PHILLIPPIANS – Study Guide – English Know Jesus More

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PHILLIPPIANS – Study Guide – English

Know Jesus more intimately through experiencing?

 His power that is faithfully working in me (Phil. 1:6)

 His joy, even in the midst of suffering (Phil. 1:18-20)

 His humility that puts others first (Phil. 2:3-8)

 His all-surpassing worth and lordship over everything in my life (Phil. 3:7-8)

 His call to forget the past and press upward, closer to Him (Phil. 3:13-14)

 His peace that guards my heart and mind as I pray and let go of my anxiety (Phil. 4:6-7)

 His truth as I encounter what the world puts in my mind (Phil. 4:8)

 His contentment in the midst of uncertain situations (Phil. 4:11)

 His strength in me to do all things-anything and everything that comes my way (Phil. 4:13)

 His provision to meet all my needs (Phil. 4:19)

BIBLE STUDY GUIDE – Philippians 1 SESSION I

DAY ONE – Scripture to be studied today: Acts 16 1. For the story of the Church in Philippi, read Acts 16. The church Paul established there was the first church in mainland Europe. Read Acts 16.

a. How is Philippi described in Acts 16:12?

b. In Acts 16 three people were affected by Paul and his ministry. Name each one and give a brief description of what happened in their lives.

c. How do Paul and Silas’ actions in prison (Acts 16:25) exemplify the filling of the Spirit as described in Ephesians 5:18-20?

2. Because of the use of the first person “we” in Acts 16:10-12, it would appear that Luke, the writer of Acts, joined Paul when he went into Macedonia. Who else was with Paul in Philippi as mentioned in Acts 16?

a. Who was with Paul while writing the letter to the Philippian church according to Philippians 1:1?

b. By what affectionate term did Paul address Timothy in I Timothy 1:2?

c. Read II Timothy 1:1-4. What do these verses tell you about Paul’s feelings toward the younger man, Timothy?

DAY TWO – Scripture to be studied today: Overview and Philippians 1:3-7. 1. Read the first chapter of Philippians. Look for expressions of Paul’s feelings and references to his circumstances. Jot down words/phrases that express these.

a. Paul’s feelings

b. Paul’s circumstances

c. How can these two be reconciled? What clues did Paul give in this chapter as to why he could feel the way he did in spite of his circumstances?

2. Perhaps Philippians 1:3-5 gives some insight as to what motivated the joy in Paul’s heart.

a. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” We must be careful that we are not so focused on our own circumstances that we do not see others and what they mean to us.

3. Paul’s confidence expressed in Philippians 1:6 may also have contributed to his feelings of joy.

a. What was the “good work” to which he referred? Also read John 1:12, 13.

b. Who initiates the good work?

c. Who takes responsibility for its progress?

d. Who guaranties the outcome?

DAY THREE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 1:8-11. 1. Paul not only praised God for the Philippian Christians, he prayed for them. Read Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:8-11.

a. How do you visualize “love abounding more and more”? Is there a picture that comes to your mind? Philippians 1 #20 Page 3

2. Philippians 1:10 in the Phillips Translation reads: “I want you always to recognize the highest and the best….” When we abound in love and approve things that are excellent, what will be the result in our lives?

3. Paul further defined a sincere and blameless life as one filled with the “fruit of righteousness” in verse 11.

a. What is the source of our ability to “bear the fruit of righteousness”? Read both Philippians 1:11 and John 15:1-8.

b. Righteousness as used here is right conduct resulting from a right relationship with God. What does righteousness/unrighteousness prove according to I John 3:7, 10?

DAY FOUR – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 1:12-26. 1. In our passage for study today, Paul demonstrated by his personal testimony, the genuineness of his faith-for it is how one handless adversity that determines the depth of his spiritual experience. Read Philippians 1:12-26.

a. When Paul looked back on his imprisonment, what reason did he see for his being in jail? Philippians 1:12, 13

b. What resulted from his imprisonment as indicated in verse 14?

c. Did Paul allow the wrong motives/actions of other people to destroy his joy? Philippians 1:15-18

2. What did Paul mean when he stated “For to me, to live is Christ”?

a. How do Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20 help explain his philosophy of life?

3. Paul was aware that he was facing death. To him, both life and death were desirable.

a. Which would he have chosen and why?

b. What other considerations did he have to take into account?

c. In general, how do people feel about death? Do many people share Paul’s eager anticipation of it? Why or why not?

DAY FIVE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 1:27-30. 1. Paul, in the next paragraph, exhorted the Philippians to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of Gospel.

a. What aspects of worthy conduct are described in verse 27?

b. What do you think Paul meant by “in one spirit, with one mind”?

c. What does it require of each individual in a group if there is going to be a spirit of oneness?

d. How important is this to “striving together for the faith”?

2. Paul told us that we are not only to believe in God, but we are to suffer for His sake.

a. What does the passage in I Peter 4:12-16 teach us about suffering?

b. We do not suffer today as the early Christians suffered for their faith. In what ways are Christians today suffering for their faith?

3. What have you learned from the first chapter of Philippians about maintaining an attitude of joy in all our circumstances?

WORKMEN OF THE WORD-II TIMOTHY 2:15 BIBLE STUDY GUIDE – Philippians 2 SESSION I - Continued

DAY ONE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 2:1-4. 1. Paul called for his readers to walk worthy of the gospel by demonstrating a unity that is a witness to who they were. Read Philippians 1:27 with 2:1-4, especially noting the use of the words “one” and “same”.

2. Unity comes from our mutual benefits in Jesus Christ. What do we have “in Christ” according to Philippians 2:1?

3. In Philippians 2:2 Paul stated that his joy will be complete when these benefits in Christ cause believers to be examples of unity. What four things did he desire?

4. Philippians 2:3, 4 give the method for obtaining and maintaining unity. What directives are given in these verses?

5. Whose responsibility is to maintain these attitudes-the Body as a whole or individuals within the Body? What words or phrases indicate this?

DAY TWO – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 2:5-8. 1. Paul had urged the believers to maintain certain attitudes that build unity, but these are not natural or easy. He went on to explain that Jesus Christ has shown us how it can be done. What is the command of Philippians 2:5?

2. In order to understand the attitude and actions of Jesus, we must first look at who He is. Paul said “He existed in the form of God (possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God.).” Philippians 2:6. What do you learn about Jesus from John

8:58 and Hebrews 1:1-3 concerning His pre-existence and His divine nature?

3. We are also told that “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

a. Who was Jesus obeying? Mark 14:36; John 10:18

b. Read Philippians 2:8 with Galatians 3:13. How does this explain why the means of death was important and specifically mentioned?

DAY THREE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 2:9-11. 1. Read Philippians 2:9-11. The word “t h e r e f o r e” could be “consequently” or “for this reason.” Considering what we have learned about Jesus in Philippians 2:6-8, tell why you think God “highly exalted Him.”

2. What do you learn about the ascension of Jesus Christ from the following verses?

a. Luke 22:66-69

b. Luke 24:50, 51 with Acts 1:9-11

3. Paul has impressed upon us our need to have Christ’s attitude in all things. What is our responsibility and the promise that is ours if we apply His heart attitude to our lives?

a. Luke 14:11

b. II Timothy 2:11, 12

c. I Peter 5:6

DAY FOUR – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 2:12-18. 1. We see Paul’s progression of thought as we proceed to our passage of study today. In Philippians 2:6-8 he gave the example of Christ’s obedience; in verses 9-11 we saw God’s response to His Son’s life of humility and obedience; and in verses 12-18, he called for the Christian’s response to the example of Christ. Read Philippians 2:12- 18.

2. Verses 12 and 13 reads: “So then, my dearest friends, as you have always followed my advice-and that not only when I was present to give it-so now that I am far away, work out the salvation that god has given you with a proper sense of awe and responsibility. For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose.”

a. What part do we play in the growth of our Christian walk?

b. What is God’s part?

3. In Philippians 2:15 Paul said that we live “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.”

a. What two things did Paul suggest as being a hindrance to our testimony if we do them? Verse 14

b. Why are these not to be a part of our lives, according to verse 15?

4. By saying “holding fast the word of life,” (verse 16) Paul seems to have said, “Don’t let go of the truth… live by it.” How can we live by this principle today?

5. In Philippians 2:16, 17 Paul stated that his joy will be in seeing victory in believer’s lives. By this, his own sacrifice and service will be rewarded. This is still true today.

We gain strength in our lives as we hear what God is doing in the lives of our brothers and sisters. Plan to share a testimony of God’s work in your life with your group this week.

DAY FIVE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 2:19-30. 1. In Philippians 2, Paul gave us directives for personal behavior (verses 3, 4); the example of Christ (verses 6-8) and now two model Christians who exemplify obedient service to God. Read Philippians 2:19-30.

a. What do you learn about the character of Timothy in verses 20 and 22?

b. From Philippians 2:19, 20, what are the two reasons Paul sent Timothy to the Philippians?

2. In verse 25, how did Paul describe Epaphroditus in relationship to himself?

3. Epaphroditus had ministered to Paul although he was ill and homesick. How did Paul tell the Philippians to receive him in verse 29?

4. What thought, attitude or command stands out in your thinking from this week’s lesson?

WORKMEN OF THE WORD-II TIMOTHY 2:15 BIBLE STUDY GUIDE – Philippians 3 SESSION II

DAY ONE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 3:1-3. 1. Paul began the third chapter with the command to “rejoice in the Lord.” This becomes an important concept in light of what Paul discussed in this chapter. Take a few minutes to consider some of the implications of this command. Use the questions below as a guide.

a. What do you think it means to “rejoice in the Lord”?

b. How is “rejoicing in the Lord” a safeguard for you?

2. The strong words of Philippians 3:2 are directed at the Judaizers, who taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation. What did Paul teach about circumcision in Romans 2:28, 29?

3. In Philippians 3:3, Paul gave three distinctives of the true circumcision. What are they?

4. How would you explain the phrase “put no confidence in the flesh”? See also Titus 3:5-7.

DAY TWO – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 3:4-8. 1. In Philippians 3:4-8, Paul explained that if confidence in the flesh were possible, then he would have ample reason to boast.

a. From verse 5, who was Paul?

b. From verse 6, how had he lived out his religious zeal?

2. How does Isaiah 64:6 describe all of our righteous deeds-done in the flesh?

3. When Paul met Christ on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1-19), he counted “those things” (all his personal and acquired merits) as loss. In Philippians 3:8 he wrote, “More than that, I count all things to be loss…” After Paul met and was changed by Jesus Christ, what one thing mattered, or was counted as gain to him? Philippians 3:8

4. What do we “gain” when we know Christ Jesus according to the following verses?

a. John 17:3

b. II Peter 1:2, 3

c. II Peter 2:20a

5. What application can you make to your own life from this passage?

DAY THREE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 3:9-11. 1. When we “gain Christ”, we are in Him and are no longer dependent on the self- achieved righteousness of the Law. What do the following verses tell us about the way the righteousness which comes from God is attained?

a. Philippians 3:9

b. Romans 3:21-24

c. Romans 9:30-32a

d. Romans 10:3, 4, 9, 10

2. From Philippians 3:10, what were the things that Paul desired to know?

DAY FOUR – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 3:12-16. 1. Read Philippians 3:12 carefully. Paul made three strong statements in this verse. Re- state his thoughts in your own words-using as few words as possible.

2. In Philippians 3:13-16 Paul continued to address the goal-oriented aspects of the Christian life.

a. Can a runner compete successfully by looking behind him? Explain your thinking.

b. What else are we told to do in Hebrews 12:1, 2, that will aid our running the race?

3. Paul realized he was still in the race and in order to achieve his goal there were some things he had to forget and some things to reach out for.

a. Make a list of the things that are now behind you and that you therefore forget, i.e. mistakes, failures, privileges, achievements, etc.

DAY FIVE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 3:17-21. 1. The Christian life is a measurable, observable walk before others. Paul told us that what we believe and what we do must agree.

a. What did Paul say in Philippians 3:17?

b. (Personal) Does the consistency of your life allow you to say, “join in following my e x a m p l e” … not that you do everything perfectly, but that you are, in every way, “pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”?

2. In verses 18, 19 Paul described those who were not walking to glorify Christ. Contrast the life Paul modeled for us with the one he described in these verses. a. “they are enemies of the cross of Christ…” with Galatians 6:14

b. “whose end is destruction…” with Philippians 3:11

c. “whose god is their appetite…” with Philippians 3:10a

d. “whose glory is their shame…” or as in The Living Bible “they are proud of what they should be ashamed of…” with Philippians 3:3

e. “who set their minds on earthly things…” with Colossians 3:2

3. Paul then reminded his readers that their citizenship is in heaven. Therefore, our behavior should be in agreement with our citizenship.

a. What does he tell his readers to do in Philippians 3:20?

b. Read Titus 2:11-13. What kind of lives are we to live while waiting for Christ’s return?

BIBLE STUDY GUIDE – Philippians 4:1-9 SESSION II - Continued DAY ONE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 4:1-4. 1. Characteristic of Paul’s writing we find the word “therefore” at the beginning of Philippians 4. He often used this word to relate what he was about to say to what he had already said. In the third chapter he spoke of the enemies of the cross, our heavenly citizenship and the fact that we are looking for Jesus to come again. Read Philippians 4:1-9. Note the words that show Paul’s tender affection for these Christians.

2. Why is it so important for believers to “stand firm in the Lord”?

3. What do the following verses tell about standing firm?

a. I Corinthians 16:13

b. Galatians 5:1

c. Philippians 1:27

4. The next problem to be addressed is that of disunity within the Christian fellowship. a. Summarize the key to living in harmony in the Lord that had previously been given in Philippians 2:2-4.

b. Does “living in harmony” mean being in complete agreement? Can love still be expressed when we have disagreements with a fellow believer? Give an example.

5. What are we told to do when we become discouraged and/or depressed over the circumstances of life? See Philippians 4:4.

a. Read Habakkuk 3:17, 18 and summarize its message.

b. What makes “joy in the Lord” different from “happiness”? DAY TWO – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 4:7. 1. In the light of the problems that were present at Philippi (Philippians 4:2, 3), Paul set forth the requirements for obtaining the peace of God. Read Philippians 4:4-7. What attitudes must characterize our lives if we are to experience the peace of God?

2. Consider how the peace of God differs from the peace of the world.

a. What do the people of the world see as necessary to be able to enjoy peace? Either personal or corporate peace?

b. When are Christians to enjoy the peace of God as verse 6 would indicate? Add other scripture verses as you are able.

3. Write a simple statement about peace from the following verses.

a. Isaiah 32:17 with Romans 5:1

b. John 14:27

4. What does the phrase “… shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” found in Philippians 4:7 mean to you?

a. What is the difference between the heart and the mind?

b. Do all Christians actually experience this protecting power of peace in their lives? Why or why not?

c. What does Philippians 4:6 and Isaiah 26:3 tell us we must do in order to experience the protection? DAY THREE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 4:8. 1. The peace of God is able to protect the heart and mind of the believer if (1) he removes anxious thoughts (2) commits his care to the Lord in prayer (3) is thankful and (4) is careful what his mind dwells on.

2. What does the Bible say about our minds? Note an important idea from these verses.

a. Romans 7:25; 8:5-7

b. Romans 12:2

c. Ephesians 4:23

3. What are the specific virtues upon which we should think and which, if we do “dwell” on them, will influence the quality of our lives and the amount of peace we enjoy?

4. Where must we go to fill our minds with these things? Psalms 19:7-11 and 143:5.

DAY FOUR – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 4:9. 1. Paul concluded this passage by calling for action. We are not merely to think about “these things”, we are to practice them! Is there one directive in the book of Philippians that has especially impressed you? What can you do to put it into practice in your life?

2. What do each of the following verses have to say about “doing” rather than simply “knowing”?

a. James 1:22

b. John 13:17

c. Matthew 7:24-2

BIBLE STUDY GUIDE – Philippians 4:10-20 SESSION III

DAY ONE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 4:10-20. 1. In Philippians 4:4-9 Paul set forth some principles of Christian living. Do you see ways in which Paul lived out (practiced) these principles in verses 10-20? Give examples.

DAY TWO – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 4:10-13. 1. Read Philippians 4:10-23 with I Corinthians 4:11-13 and II Corinthians 11:23-27. Do you think Paul was always content in the midst of every circumstance? Give a reason for your answer from Philippians 4:10-13.

a. Is contentment an attitude that you desire to see developed in your life? Give a reason for your answer.

2. How would you define contentment? Compare your definition to that of a dictionary.

3. Notice that in Philippians 4:10, Paul’s rejoicing was “in the Lord”, not in what the Philippians had sent to him. Contentment is grounded upon our understanding of who God is and what He will do for us.

a. Read Matthew 6:25-34 and look for an underlying reason why we can be content rather than anxious.

b. From Hebrews 13:5, what is the basis for contentment?

4. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11 that he was “content in whatever circumstances I am.”

a. If we are content in our circumstances does that mean we must also be content with our circumstances? Explain your thinking. b. How can our lives express contentment in unsatisfactory situations while at the same time working toward making them better?

5. Read what Paul wrote on this subject in I Timothy 6:6-10.

a. With what things should we be content?

b. How can we lose contentment according to I Timothy 6:9? What, then, replaces contentment?

6. Are there some things or some areas of our life in which we should be content and other areas where we should not be content with things just as they are? Compare Philippians 3:12-14 with I Timothy 6:6-10.

DAY THREE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 4:12, 13. 1. We have studied what it means to be content. Contentment is something we learn through the experiences of life. How does contentment grow when we put into practice the ideas that Paul taught in Philippians 4:4-8? Explain your answers to the following questions.

a. How will rejoicing in the Lord help us to experience contentment? (4:4)

b. Is it possible for anxiety and contentment to co-exist?

c. When we take everything to the Lord in prayer, with thanksgiving, how will it lead to contentment?

d. When we experience the peace of God will we also be content? (4:7)

e. In what way is our contentment affected by the things on which we let our minds dwell? (4:8)

f. How is verse 13 the key to Paul’s contentment? Also read Philippians 2:13.

DAY FOUR – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 4:14-18. 1. Paul acknowledged the Philippians’ gift to him in Philippians 4:10, but then went on to explain that he was content whatever his circumstances might be. Read Philippians 4:10, and 14:20. What made the Philippian church unique among all of Paul’s established churches?

2. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about these Macedonian believers, using them as an example of how to give. How did Paul describe their circumstances and the way they gave in II Corinthians 8:1-5?

3. Our motivation for giving is even more important than our gift according to the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:1-4. What did Jesus say about how we should give?

4. Seeing the needs of others and reaching out to help is evidence that we are walking in a manner worthy of our calling. What is evidenced in our lives when we give to those who are in need according to the following passages?

a. James 2:14-18

b. I John 3:16-18

DAY FIVE – Scripture to be studied today: Philippians 4:19. 1. Philippians 4:19 is a verse that must be considered within the context of the preceding verses… verses 10-18. Upon what does the promise of verse 19 rest?

2. Consider the grounds upon which we are able to lay hold of the promise that “God shall supply all your needs…”

a. What is the principle stated in Luke 6:38?

b. What is the condition and the promise of II Corinthians 9:6-8?

3. For further insight read Proverbs 3:9, 10; 11:25; 22:9; 28:27; and Isaiah 58:10, 11.

4. Is it possible for this principle to be misunderstood and misused? If so, how?

5. “My God will supply all that you need from His glorious resources in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.

6. What is the most important lesson that the Lord has impressed upon your heart from this study?