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?
(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?
(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?
(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.
(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?