Philippians Answers - Chapter 2

Philippians 2  Paul told us in chapter 1 that it was granted to us not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for His Name's Sake. In light of the fact that we all will suffer for Christ, what is Paul encouraging the body of Christ to do for one another? vs.1 - Name 5 things. encouragement in Christ consolation of love fellowship of the Spirit affection compassion How did Paul say his joy would be made complete? vs. 2 - Name 4 things. by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. How are we to regard one another? vs. 3,4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Paul told them to have the attitude in themselves that was also in Christ Jesus. (vs.5) Although Jesus existed in the form of God, what did He not grasp or hold on to for our sake? vs. 6 He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped. When Jesus emptied Himself and took on the form of a bond-servant, he was in the likeness of men. Being found in the appearance of a man, how did He humble Himself on our behalf? vs.8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because Jesus did this, what did God do for Him? vs. 9 God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name. Who will bow at the name of Jesus? vs. 10 EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth. What will every tongue confess? vs. 11 Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. How are we to work out our salvation? vs. 12 Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Who is at work in us both to will and to work? What purpose does He fulfill? vs. 13 For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Is "working out" our salvation the same as "working for" our salvation? If not, explain how you would answer that based on all we have learned in Romans and Galatians. Working out salvation here is referring to the practical matters of following the Lord and allowing Him to work through you. This is stressed in the very next verse, which answers why we should do this with fear and trembling: because God is the one working in us, not we ourselves (see Eph 2:10).  Read More - Philippians 2:12-13.pdf (257KB) Runge, S. E. (2011). High Definition Commentary: Philippians (Php 2:12–18 ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Why are we to do all things without grumbling or disputing? vs.14,15 So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. The call not to grumble and complain in 2:14 applies to all kinds of suffering: opposition and the daily grind of ministry. God never promised it would be easy, but He has promised to work through us to accomplish His purposes. Read More - Philippians 2:14.pdf (156KB) Runge, S. E. (2011). High Definition Commentary: Philippians (Php 2:12–18 ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. How do we appear to the perverse generation in the world? vs. 15 Whom you appear as lights in the world. What are we to hold fast until the day of Christ? vs. 16 Holding fast the word of life. Even though Paul was being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of the Philippians' faith, what was he able to share with them? vs. 17 He shared his joy with all. What did he urge them also to share with him? vs. 18 "You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me." Who was Paul hoping to send to them shortly to find out about their condition? vs. 19 Timothy. What was so special about Timothy and Paul? vs. 20,21 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.  For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. What did Paul say about Timothy and his service to him? vs. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. Paul hoped to send him immediately and was hoping that he would soon be able to come to them as well. (vs.23,24) He thought it was necessary to send them Epaphroditus who was a minister to his needs and a messenger to them. How did he describe his relationship with this man? vs.25 - Name 3 things. my brother fellow worker fellow soldier Epaphroditus was longing for the Philippians and was distressed because they had heard that he was sick. (vs.26) Paul was thankful that although he had been sick to the point of death, God had mercy on him, so that Paul would not have "sorrow upon sorrow". (vs.27,28 ) How did Paul want them to treat Epaphroditus and men like him who risk their life for the gospel? vs. 29,30 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard. Think upon this lesson. Are we putting others above ourselves as Paul asked the Philippians to do? When we are intent on one purpose, what do you think that purpose is? How can we be of the same mind to fulfill that mission together? Summarize your thoughts and state a prayer.

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