Philippians with Jon Pinkerton
The Letter to the Philippians presents the mature Christian life not as a static destination, but as a dynamic process of "Maturing in Christ" involving specific attitudes, theological convictions, and practical behaviors. Paul, writing from prison, uses his own circumstances and theological insights to outline five distinct characteristics that define spiritual maturity.
-
January 2026
-
Lesson 1: Philippians
Explore Paul's joyful letter to the Philippians, written from prison yet overflowing with hope. Learn essential Scripture study guidelines, discover the founding of the Philippian church through Lydia and the jailer's conversions, and uncover six powerful truths: peace beyond circumstances, true humility, pressing forward, heavenly citizenship, contentment in trust, and joy in Christ. Rejoice in the Lord always!
-
Lesson 2: Philippians
Discover Paul's letter from prison where joy triumphs over chains. Study Philippians Chapter 1 and learn about Lydia, the first European convert, while exploring God's promise to complete the good work He began in you. Examine the vital role of church leadership, the power of intercessory prayer, and the balance between knowledge and discernment that leads to righteous living.
-
Lesson 3 - Philippians
Discover how Paul's imprisonment became a catalyst for gospel advancement. This lesson explores joy amid adversity, the power of communal prayer, and boldness in witness. Learn how Paul's chains emboldened believers, why mixed motives in preaching still advance Christ's kingdom, and what it means to live with fearless confidence that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Apply these truths to maintain spiritual courage in uncertain times.
-
Lesson 4 - Philippians
Paul's message from prison challenges believers to let their conduct reflect the gospel in every situation. Despite suffering, we are called to rejoice always, stand united in one mind, and face adversaries without fear. This lesson explores how God's grace grants us the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for His sake—and how achieving unity requires spiritual maturity, humility, and considering others' interests above our own.
-
-
February 2026
-
Lesson 5: Philippians
What does it really mean to esteem others higher than yourself? In this powerful lesson on Philippians 2:1-11, we explore Christ's ultimate example of humility and discover how genuine love—not just scripture knowledge—transforms relationships in the body of Christ. Learn why "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" and how accountability rooted in love keeps us all standing together.
-
Lesson 6 - Philippians
-
Lesson 7 - Philippians
What does it really mean to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? In Lesson 7, we unpack the Greek behind Paul's powerful words — revealing not terror, but awe-filled reverence for God's majesty. We'll discover how doing all things without complaining makes us blameless lights in a crooked world, and why holding fast to the Word is the guardrail that keeps our walk from being in vain.
-
Lesson 8 - Philippians
What does it really mean to count everything as loss for Christ? In Lesson 8, we explore Timothy's selfless mission as a model for Christian service, the danger of religious bondage, and Paul's radical declaration that all worldly gain—status, credentials, and achievement—is rubbish compared to knowing Jesus. Get ready to examine your confidence: is it in the flesh, or hidden in Christ?
-
-
March 2026
-
Lesson 9: Philippians
What are you trusting in — your credentials, your accomplishments, your reputation? Paul calls it all rubbish. In Lesson 9, we explore what it truly means to place our confidence in God alone, embrace spiritual circumcision of the heart, and press on toward the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus. Don't settle. Press on.
-
Lesson 10: Philippians
Introduce your lesson with an optional, short summary. You can edit this excerpt in lesson settings.
-
Lesson 11: Philippians
Introduce your lesson with an optional, short summary. You can edit this excerpt in lesson settings.
-
Lesson 12: Philippians
Introduce your lesson with an optional, short summary. You can edit this excerpt in lesson settings.
-
What you’ll learn
-
You will learn how to maintain spiritual stability in the face of opposition by fostering unity with fellow believers. This lesson explores the profound theological insight that suffering is not a failure of God’s care, but a privilege "granted" to believers, allowing them to experience the human side of Christ.
-
You will discover that the "end state of Christian maturity" is found in the imitation of Christ, specifically through the process of "emptying self". You will learn how to practice true humility by regarding others as more important than yourself and denying your own will to obey God.
-
You will learn to reject self-reliance and religious legalism in favor of the "surpassing value" of knowing Christ. This lesson guides you in how to "forget what lies behind" and press forward toward the ultimate goal: the upward call of God and the resurrection.
-
You will learn to replace the negative behaviors of grumbling and disputing with the defining emotional characteristic of a mature life: joy. This section teaches you how to view hardships through the "eyes of faith," understanding that trials are often opportunities for the progress of the gospel.
-
You will learn to demonstrate maturity through a specific lifestyle characterized by harmony, confidence, and mental purity. You will discover how to replace anxiety with the "peace of God" through dynamic prayer and master the learned process of finding contentment in any circumstance.
Course FAQ
-
Discover the true definition of spiritual maturity in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This session reveals that the mature Christian life is not a static destination, but a dynamic process of "Maturing in Christ". We explore the essential attitudes, theological convictions, and practical behaviors—such as standing firm in unity—that Paul identifies as necessary for excellence in biblical living.
-
Explore the "end state of Christian maturity": the imitation of Christ. Learn how true maturity moves beyond basic fellowship to the profound practice of "emptying self"—denying one's own will to obey God, just as Jesus did. This session highlights humility as a practical theological concept, teaching believers to regard others as more important than themselves.
-
Define the emotional character of a mature life: the presence of joy and the absence of negativity, even during hardship. Paul commands believers to replace grumbling and disputing with rejoicing, proving themselves as "blameless lights" in a dark world. Discover how to view trials through the "eyes of faith," understanding that God uses them for the gospel's progress.
-
Examine the theological shift from self-reliance to faith. True maturity rejects legalism and "confidence in the flesh," recognizing that religious credentials are "rubbish" compared to knowing Christ. Learn why acceptability before God comes only through faith, and how a mature believer "forgets what lies behind" to press forward toward the upward call of God.
-
Maturity is demonstrated through a lifestyle of harmony, confidence, and purity. This final characteristic focuses on practical living: resolving conflicts to preserve unity, replacing anxiety with the "peace of God" through prayer, and dwelling on things that are true and honorable. Discover the learned process of contentment that depends entirely on Christ for strength.