Bible Study

Have children look up Philippians 2:2 and insert a bookmark for later reference.

Let’s read our SuperVerse together. Philippians 2:2:

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

In this verse, Paul says that he will be truly happy if the people love one another, agree, and work together, with one mind and purpose. So, is Paul saying he will be happy if they work together for any purpose—as long as they agree?

Do you remember in the Tower of Babel story when the people were united together and working with one purpose and mind?

The people were definitely united together to do a great work. Yet, was God pleased?

Why or why not?

Their hearts and minds were full of pride. Their desire was not to please God. So, the question is—what kind of attitude, or united thinking is pleasing to God?

What is Paul talking about in the SuperVerse?

Let’s take a look at the verse that follow the SuperVerse to get a better understanding.

Have children look up the Scriptures and lead a discussion with the questions below.

1. Philippians 2:3–4:

³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

• Name some characteristics or attitudes that please God and help us work in unity. Humility, don’t show off, share, give, don’t be selfish, don’t be self-focused or centered, care and take notice of others.

2. Philippians 2:5:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Note: share that the NKJV says:

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

• Compare this to the SuperVerse, Philippians 2:2; does this help us understand the mind or attitude we need?
• Whose attitude and thinking do we all need?
• How can this help us work in unity?

3. John 6:38:

For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent Me, not to do My own will.

• Jesus made this statement. If we are to have the same mind and attitude, what should our main focus be? To do the will of God, not to do whatever we want to do.
• How can this help people working together stay in unity? Gives focus, common purpose.

4. Philippians 2:6–8:

⁶ Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. ⁷ Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, ⁸ He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

• What do these verses tell us about Jesus? He was not selfish, He was willing to sacrifice, He placed God’s will over His own comfort, He was humble and cared about other’s interests and needs, He was obedient to God, He valued God’s plan over His own comfort and even His life.
• Now, look at Philippians 2:2 again. After reading these passages, what does having the same mind and purpose mean to you?