Answers for Philippians Chapter 2DAY ONE1. In verse one the word “if” occurs four times, it is used in the same sense that we use the word “since” and describes four conditions. What are the four conditions Paul cites in verse 1 to encourage the Philippians to do the things he asks of them in verse 2?
2. What 4 things is Paul asking the Philippians to do in verse two and how would Paul benefit if they did so?
Paul’s benefit was complete joy
3. What is common to all four things Paul is asking the Philippians to do? Is there a theme? What is it? All four have a focus on unity - the theme is one mind of love for unity of purpose DAY TWO1. What does God tell us to do in verses three and four of this second chapter of Philippians? Fill in the blanks. Verse 3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Verse 4 - Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
2. Verse five tells us that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Study verses six, seven and eight and fill in the blanks. 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!
3. What should be our attitude from the lessons of verses six, seven, and eight? ONE MAN'S OPINION: We should never think of ourselves as better than anyone else. We should be humble and not prideful (by the way - have you seen our pride Bible study?) That we should be obediant to God despite any cost DAY THREE1. In verse 12 the Philippians are told to continue to “work out their salvation”. The Greek word which is translated “work out” is the word katergazesthe. It means to carry out to full perfection or to carry out to the goal. In verse 13 we see that it is God who works in us according to his will and acts according to his good purpose. The Greek word which is translated “works” in verse 13 is energoon which means “to be at work” or “working effectually”. How can Christians carry out their salvation to full perfection so as to reach their goal? In regards to salvation, what work is ours and what work is Gods? The following verses may help you:
2. Why do you think we are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling? Because the consequence is eternal death DAY FOUR1. In verse 14 Paul exhorts the Philippians to do everything without complaining or arguing. What motivations does he provide them to do so? Verse 15: so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe Verse 16: in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 2. We all complain, but sometimes we complain for the wrong reasons (see Numbers 14; Psalm 106:24-27; Matthew 20:1-16: Mark 14:1-9; James 5:9; I Peter 4:9; and Jude 16). What would be a proper reason to complain in the body of Christ and how should we handle it? ONE MAN's OPINION: There may be a number of reasons that we might have discontent in the body of Christ. To test the propriety we have to assess the rationale for the complaint - Would Jesus Christ have complained about this same problem? Would correcting the problem bring honor and glory to God? If you don't feel comfortable with the rationale for the complaint then perhaps you should pray to God to show you the wherewithal to overcome your discontent. 3. We also argue. So when we have and an argument how should we handle it according to the following verses?
DAY FIVE1. Paul uses a metaphor built on sacrificial ritual in verse 17. What are the sacrifices in the metaphor? Why idea is Paul trying to convey by using the metaphor? The first sacrifice is the Philippians faith in God The second sacrifice is Paul’s service as a minister of God to them Paul wants them to know that they should rejoice in their service to God even if was accompanied by Paul’s death because of his ministry to them
2. What do the following verses tell us about Timothy?
3. According to Voice of the Martyrs more than 40 nations around the world today persecute Christians for their faith. In some of these nations it is illegal to own a Bible, to share your faith Christ, change your faith or teach your children about Jesus. Those who boldly follow Christ—in spite of government edict or radical opposition—can face harassment, arrest, torture and even death. Yet Christians continue to meet for worship and to witness for Christ, and the church in restricted nations is growing. Seeing there is little if any opposition, what prevents us from sharing our faith in a free country such as America?
YOUR ANSWER HERE DAY SIX1. Paul states he is confident he will go the Philippians soon and hopes to send Timothy to them soon, but sends Epaphroditus. List 4 titles given to Epaphroditus in Philippians Chapter 2, verse 25.
2. What kind of man do you think Epaphroditus was from reading Philippians Chapter 2, verses 26-30? ONE MAN'S OPINION: He was a man Paul said should be honored and welcomed because he risked his life for the work of Christ
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