Mailbag: Philippians

Can a Letter Change the World?

The New Testament is filled with some of the most influential letters ever written in human history. Here’s the question, though: what's so special about these letters, and why are they still helpful for us today?

Last Sunday, Forrest introduced us to a man whose letters filled up a good chunk of Christian scripture. His name was the Apostle Paul. His writing spread all across the ancient world and changed the course of human history.

Paul’s letters didn’t change the world because of their elegance, intellect, or status. Rather, these letters are significant because of who they point to…Jesus.

In this correspondence, Paul introduces us to Jesus and his brand-new way of doing life. A radical new lifestyle of divine love that upended the Roman Empire, shaped western civilization, and—still to this day—can transform your life from the inside out. 

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Check out Sunday’s message above, then, continue the conversation with the reading plan and resources below.

This week, we’re reading Paul’s entire letter to the Philippians together. It only takes about 15 minutes to read, so you might follow the plan below or simply read it through multiple times this week.

  • Monday: Philippians 1:1-11

  • Tuesday: Philippians 1:12-27

  • Wednesday: Philippians 2:1-18

  • Thursday: Philippians 2:19-30

  • Friday: Philippians 3

  • Saturday: Philippians 4

We also highly recommend you check out this video overview of Philippians by our friends at The Bible Project: WATCH HERE.

Check out the resources used in this week’s teaching, as well as books you can explore if you’d like to dive deeper into our conversation.

  • Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters, by Tom Wright 

  • Story of God Bible Commentary: Philippians, by Lynn H. Cohick

  • Everyday Bible Study Series: Philippians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians, by Scot McNight 

  • Apostle of the Crucified Lord, by Michael J. Gorman 

  • Paul And First-Century Letter Writing, by E. Randolph Richards 

  • Paul: A Biography, by N.T. Wright 

  • Mailing May, by Michael O. Tunnell

  1. What is the most significant letter you have ever received? What made it so special?

  2. Have you ever read the New Testament letters before? What were your initial thoughts? Helpful? Confusing? Something else?

  3. As you read through Philippians, what thoughts, questions, or ideas come to your mind?

  4. Communication is vital for building community. The early Christian church stayed in communication through letters. How do we build community through communication today?

  5. Jesus changed everything. History, society, and countless lives. How has Jesus impacted your life, or, how are you hoping he will impact your life this year?