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?
“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.
(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?
“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.
(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?
“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.
(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.
“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.
(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?
“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”.