the world (John 15:19; 1 John 2:15–16)
8. Fellowship of spiritual warfare (John 15:19–20)
Four obstacles will keep you from enjoyable and edifying relationships as a Christian:
Big Truth 2: Christian joy comes from __ and in __.
Response and Reflection:
• Where do people look for happiness? How is that different from a biblical view of joy?
• How can prayer lead us to joy?
• What has been your view of Christian “fellowship”? Does it involve mission or just hanging out? Compare it with a biblical view of fellowship.
• Why do we need gospel partnerships?
• What are some of the problems associated with trying to live out the Christian life apart from community?
• What are some of the enemies of enjoying biblical community?
March 8, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#3 in series)
Philippians 1:6-8
Key Idea: God __ the work of salvation and God __ the work of salvation.
Seven scenarios could cause you to “lose your salvation:”
1. If __ were to end. (John 3:16, 5:24, 10:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:17;
1 Peter 1:3-5)
2. If you find someone __ than God (John 10:27-29)
3. If you can be __. (John 3:3-4)
4. If the Holy Spirit gets tired and __. (Philippians 1:6; John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5; John 1:13; 1 Corinthians 2:14)
5. If God __ His promises. (1 John 5:11-13)
6. If you could __ your way to heaven. (Colossians 2:6)
7. If God stops __ you. (John 3:16; Romans 8:38-39)
What are some “joy stealers” from the first eight verses of Philippians 1? What has the ability to rob us of the true joy found in Christ?
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.1a) “bondservants of Christ Jesus.”
• Lack of identity leads to lack of joy. (v.1b) “To all the saints…”
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.1c) “in Christ Jesus”
• Lack of community leads to lack of joy. (v.1d) “To all the saints…who are in Philippi…”
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.3a) “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.”
• Lack of prayer leads to lack of joy. (v.4) “Always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,”
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.5) “In view of your participation in the gospel…”
• Lack of assurance leads to lack of joy. (v.6) “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.7-8) “…because I have you in my heart…how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”
Response and Reflection:
• Why is it important to recognize God’s full work in salvation?
• How does an improper view of salvation lead to discouragement, self-loathing and frustration?
• Does Philippians 1:6 encourage or discourage you? Explain your answer.
• Compare Philippians 1:6 with Philippians 2:12–13. How do these passages complement each other?
• Are you striving for perfection in your own strength?
• Do you think much about “the day of Christ”? How can periodic reflection on this future event impact our daily lives?