This week, we shall finish the study
of Philippians and begin the study of Colossians in the New Testament.
(1) Paul has already “gained Christ” (3:8) and righteousness in Him through faith (3:9). What else does he want to pursue or know? (3:10-11)
(2) Paul says, “I want to know”:
a. Christ:
- When did Paul come to know Christ? (see Acts 9:5ff)
- What then does he want to know about Christ, or what it means for him to know Christ?
b. The power of Christ’s resurrection
- In what way(s) has Paul already known about the power of Christ’s resurrection?
- What else does he want to know in this respect?
c. Participation (or fellowship/sharing) in Christ’s suffering:
- What has Paul already known about Christ’s suffering?
- What else does he want to know still in this respect? (see Col. 1:24)
- What is the purpose of such a “knowing”? (v. 11)
- What does it mean?
(3) Paul obviously recognizes that he has not arrived yet (as far as the preceding pursuit is concerned), but he also recognizes that Christ Jesus is the one who has first taken hold of him (v. 12):
a. What should the realization that we have already been taken hold by Christ have in our pursuit of knowing Him? (v. 13)
b. Consider the following questions concerning this pursuit:
- What are the things Paul needs to put behind him?
- What about you?
- What do “straining forward” and “pressing on” indicate?
- Paul has already told us the goal of his pursuit. What is yours?
- What is the prize (above) that God has called each one of us to win?
(4) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
本週我們會讀完腓立比書，並開始研讀歌羅西書。請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 保羅雖然已“得著基督”(3:8) 和因“信基督” 而得的義(3:9) ，他還想追求認識什麼？(3:10-11)
(2) 保羅說：“我要認識(或曉得)/I want to know (NIV)”
a. 基督：
i. 保羅是在何時認識基督的？(見徒9:5ff)
ii. 為何他說還要認識基督？是什麼意思？
b. 祂復活的大能：
i. 保羅已怎樣經歷過基督復活的大能？
ii. 他尚希望怎樣曉得這大能？
c. 和祂一同受苦
i. 保羅已怎樣嘗到和基督一同受苦？
ii. 他尚希望怎樣曉得和基督一同(sharing) 受苦？（參西1:24）
iii. 這「曉得」的目的是什麼？(3:11)
iv. 這是什麼意思？
(3) 保羅知道自己（就以上所追求的）尚未完全得著，但他卻明白自己首先已被基督“得著了”(3:12)
a. 明白到我們首先已被基督得著，對我們追求認識基督該有什麼影響？(3:13)
b. 在這追求中：
i. 保羅需要忘記什麼？
ii. 你需要忘記什麼？
iii. 「努力」和「直跑」意味著什麼？
iv. 保羅已告訢我們他追求的目標是什麼，你今日追求的目標又是什麼？
v. 神從天上召我們得的獎賞是什麼？
(4) 今天你得到的主要提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.’’ (Phil. 3:10-11)
Chapter
three of Philippians is like a concise “autobiography” of the Apostle
Paul. He begins with listing all things that he used to take pride in
before he met Christ on the road to Damascus. It is obvious that he was
“forced” to recount
his past by the Judaizers who insisted on preaching a “circumcised
gospel”. He shows them two things:
- He is even more qualified than they are when it comes to bragging about being a true Israelite (3:4-6).
- He has counted all these as losses when compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as His Lord (3:8).
In fact, these things he just bragged about, he now considers them “dung” and are things that he has put behind him (3:8).
His autobiography then focuses on the present, telling the readers of what his life is all about and that is to pursue knowing Christ.
I think we all have a similar past to tell, and irrespective of how dissimilar ours might be from Paul's, there is also nothing in our past to brag about and there are things we need to forget and put behind.
However, the Apostle Paul asks us to follow his example (3:17) and thus we need to ask the question: “What are we pursuing now?”
Yes, the Apostle Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13), and we know that he has dedicated his entire life to fulfilling this calling, but he does not make this his goal — his goal remains the pursuit of knowing Christ. In fact, he adds that as part of this knowing, he wants also to know the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering.
Paul has known far more of the power of Christ’s resurrection than us. Apart from having experienced this power at the time of conversion (just as we have), he has experienced such power in the performance of great miracles, in his endurance of immense sufferings and in the deliverance of powerful sermons. But it appears his greatest desire is to know such power in overcoming his own sin, hence the desire to be conformed to Him in His death (3:10).
As much as Paul has suffered much for Christ’s sake already, he still desires to continue to share in the suffering of Christ. This shows us his deep love for Christ, but also, it shows us his deep desire to fully attain “to the resurrection from the dead” (3:11) — It is not that he does not believe in the total transformation of his “lowly” body into a glorious one upon Christ’s return (3:31). Rather, he wants to fully experience this transformation as much as he can in the here and now, and the path to such a state is through suffering!
May God grant us the same desire to know Christ, to know the power of His resurrection and to share in, and not run away from, the suffering of our Lord.
「使我認識基督，曉得祂復活的大能，並且曉得和祂一同受苦，效法祂的死，或者我也得以從死裡復活。」(腓3:10-11)
腓立比書第三章好像是保羅濃縮的自傳。開始時他詳談在大馬色路上遇見主基督之前的生命，和他以前所矜誇的事。他如此重述這些他需要忘記的往事是迫不得已的；他是要顯出那些堅持「割禮福音」者的錯誤，叫他們知道：
- 他比他們更是真以色列人；若要堅持割禮為稱義的一部份，那本該是他（3:4-6）；
- 但他因認識了基督為主，已把這些都看為有損的(3:8) 。
不但如此，這些以前可矜誇的一切，他現看為糞土(3:8) ，是他要完全忘記的(3:13) 。
然後，他的焦點轉到他的現在。他告訴腓立比的信徒，他現在生命的目標是什麼，就是要追求認識基督。(3:10)
我相信你和我都有不堪回首的往事。雖然信主的過程不像保羅那樣的戲劇性；但同樣是絕無可誇之處，更是必有要被忘記的「背後」。
但現在又如何呢？使徒保羅勸告我們要效法他（3:17），也就是包括他現在追求的目標。不知道，現今的我和你是在追求什麼呢？
對，保羅有神很特殊的呼召，就是作外邦人的使徒（羅11:13）；我們也知道他是拼命的去作。但談到他追求的目標時，他沒有把事工作為目標，單是以「認識基督」為至寶。不但如此，在追求認識基督中，他特別追求認識祂復活的大能，和曉得和祂一同受苦。
保羅故然對基督復活的大能比我們認識得多：他不但像我們一樣在重生得救的時候經歷了這大能，更是在行出神蹟奇事、忍耐連串的苦難和傳講真理時。一般解經家都認為，在此他更要加倍的在對付老我的罪性上經歷這大能，“效法祂的死” 。(3:10)
另一方面，保羅雖已多為基督受苦，他深願更多的與祂“一同受苦” 。這正顯露出保羅對基督的愛，同時也顯露他希望經歷到“或者也得以從死裡復活”(3:11) —這不是說他不相信主再來時，他“卑賤的身體” 不會復活、改變形狀和主榮耀的身體相似(3:31) ，乃是他渴望在這生已能更接近這改變，而他知道惟一的途徑是為主受苦！
願神幫助我們能效法保羅這心態，追求認識基督和祂復活的大能，甚至在要為主受苦時，不至敬而遠之。
(1) Paul has just explained in the previous verses a “view” of things that mature Christians should have. What is it? (3:13-14)
(2) Although we all are at different stages in our spiritual maturity, what should our common attitude be?
(3) Paul now urges all to follow his example (v. 17)
a. Who are the ones that are basically opposed to his example? (v. 18)
b. What are the characteristics of their pattern of life? (v. 19)
c. Why does Paul call them “enemies of the cross”?
d. By contrast, what is the mindset of those who are citizens of heaven? (v. 20)
e. Is this your mindset as well?
(4) What “cosmic power” does Christ have? (v. 21a)
(5) How will He use His power concerning us? (v. 21b)
(6) Do you look forward to that day of complete transformation? Why or why not?
(7) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 按上文所言，保羅吩咐凡是「完全人」—即靈裡成熟者，總要存這樣的心（view or thinking）。那是什麼的心？(3:13-14)
(2) 雖然我們在靈裡成熟上是有不同的階段，我們該有什麼相同的心態？(3:16)
(3) 保羅吩咐我們要效法他的榜樣(3:17)
a. 這裡提到那些人是他榜樣的反面？(3:18)
b. 這些人生活有什麼特徵？(3:19)
c. 為何保羅竟稱他們為「十字架的仇敵」？
d. 相反地，「天上的國民」的生命有什麼特徵？(2:20)
e. 這是否你生命的特徵？
(4) 基督有什麼大能？(3:21a)
(5) 這大能將要怎樣彰顯在我們身上？(3:21b)
(6) 你是否盼望著這身體改變的那一天？為什麼？
(7) 今天你得到的主要提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” (Phil. 3:17)
As I was reading and re-reading Philippians 3, especially Paul’s desire to know the fellowship of the suffering of Christ, I felt so unworthy to be a servant of the Lord and still do. While Paul desires to suffer for Christ, I find myself complaining bitterly to the Lord at the smallest inconvenience, setback or material loss. How then can I say that I am following Paul’s example, let alone Christ’s? Then, the lyrics of a song that I have not sung for a long, long time came back to me in the wee hours of the morning and I would like to share with you especially during this season of Lent:
Follow Me by Ira Stanphill
1
I traveled down a lonely road and no one seemed to care;
The burden on my weary back had bowed me to despair,
I oft complained to Jesus how folks were treating me,
And then I heard Him say so tenderly,
“My feet were also weary, Upon the Calv’ry road;
The cross became so heavy; I fell beneath the load,
Be faithful weary pilgrim, the morning I can see,
Just lift your cross and follow close to me.”
2
3
“I work so hard for Jesus,” I often boast and say,
“I've sacrificed a lot of things to walk the narrow way,
I gave up fame and fortune; I'm worth a lot to Thee,”
And then I hear Him gently say to me.
“I left the throne of glory and counted it but loss,
My hands were nailed in anger upon a cruel cross,
But now we'll make the journey with your hand safe in mine,
So lift your cross and follow close to me.”
Oh, Jesus if I die upon a foreign field someday,
’Twould be no more than love demands; no less could I repay,
“No greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die”
These are the words He gently spoke to me,
“If just a cup of water I place within your hand
Then just a cup of water is all that I demand,”
But if by death to living they can Thy glory see,
I'll take my cross and follow close to thee.
「弟兄們，你們要一同效法我，也當留意看那些照我們榜樣行的人。」(腓3:17)
昨天談到要學習保羅追求的目標，實在不容易，特別是要追求認識與基督一同受苦。在自我反省時，其實自感慚愧，甚至覺得不配作神的僕人。不是嗎！在偶一遇到挫折、不順利的事情、或一些損失時，就向神發怨言。何來學習效法保羅(3:17) ？更談不上效法基督了！就在一次的反思中，腦海中不期然的出現了一首久已遺忘的詩歌歌詞，容許我與你們分享：
「跟隨我」(曲詞Ira Stanphill)
1. 我在孤寂的路上走，無人對我關心，
沉重的擔子壓肩頭，使我失望難受；
我常埋怨對主說：為何如此待我？
我就聽見主慈聲對我說：
“當我走加略山路，雙腳亦感貧乏；
這十架如此沉重，我被壓至仆倒。
天路客啊，要忠心，黎明就快來臨，
你只要背起十架，靠近我。”
2. “我殷勤為耶穌作工，”我常這樣誇口，
“我已犧牲很多事物，為要行走窄路；
我捨棄金錢名譽，我配作祢門徒，
我就聽見主慈聲對我說：
“我捨棄榮耀寶座，我以此為有損，
惡人把我的雙手，釘在殘酷十架，
今我們同走旅程，安穩牽著你手，
故要背起十架，靠近我。”
3. 哦，主耶穌，若我一日死於異地他鄉，
也不會超愛所要求，縱使一切擺上。
“世人的愛莫過於人為朋友捨命。”
這是祂向我低語的聲音：
“若我放在你手中只是一杯涼水，
我向你所有要求不過只這一杯。”
“若因我死，而有人見祢榮耀國度，
我願背十架，緊緊跟隨主。
(1) In your reading of the first three chapters of this letter, how will you describe Paul’s relationship with the Philippians?
(2) Is there anyone in your life that you may call your “joy and crown”?
(3) Are you the “joy and crown” of someone?
(4) The admonition to stand firm (v. 1) is connected to the immediately preceding verses by “therefore”:
a. What is Paul referring to?
b. How might this help them to stand firm?
(5) What do you know about the two sisters, Euodia and Syntyche from Paul’s words? (vv. 2-3)
(6) They were even partners with Paul in the gospel.
a. What might have happened that caused them not to be of the same mind in the Lord?
b. What could the rest of the church do to help?
c. What lesson might we learn from this incident?
(7) At the time of his writing, what were Paul and the Philippians going through?
(8) How then could Paul rejoice and how could he ask the Philippians to rejoice? (v. 4)
(9) Of all things, why does Paul emphasize “gentleness”?
(10) “Gentleness” is sandwiched between the command to rejoice and the reminder that the Lord is near. Which might be more relevant to “gentleness”? Why?
(11) The command not to be anxious is definitely tied to the nearness of the Lord.
a. Why shouldn’t we be anxious about anything because the Lord is near?
b. What practical way does Paul give us to overcome anxiety? (v. 6)
c. Why should such prayers be accompanied by thanksgiving?
d. Could it be that our situation is such that we find nothing for which to give thanks? What are we to do? Is it possible?
e. What will be the result of such kind of prayers?(4:7)
f. Have you ever experienced “unexplainable” peace that comes from such kind of prayers?
g. Can you describe how such the peace of God has guarded your “heart” and your “mind” in Christ Jesus?
(12) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 按以上三章的內容，你會怎樣形容保羅與腓立比信徒的關係？
(2) 在你生命中，可有人是你的「喜樂、冠冕」？
(3) 有誰看你為他/她的「喜樂、冠冕」？
(4) 4:1是以「所以」為開始的（和合本沒有譯出來）：
a. 這「所以」是指什麼？
b. 這與要“站立得穩” 何關？
(5) 從保羅所言，你對友阿爹和循都基有什麼認識？
(6) 她們既曾與保羅一同勞苦：
a. 你認為她們因什麼弄到不同心？
b. 其他弟兄姊妹可怎樣幫助她們？
c. 這事情給我們領會到肢體生活什麼方面的現實？
(7) 在寫這書信時，保羅和腓立比的信徒分別是處於什麼景況中？
(8) 保羅何以能夠叫自己和別人“常常喜樂”？
(9) 在眾多可勸導的吩咐中，保羅何以吩咐他們要「謙讓/gentle」呢？
(10) 按文法，解經家認為「謙讓」與「喜樂」或「主已近」都可以是有關的；你認為「謙讓」是與那一個有關？為什麼？
(11) 至於「一無罣慮」：
a. 相信是與「主已近」有關。你同意嗎？為什麼？
b. 保羅給我們除去罣慮的方法是什麼？(4:6)
c. 為何祈求的禱告須有感謝在內？
d. 如果找不到可感恩之處，怎麼辦？是否真的會找不到可感恩之處？
e. 帶感恩的禱告會帶來什麼結果？(4:7)
f. 你曾經歷過藉著禱告而得享「出人意外的平安」嗎？
g. 這平安怎樣保守你的「心」和「意念」呢？
(12) 今天你得到的主要提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:5)
It is interesting to read how Paul pled with two gospel-warriors, Euodia and Syntyche, to resolve their differences and then he followed with the admonition to the Philippian believers to let their gentleness be evident to all. Paul is obviously speaking from experience.
The church in Philippi was born out of Paul’s second missionary journey which had been a result of his own difference in opinion with Barnabas over whether they should allow John Mark (the young co-worker who had basically gone AWOL in their first missionary journey) to join them. This had resulted in a “sharp argument” between the two, resulting in a split. Barnabas took John Mark with him and headed for Cyprus, while Paul took Silas and headed toward Asia Minor. However, as Paul was determined to visit Asia Minor, he was stopped by the Spirit of Christ and ended up evangelizing the Philippians through a divine vision. (Acts 15:37-41; 16:9) There is little doubt that Paul regretted his bitter fight with Barnabas, in which he had not exhibited gentleness. Even worse was the effect this split had on the church of Antioch. This first mission-sending church appeared to have fallen into insignificance.
Now learning from his mistake, he pled with the two sisters to put down their differences, whatever they might be, and urged all to be gentle.
「當叫眾人知道你們謙讓的心。主已經近了。」(腓4:5)
讀到保羅勸導腓立比教會中兩位姊妹要同心時，我覺得很有趣；不是因姊妹的不同心，乃因保羅跟著勸勉腓立比的信徒要讓人知道（或說是能看見）他們謙讓的心—英譯本NIV譯為“gentleness/溫柔” 。其實保羅這勸導該是從自己的錯誤中學習得來的。
腓立比教會是保羅第二次宣教的旅程中建立的。這次的旅程開始得並不順利。因巴拿巴堅持要再次容許馬可約翰同去，而保羅因他在第一次旅程時中途離隊而極力反對。兩人因此起了爭吵，結果他們二人分道揚鑣：巴拿巴與馬可約翰往居比路去；保羅與西拉則跑到小亞細亞去(徒15:36-41) 。雖然保羅似是定意走遍小亞細亞，但基督的靈不許，藉著夜間的異象，差遣保羅到小亞細亞西北面的腓立比（徒16:9）。毫無疑問，保羅對這次與巴拿巴的爭吵深感悔意，因為沒有叫眾人看見“謙讓的心”(4:5) ；似乎更叫這個原是作宣教榜樣的安提阿教會，不再如此受重視了。
現在，保羅從自己的錯誤中學到功課，苦口婆心的勸導姊妹二人放下成見，更呼籲各人要向眾人顯出溫柔謙讓的心。
(1) In his final exhortation, Paul urges the Philippians to engage in thinking habitually about (or reflecting on) the following qualities. Let’s follow Pauls’ instruction and pause to reflect on them one by one:
a. Whatever is true: What might be the biblical truths that you need to hold firmly these days?
b. Whatever is noble: Can you think of someone who has done something worthy of respect that you can emulate?
c. Whatever is right: What injustice have you observed lately which you wish to correct?
d. Whatever is pure: What are the impure thoughts you need to get rid of? What are the pure thoughts you should often think of?
e. Whatever is lovely: What are things that you are fond of? Do they fit your pattern of a godly life?
f. Whatever is admirable—(the direct translation is “well-spoken of”): Can you recall someone being well-spoken of lately? What was it about?
g. If anything is excellent (the Greek word for virtue): What virtuous act might you have come across lately that is worthy of your “taking into account”?
h. Or praiseworthy: When was the last time you praised someone? What was it about?
(2) What has recalling the above meant to you?
(3) In order to follow Paul’s admonition in this respect often, what can you do? (See Note below.)
(4) As we are nearing the end of this letter, it is helpful to scan through the letter and re-cap:
a. What you have learned from Paul?
b. What you have seen in him?
(5) Paul says if we obey his admonitions and follow his example, the God of peace will be with us.
a. Why?
b. Is there any difference between the “God of peace” and the “peace of God” being with us? (v.7)
c. If so, what is the difference?
(6) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
Note:
Cutting out a time for self-examination is important for Christians so that they maintain an honest communion and walk with the Lord. Paul’s list of “thinking” can be very helpful in this respect. You may want to print out the list either for your own reflection from time to time, or even for use before a small group prayer time.
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 保羅在這書信最後的勸勉中，吩咐腓立比信徒要思念以下的屬靈的美德。讓我們今天主要反複思想這些：
a. 真實的：你認為今天特別需要持守的聖經真理包括什麼呢？
b. 可敬的：你可想到什麼值得敬佩的事？
c. 公義的：你可想到今天世上有那些沒有公理的事情？
d. 清潔的：你思想中要除去的惡念可包括什麼？你的思想當充滿那些意念？
e. 可愛的：你今天喜愛的事情包括什麼？是否合聖徒的體統？
f. 有美名的：在你認識的信徒中，誰是有好名聲的？
g. 有德行的：最近有誰的行為是值得你仿效的？
h. 可稱讚的：你最近向誰發出稱讚？是出於何因？
(2) 以上這樣的反思，對你有什麼幫助？
(3) 若按保羅這吩咐去行就會得益處。你該怎樣做？（參下註）
(4) 在這書信快結束時，保羅吩咐信徒要行出從他身上所學習、領受、聽見和看見的；就讓我們略思：
a. 在這書信中，保羅主要的教訓包括什麼？
b. 他有什麼榜樣值得我們學習？
(5) 保羅說，若我們這樣的行出來，「賜平安的神」就必與我們同在：
a. 為什麼？
b. 「賜平安的神」和「神所賜的平安」與我們同在：兩者可有分別？
c. 若然，分別何在？
(6) 今日你得到的主要提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
註：信徒能撥出時間在神面前作反思，是與神維持誠實的靈交不可缺的。保羅列出要我們思念的美德，正適合我們用作個人退修或小組反思的材料。
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)
As the letter draws almost to a close, the Apostle Paul gives a list of spiritual virtues and urges the Philippians to think about them. The Apostle Paul obviously does not mean that they should simply read the list in their mind and agree with him in their hearts; that will not do them any good. The list is not short and each of these virtues is meant to be meaningfully understood, taken into account (which is the original meaning of “to think about”) by relating to good examples that they have “learned or received or heard” (4:9) and then examined in light of our own condition.
In other words, it is meant to be a reflective exercise that needs to be conducted from time to time in order that we can put them “into practice” (4:9).
I would suggest that you underline this list in your Bible or print it out and stick it to your journal, so that it becomes part of the materials for your own reflection, or better still, use it for your own time of quiet retreat.
May we at least be an example of one of these virtues that someone can think of in their own reflection. If such is the case, I wonder which virtue is your characteristic and which one you need to work on most.
「弟兄們，我還有未盡的話：凡是真實的、可敬的、公義的、清潔的、可愛的、有美名的，若有甚麼德行，若有甚麼稱讚，這些事你們都要思念。」(腓4:8)
在腓立比這書信快結束時，保羅列出一些屬靈的美德來，吩咐腓立比的信徒要好好的思念。保羅當然不希望他們只是讀讀而已，過後就忘卻。他所列的不是一兩個美德，如何能思念以致得到真正的益處呢？明顯的，保羅希望他們時時以他所列出的美德，拿來作反思，以致能想起他們從保羅等使徒身上“所學習的、所領受的、所聽見的、所看見的”(4:9) 。
故此，這一列的美德是值得我們劃上線，或抄下來，作我們個人退修時反思之用。
在今天經文默想時，不曉得那個美德觸動了你？那一個是別人在你身上常看到的？那一個是你最需要追求改善的？
(1) Being in prison in Paul’s days meant he needed daily provisions from the outside or his survival could be in jeopardy (vv. 10-13):
a. What has caused him now to greatly rejoice?
b. It appears that the Philippians had stopped supporting him for a time.
- What might be the reason? (v. 10)
- What opportunity do they now have? (v. 18)
c. It is easy to be content when we are living in plenty: What is the key to contentment as far as Paul is concerned? (v. 13)
d. How may this “key” be applied by you to your situation?
(2) Paul’s commendation of the Philippians (vv. 14-19)
a. Paul commends the Philippians for sharing in his troubles (v. 14) .
- Do you think he refers only to their financial support?
- What else have we learned of their “partnership” with Paul in sufferings?
b. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; 11:8-9 to see what Paul meant here in Philippians 4:15-16.
- What was the reason why these Philippian Christians gave so sacrificially, even though they were relatively new believers? (see 2 Cor. 8:5)
- How does Paul describe their support to him? (v. 18)
- How may you emulate their example?
c. In spite of the fact that Paul’s life was one of “faith”, he has endured imprisonment and poverty.
- How important have these Philippians been to him?
- What can you learn from Paul in his “faith” ministry?
(3) In his final greetings, Paul sends greeting also from those “who belong to Caesar’s household”. What does this tell us about his ministry while in prison in Rome?
(4) As we come to the end of this letter, what has been the most important message to you?
(5) How may you apply it to your life?
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 在保羅的時代，坐牢的是需要外界的供應才得存活的(4:10-13)
a. 在這景況下，是什麼使他大大喜樂？
b. 似乎腓立比教會曾有一段時候停止供應他：
i. 原因是什麼？(4:10)
ii. 他們現在有什麼機會供應他？(4:18)
c. 在富足時知足是較為容易：保羅學會知足的秘訣是什麼？(4:13)
d. 你可以怎樣應用這秘訣在自己身上？
(2) 保羅對腓立比教會的稱許(4: 14-19)
a. 與保羅分享(share)患難(4:14)
i. 保羅是單指在金錢上的支持嗎？
ii. 他們還可以怎樣與保羅共患難？
b. 要了解4:15-16所論到的，請翻閱哥林多後書8:1-4; 11:8-9：
i. 按保羅所言，他們在初信之時，就超過能力的奉獻的原因是什麼？（林後8:5）
ii. 保羅在4:18 怎樣形容他們的供應？
iii. 你今天可以怎樣學習腓立比信徒的榜樣？
c. 保羅經歷逼迫與牢獄，他固然是過著信心的生活：
i. 腓立比信徒在這過程中對保羅有多重要？
ii. 你可以怎樣學效保羅信心的生命？
(3) 保羅在結束時，特為「該撒（即羅馬王帝）」家裡的人問腓立比信徒的安，這給我們看到他在羅馬坐牢時，帶來了什麼果效？
(4) 讀到這書信的末了，這書信對你最重要的提醒是什麼？
(5) 你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only.” (Phil. 4:15)
There is no doubt that the church in Philippi occupies a very special place in the heart of the Apostle Paul. The contents of his letter to them are not only very personal, but full of love and gratitude, distinguishing this church from the rest of the churches founded by Paul. One of the main reasons which endeared this church to Paul was their continual support of him:
- From “Day One”, when they were still a small and new congregation, this church in Philippi was the only church who supported Paul and his cause. No one else cared to. (Phil. 4:15).
- They continued to do so until Paul’s imprisonment in Rome and that was evidenced by these words Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: “And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed.” (2 Cor. 11:9)
- They have been giving out of “extreme poverty” and amidst the most “severe trial” (2 Cor. 8:2).
However, the Apostle Paul was not surprised at all, because, as he pointed out, they distinguished themselves from other churches in that “they gave themselves first of all to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:5). Indeed, as the Lord also puts it, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21) Our giving is a very telling sign of whether we have given ourselves “first of all to the Lord”.
「腓立比人哪，你們也知道我初傳福音離了馬其頓的時候，論到授受的事，除了你們以外，並沒有別的教會供給我。」(腓4:15)
毫無疑問，腓立比的信徒在保羅的心中佔有很特別的位置的。這書信的內容是極個人性，而且是洋溢著愛與感恩的情懷；與其他保羅所建立的教會很不同。其中一個原因是腓立比教會對保羅金錢上的支持：
- 從“頭一天” 起，亦即是他們初信之時，這小小的教會就盡力的支持保羅；雖然他們大概不曉得他們是惟一支持保羅的教會(4:15) ；
- 他們一直這樣的支持保羅，直到他現在在羅馬坐牢也沒有停止；這是保羅向哥林多教會親口的見證：“我在你們那裡缺乏的時候，並沒有累著你們一個人；因我所缺乏的，那從馬其頓來(即腓立比)的弟兄們都補足了” （林後11:9）；
- 並且，腓立比教會是在“極窮乏” 和“受大試煉” 時，超過自己能力作出的奉獻（林後8:2）。
保羅在稱讚他們時，似乎沒有半點感覺意外，反而指出他們之能如此，是因為他們“先把自己獻給主” （林後8:5）。是的，主自己也曾說過：“你的財寶在那裡，你的心也在那裡” （太6:21）。故此，在財物上的奉獻是我們是否先把自己獻給主的「溫度計」！