Ralph Robert Gomez

This is an eight-week precept Bible study on the Apostle Paul’s letter to the believers in Philippi. The Philippian church was started during Paul’s second missionary journey when he led a women named Lydia and a Philippian jailer to the Lord. Fast forward ten years and we find Paul on house arrest in Rome for a crime he did not commit. Paul wrote Philippians to thank them for their financial support and encouragement. He also used this letter to address an issue that was threatening to divide the church.

Philippians has been described as Paul’s joy letter because it emphasizes the joy of living the Christian life. What makes this letter so remarkable is that Paul was joyful and found contentment while wrongfully imprisoned in Rome. How is this possible? Listen to Paul’s answer: "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need" (Philippians 4:11-12).

What was Paul’s secret for being content and living a joyful life no matter his circumstances? His secret was simple, it was grounded in his faith in Jesus. That’s what this study is about. Join me as we follow Paul and experience the special relationship he had with the Philippians and his deep desire to know Christ above all else.