New Testament Epistles Lesson TEN (b) : The Book of Joy Philippians 3-4 Exhortation to Unity(2:1-11) and Obedience (2:12-28) Read 2:5-8

11. Explain the purpose of the reference to the example of Jesus.

PhilippiansPhilippians 2:5 2:6- 5 Let–8 this - 6 mindWho, be being in you, inwhich the was form also of in ChristGod, Jesusthought: it not– Paul robbery is warning to be(cf. 3:2equal-3) and with encouraging God: 7 But (4:2) made himself of no –reputationBased on the, and exhortations took upon in 1:27 him and the 2:2- 4form that theyof a should servant be of, and “one mind”…. this can only be accomplished8 by submission to one was madeanother in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion– Must as develop a man the, he spirit humbled and disposition himself of ,the and mind became which Christ obedient unto manifesteddeath, even the death of the cross. Exhortation to Unity(2:1-11) and Obedience (2:12-28) • Much controversy exists in this text: (1) In what way was Jesus “equal” with God and (2) Of what did He empty Himself? • The point of the text: The attitude Christ demonstrated buy His life and death is such that should humble every professed disciple to be of a submissive mind that will yield self in order to promote unity! • Possessed the fulness of the Godhead (Col 1:19; 2:9) • He was in the beginning with God and was God (John 1:1-3) • Held a position of authority and power for by Him were all things created (Col 1:16-18) • When manifest in the flesh (John 1:14)… He was God with us (Matt 1:23) • He is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15)…the express image of His person (Heb 1:3) • He came in the flesh (Gal 4:4) to minister and serve (John 13:4-17) not as one privileged • Though He was rich he sacrificed Himself for others (2 Cor 8:9) • He did relinquish the glory he had with the Father (John 17:5) but not His divine nature Exhortation to Unity(2:1-11) and Obedience (2:12-28) Read 2:12-16

12. Explain the exhortation "work out your own salvation."

Philippians 2:12 - 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. • In light of 2:6-11, be of the same obedient mind, attitude of Christ • Does not say “work for”. Salvation is possible only by God’s grace but access is by faith! (cf. Rom 5:1-2; Eph 2:10; Rom 4:1-5) 2 Peter 1:10–11 - 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (cf. Acts 2:40, 37-38, 41-42) Exhortation to Unity(2:1-11) and Obedience (2:12-28)

13. What attitudes must be avoided if one is to work successfully as a child of God?

Philippians 2:14 - 14 Do all things without murmurings (to complain, grumble) and disputings (arguing about diff of opinions) • The example not to follow of Israel – 1 Cor 10:1-12 • Do not bite and devour one another – Gal 5:14-15 • Debate over doctrinal issues is healthy (cf. 1 Jn 4:1; Eph 4:15) but not striving about word to no profit (cf. 2 Tim 2:14-18) Exhortation to Unity(2:1-11) and Obedience (2:12-28) Read 2:25-30 15. Who was Epaphroditus? What kind of man was he? Why did Paul send him to Philippi?

Philippians 2:25 - 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. Philippians 2:30 - 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. Philippians 2:26, 28 - 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick... 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. The Excellence of Christ (3:1-16) Read 3:1-11 16. Identify the false teachers referred to in verse two. Philippians 3:1–2 - 1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, (“not bothersome” or “I do not mind” Cf. 2 Pet 1:12) but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. • Dog – never used in a good sense (contempt, reproach). Used by Jews in ref to Gentiles (Cf. Mt 15:26). Paul turns the application to them (Cf. Gal 1:6-8) • Evil workers – Judaizing teachers (2 Cor 11:13 “Deceitful workers”) and (Gal 2:4 “false brethren”) They believed (Acts 15:5) but taught error (Acts 15:1) • Concision – describes those who “mutilate the flesh”. Those saved by God’s grace where setting that aside by their teaching (Cf. Gal 5:1-12) The Excellence of Christ (3:1-16)

17. Who, according to Paul, are the real "circumcision?"

Philippians 3:3 - 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, (Cf. Jn 4:24; Rom 6:17-18) and rejoice in Christ Jesus, (Cf. 1 Cor 1:31; Gal 6:14; 2:21) and have no confidence in the flesh. ( Cf. Rom 3:23; Gal 3:10-13; Heb 10:3-4) • “We”- Paul, saints at Philippi and all Christians • Christians are the “Israel of God” – Gal 6:16 • Spiritual circumcision occurs in obedience to the gospel – (Cf. Gal 5:6; 6:15; Rom 2:28-29) • The only circumcision that now counts is the circumcision that is of Christ – (Cf. Col 2:11-12) The Excellence of Christ (3:1-16) • In comparison to these Judaizing teachers, Paul sets forth his credentials as a Jew. 18.• If Namethere wasthose any things saving which value Paul in inherited listed as hisfleshly advantages privileges in orthe by flesh. keeping the outward ceremonies of the Law, he was in a position to boast more than • Circumcisedanyone! the 8th day: Compliance with Law, Covenant relationship (Cf. Gen 17:13) • Of the stock of Israel: Descendant of Abraham (Cf. Gen 32:24-28; Exe 19:5-6) • Of the tribe of Benjamin: Loyal with Judah in regards to temple worship. Heritage (Rom 11:1) • Hebrew of Hebrews: Hebrew parents, trained by Gamaliel, spoke (Cf. Acts 22:3; 26:4-5, 14) • As touching the law, a Pharisee: Strictest sect, lived in accordance with law (Cf. Acts 26:5) • Concerning zeal, persecuting the church: Loyalty & devotion to Judaism (Cf. Gal 1:13-14), out of ignorance (Cf. 1 Tim 1:3) because thought it was right (Cf. Acts 26:9-10) • Touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless: As judged by men he had neglected no duty and lived in all good conscience (Cf. Acts 23:1; 24:16) The Excellence of Christ (3:1-16) 19. As a Christian, what was Paul's goal in life? What application does this have for us today?

Philippians 3:14 - 14 I press (to strive energetically) toward the mark (goal, aim, movement or activity directed toward) for the prize (reward obtained) of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Cf. 1 Cor 9:24-37) • He counted all things that would separate him from Christ as worthless – v7-8 • He wanted to be in fellowship with Christ through faith – v9 • He wanted to live as a Christian so that he might obtain the resurrection of the dead – v10-11 (Cf. John 5:28-29, 1 Thess 4:16-17) • He had not been “perfected” yet, it is an ongoing pursuit which requires one to “strain after” and he would not let his past hinder him – v12-13 Heavenly Citizenship (3:17-21)

20. To whom should Christians look for a life pattern? Why?

Philippians 3:17 - 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. • 5023 “Mark” (skopeō): … notice carefully (Ro 16:17; Php 3:17+), ..watch out for, implying a response to the danger (Ro 16:17; Gal 6:1+), be concerned about (Php 2:4+); … keep thinking about, ponder, fix attention toward (Lk 11:35; 2Co 4:18+) Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) • In contrast to the Judaizing teachers described in 3:2,18-19, Paul sets himself and others like him as examples to “mark” as worthy of following. • Only in so far as he followed Christ: 1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (Cf. Gal 1:8-9) Heavenly Citizenship (3:17-21) 21. What are the characteristics of the "enemies of the cross of Christ?" Philippians 3:19 - 19 Whose (1) end is destruction, whose (2) God is their belly, and whose (3) glory is in their shame, who (4) mind earthly things.) 1. The direction of their conduct will lead to eternal destruction, reaping what they have sown (Cf. Mt 7:13; Gal 6:7-8) 2. The satisfaction of their own selfish, fleshly desires rather than coming to know Christ (Cf. Rom 16:18) 3. To glory or pride themselves in what divine inspiration judges to be disgraceful (Cf. Gal 6:14; 1 Cor 1:31) 4. Set ones mind on, controlled by earthy (fleshly) things (Cf. Col 3:2; Rom 8:5-6) Heavenly Citizenship (3:17-21)

22. What is the future hope of Christians?

Philippians 3:20–21 - 20 For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Cf. 2 Tim 4:8; 1 Thess 4:16-18) 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, (Cf. 1 Cor 15: 35-44; 50-54; 2 Cor 5:1-8; 1 John 3:2) according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Exhortations to Firmness (4:1) and to Some Individuals (4:2-3) 23. What does it mean to "stand fast in the Lord?"

Philippians 4:1 - Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. • In view of their heavenly citizenship and glorious hope - “stand fast” – to stand firm, be constant, persevere, 1 Cor. 16:13; Gal. 5:1; Phil. 1:27; 4:1; 1 Thess. 3:8; 2 Thess. 2:15 (Mounce, W. D) • Philippians 1:27 - 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (Cf. Phil 2:2) Prohibition of Anxiety (4:4-7) Read 4:4-7 25. What is the antidote to anxiety that Paul prescribes? How does your answer relate to the overall theme of this epistle? Philippians 4:6 - 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Cf. Matt 6:25-34; 1 Thess 5:17-18; Matt 6:8; 1 Pet 5:5-6; 1 John 5:14-15) • PaulThe is results offering whichfinal exhortations God alone in bringing can bestow: to a close the letter: Philippians– Rejoice in 4:7the Lord- 7 And always the –peacev4 (Cf. of 1 ThessGod, 5:16;which Rom passeth 12:15; all1 Thess 4:13) understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ – Be gentle to all men – v5 (Cf. Phil 2:5-11- yielding by following Christ Jesus. example) – Pray about everything ! The Secret of Contentment (4:9-23) Phil 4:8-9 • The words ”finally brethren” introduces a few more exhortations concerning the “peace of God” • One must control what he thinks to have access to the “peace of God” (Cf. Prov 4:23; 23:7; Matt 15:18-19) 27. What, as seen in this passage, was the real source of Paul's joy? What does that suggest as to his character? Philippians 4:10 - 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. • Rejoiced for their care for him which was expressed in the gift • His primary concern was for their spiritual well being (Cf. Phil 4:11, 13, 17-20) The Secret of Contentment (4:9-23)

30. What assurance does Paul give the Philippians?

Philippians 4:19 - 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.