1. 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?
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.
1. What does God tell us to do in verses three and four of this second chapter of Philippians?
Fill in the blanks.
Verse 3: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Verse 4: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on things 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.
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the 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 obedient to God despite any cost.
1. 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 “worketh” 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:
John 6:44,65
God draws us to himself and enables us to be with Him through Jesus Christ
Desire to be with God
Rom 10:9-11
God saves and justifies us
We confess with our mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead
Eph 2:7-10
God provides us a gift of salvation, we are his workmanship, he has prepared good works for us to do
We do good works
Phil 1:3-6
God completes the good works in us
We are partners with God
Heb 13:20-21
God equips us to do good works that are pleasing to Him
We do God's will
I John 4:12-17
God lives in us and through His Holy Spirit He has given us
We love one another
I John 5:1-5
We are born again
Believe that Jesus is the Christ, love the Father and carry out His commands, overcome the world through faith
2. Why are we told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling?
Because the consequence is eternal death
1. In verse 14 Paul exhorts the Philippians to do everything without murmuring or arguing. What motivations does he provide them to do so?
Verse 15:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Verse 16:
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
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 ask these questions:
- 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 an argument how should we handle it according to the following verses?
1. 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 Philippian's 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 it 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's illegal to own a Bible, to share your faith in 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 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
1. 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