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“Rejoice in the Lord Always”
A twelve-week study of Paul’s epistle to the Philippians
Faith Bible Church | 5601 Oak Hill Road | Evansville, IN 47711 | www.fbcevansville.com
Table of Contents
Introduction to Philippians
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Grace and Peace | Phil. 1:1-2
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Christian Affection | Phil. 1:3-11
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Prison and Progress | Phil. 1:12-20
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To Live Is Christ | Phil. 1:21-30 .
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He Humbled Himself | Phil. 2:1-11
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The Work of God | Phil. 2:12-18
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16
Timothy and Epaphroditus | Phil. 2:19-30
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Knowing Christ | Phil. 3:1-11
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20
Forget and Forward! | Phil. 3:12-16
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Heaven’s Citizens | Phil. 17-21 .
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24
Peace and Harmony | Phil. 4:1-9
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God’s Supply | Phil. 4:10-23
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28
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Title
Philippians derives its name from the Greek city where the church to which it was addressed was
located. Philippi was the first town in Macedonia where Paul established a church.
Author and Date
The unanimous testimony of the early church was that the Apostle Paul wrote Philippians. Nothing in
the letter would have motivated a forger to write it.
The question of when Philippians was written cannot be separated from that of where it was written.
The traditional view is that Philippians, along with the other Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Colossians,
Philemon), was written during Paul’s first imprisonment at Rome (ca. A.D. 60–62). The most natural
understanding of the references to the “palace guard” (1:13) and the “saints … of Caesar’s household”
(4:22) is that Paul wrote from Rome, where the emperor lived. The similarities between the details of
Paul’s imprisonment given in Acts and in the Prison Epistles also argue that those epistles were written
from Rome (e.g., Paul was guarded by soldiers, Acts 28:16; cf. 1:13, 14; was permitted to receive visitors,
Acts 28:30; cf. 4:18; and had the opportunity to preach the gospel, Acts 28:31; cf. 1:12–14; Eph. 6:18–
20; Col. 4:2–4).
Some have held that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles during his two-year imprisonment at Caesarea (Acts
24:27). But Paul’s opportunities to receive visitors and proclaim the gospel were severely limited during
that imprisonment (cf. Acts 23:35). The Prison Epistles express Paul’s hope for a favorable verdict (1:25;
2:24; cf. Philem. 22). In Caesarea, however, Paul’s only hope for release was either to bribe Felix (Acts
24:26), or agree to stand trial at Jerusalem under Festus (Acts 25:9). In the Prison Epistles, Paul expected
the decision in his case to be final (1:20–23; 2:17, 23). That could not have been true at Caesarea, since
Paul could and did appeal his case to the emperor.
Another alternative has been that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles from Ephesus. But at Ephesus, like
Caesarea, no final decision could be made in his case because of his right to appeal to the emperor. Also,
Luke was with Paul when he wrote Colossians (Col. 4:14), but he apparently was not with the apostle at
Ephesus. Acts 19, which records Paul’s stay in Ephesus, is not in one of the “we sections” of Acts (see
Introduction to Acts: Author and Date). The most telling argument against Ephesus as the point of origin
for the Prison Epistles, however, is that there is no evidence that Paul was ever imprisoned at Ephesus.
In light of the serious difficulties faced by both the Caesarean and Ephesian views, there is no reason to
reject the traditional view that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles—including Philippians—from Rome.
Paul’s belief that his case would soon be decided (2:23, 24) points to Philippians being written toward
the close of the apostle’s two-year Roman imprisonment (ca. A.D. 61).
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Background and Setting
Originally known as Krenides (“The Little Fountains”) because of the numerous nearby springs, Philippi
(“city of Philip”) received its name from Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great).
Attracted by the nearby gold mines, Philip conquered the region in the fourth century B.C. In the second
century B.C., Philippi became part of the Roman province of Macedonia.
The city existed in relative obscurity for the next two centuries until one of the most famous events in
Roman history brought it recognition and expansion. In 42 B.C., the forces ofAntony and Octavian
defeated those of Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi, thusending the Roman Republic and
ushering in the Empire. After the battle, Philippi became aRoman colony (cf. Acts 16:12), and many
veterans of the Roman army settled there. As acolony, Philippi had autonomy from the provincial
government and the same rights grantedto cities in Italy, including the use of Roman law, exemption
from some taxes, and Romancitizenship for its residents (Acts 16:21). Being a colony was also the source
of much civicpride for the Philippians, who used Latin as their official language, adopted Roman
customs,and modeled their city government after that of Italian cities. Acts and Philippians both reflect
Philippi’s status as a Roman colony.
Paul’s description of Christians as citizens of heaven (3:20) was appropriate, since the Philippians prided
themselves on being citizens of Rome (cf. Acts 16:21). The Philippians may well have known some of the
members of the palace guard (1:13) and Caesar’s household (4:22).
The church at Philippi, the first one founded by Paul in Europe, dates from the apostle’s second
missionary journey (Acts 16:12–40). Philippi evidently had a very small Jewish population. Because there
were not enough men to form a synagogue (the requirement was for 10 Jewish men who were heads of
a household), some devout women met outside the city at a place of prayer (Acts 16:13) alongside the
Gangites River. Paul preached the gospel to them and Lydia, a wealthy merchant dealing in expensive
purple dyed goods (Acts 16:14), became a believer (16:14, 15). It is likely that the Philippian church
initially met in her spacious home.
Satanic opposition to the new church immediately arose in the person of a demonpossessed, fortunetelling slave girl (Acts 16:16, 17). Not wanting even agreeable testimony from such an evil source, Paul
cast the demon out of her (Acts 16:18). The apostle’s act enraged the girl’s masters, who could no longer
sell her services as a fortune-teller (Acts 16:19). They hauled Paul and Silas before the city’s magistrates
(Acts 16:20) and inflamed the civic pride of the Philippians by claiming the two preachers were a threat
to Roman customs (Acts 16:20, 21). As a result, Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:22–
24).
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The two preachers were miraculously released from prison that night by an earthquake, which unnerved
the jailer and opened his heart and that of his household to the gospel (Acts 16:25–34). The next day the
magistrates, panicking when they learned they had illegally beaten and imprisoned two Roman citizens,
begged Paul and Silas to leave Philippi.
Paul apparently visited Philippi twice during his third missionary journey, once at the beginning (cf. 2
Cor. 8:1–5), and again near the end (Acts 20:6). About 4 or 5 years after his last visit to Philippi, while a
prisoner at Rome, Paul received a delegation from the Philippian church. The Philippians had generously
supported Paul in the past (4:15, 16), and had also contributed abundantly for the needy at Jerusalem (2
Cor. 8:1–4). Now, hearing of Paul’s imprisonment, they sent another contribution to him (4:10), and
along with it Epaphroditus to minister to Paul’s needs. Unfortunately Epaphroditus suffered a near-fatal
illness (2:26, 27), either while en route to Rome, or after he arrived. Accordingly, Paul decided to send
Epaphroditus back to Philippi (2:25, 26) and wrote the letter to the Philippians to send back with him.
Paul had several purposes in composing this epistle. First, he wanted to express in writing his thanks for
the Philippians’ gift (4:10–18). Second, he wanted the Philippians to know why he decided to return
Epaphroditus to them, so they would not think his service to Paul had been unsatisfactory (2:25, 26).
Third, he wanted to inform them about his circumstances at Rome (1:12–26). Fourth, he wrote to exhort
them to unity (2:1, 2; 4:2). Finally, he wrote to warn them against false teachers (3:1–4:1).
Historical and Theological Themes
Since it is primarily a practical letter, Philippians contains little historical material (there are no OT
quotes), apart from the momentous treatment of Paul’s spiritual autobiography (3:4–7). There is,
likewise, little direct theological instruction, also with one momentous exception.
The magnificent passage describing Christ’s humiliation and exaltation (2:5–11) contains some of the
most profound and crucial teaching on the Lord Jesus Christ in all the Bible. The major theme of
pursuing Christlikeness, as the most defining element of spiritual growth and the one passion of Paul in
his own life, is presented in 3:12–14. In spite of Paul’s imprisonment, the dominant tone of the letter is
joyful (1:4, 18, 25, 26; 2:2, 16–18, 28; 3:1, 3; 4:1, 4, 10).
Interpretive Challenges
The major difficulty connected with Philippians is determining where it was written (see Author and
Date). The text itself presents only one significant interpretive challenge: the identity of the “enemies of
the cross” (see notes on 3:18, 19).
…
By John MacArthur
Copyright 2007, Grace to You. All rights reserved. Used by permission. | www.gty.org
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 1:1-2 Grace and Peace
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
1. What do you know about the author of this letter, Paul? And what do you know about his
companion Timothy? (v. 1) See also Acts 22:1-21 and 16:1-3.
2. Where was Paul likely staying when he wrote this letter, and when did he probably write it?
(Refer to “Introduction to Philippians” beginning on page 3 of this study)
3. Paul addresses his epistle to “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (v. 1).
What is a saint? Are there saints today?
4. What can you find out about the city of Philippi?
(Refer to Acts 16:11-40 and “Introduction to Philippians” beginning on page 3 of this study)
5. This is the only one of Paul’s introductions that includes “overseers and deacons” (v. 1)
What is an overseer and what is a deacon, and how do they function in a local church?
6. Verse 2 shows how Paul typically begins his letters. What does he want for his readers?
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. Although we will move slowly through Paul’s letter to the Philippians over the next several
weeks, it was originally meant to be read through in one sitting. If you have a few free minutes,
read the entire letter. As you read, consider: “Is my life driven by the same motives that drove
Paul’s life? Would people think I was out of character if I wrote or spoke something similar to
what I find in his letter?”
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 1:3-11 Christian Affection
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
1. Paul wants the Philippians to know how he feels about them and why.
How does he feel? (vv. 3, 4)
Why? (v. 5)
How does he feel? (v. 6)
Why? (v. 7)
How does he feel? (v. 8)
2. Paul also wants the Philippians to know what he prays for them.
What is it that Paul wants most for the Philippian saints? (v. 9)
If God answered Paul’s prayer, what would be the consequences for the Philippians?
v. 10a
v. 10b
v. 11a
v. 11b
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. The apostle was confident that God would not start a good work in someone’s life without
finishing it (v. 6). Has God begun a good work in your life? How do you know? Will he finish it?
How do you know?
2. Jonathan Edwards writes:
If you would be in the way to the world of love [heaven], see that you live a life of love—
of love to God, and love to men. All of us hope to have part in the world of love
hereafter, and therefore we should cherish the spirit of love, and live a life of holy love
here on earth. This is the way to be like the inhabitants of heaven, who are now
confirmed in love forever. Only in this way can you be like them in excellence and
loveliness, and like them, too, in happiness, and rest, and joy. By living in love in this
world you may be like them, too, in sweet and holy peace, and thus have, on earth, the
foretastes of heavenly pleasures and delights. (from Charity and Its Fruits)
Can you say that, here on earth, you long for God’s people with the affection of Christ Jesus?
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 1:12-20 Prison and Progress
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
“The devil had as good have let Paul alone, for he no sooner comes into prison but he falls a
preaching, at which the gates of Satan's prison fly open, and poor sinners come forth.”
- William Gurnall
“The blood of Christians is seed.”
- Tertullian
1. Prison is intended to stop people from doing certain things they want to do. In Paul’s case,
prison was supposed to stop the apostle from spreading the gospel. What was the outcome of
his imprisonment instead? (vv. 12-14)
2. Describe the two groups of preachers in verses 15 to 17.
Group One
Group Two
3. Paul, though enduring both chains and malicious preachers, had joy in prison. Why? (v. 18)
4. What did Paul know would happen to him? By what means was this going to happen? (v. 19)
5. What did Paul expect and hope for himself? (v. 20)
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. Paul writes that his circumstances had “turned out” for the greater progress of the gospel. He
knew, of course, that God was the one who had turned his circumstances in a good direction—
even though it was not the direction the apostle had planned. What does this teach believers
about dealing with disappointment and foiled plans?
2. This passage is full of good and bad motives. Consider what motivated Paul and his friends to
preach the gospel, and what motivated his enemies. Do you find any of these motives in your
own heart?
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 1:21-30 To Live Is Christ
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
1. Paul writes to the Philippian believers one of the most cherished sentences in all of history.
What is the apostle saying in verse 21?
2. As Paul wrestled with a very difficult decision (vv. 22-24), what arguments did he consider in
favor of
remaining:
departing:
3. Why is it “very much better” to depart and be with Christ? (v. 23)
4. What does Paul decide and why? (vv. 25-26)
5. The apostle’s only wish for his readers is that they would live worthy of the gospel. What
does it mean to live worthy of the gospel? (vv. 27-28)
6. Explain the great Christian privilege that Paul mentions in verses 29 and 30.
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. “But Jesus Christ it is who does immediately receive the souls of them who believe in
him. So we see in the instance of Stephen. And what can be a greater encouragement to
resign them into his hands, than a daily contemplation of his glory, in his person, his power,
his exaltation, his office, and grace? Who that believes in him, that belongs unto him, can
fear to commit his departing spirit unto his love, power, and care?”
- John Owen
Nothing better prepares us to die saying “to die is gain,” than to live saying “to live is Christ.” Do
you have the desire to depart and be with Christ even now? If death is a source of fear for you,
what is the best way to remove that fear?
2. None of us are worthy of the great blessings of the gospel—but as recipients of the free
grace of God, we are called now to walk worthy of the gospel of Christ. Can you think of
someone you know who is walking worthy of the gospel? In what ways are they walking worthy
of it?
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 2:1-11 He Humbled Himself
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”
- Jesus
1. Before pleading with his readers to be humble and united, the apostle lays a foundation for
his plea. What argument does he use to persuade his readers that they should get along? (v. 1)
2. What does Paul urge his readers not to do, and what does he urge them to do? (vv. 2-4)
3. “A disciple,” said Jesus, “is not above his teacher . . . It is enough for the disciple that he
become like his teacher . . .” Jesus’ disciples must humble themselves because their Teacher,
Jesus, humbled himself. In what ways did Jesus humble himself? (vv. 5-8)
4. What does it mean that Jesus “emptied Himself”? (v. 7)
(NIV “made himself nothing,” KJV “made himself of no reputation”)
5. Jesus went from the lowest to the highest place, from humiliation to exaltation. Describe his
exaltation. (vv. 9-11)
6. How does Jesus’ exaltation encourage believers to humble themselves?
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. Jonathan Edwards provides several marks of spiritual pride. Do any of these describe you?
Fault-Finding: “Spiritual pride causes one to speak of other persons sins, their enmity
against God and His people, or with laughter and levity and an air of contempt, while
pure Christian humility disposes either to be silent about them or to speak of them with
grief or pity.”
Harsh: “It has been the manner of spiritually proud persons to speak of almost
everything they see in others in the most harsh, severe language. It is frequent with
them to say of other's opinion, conduct, advice. . . . etc. that they are from the devil or
from hell.”
Fake: “Spiritual pride often causes persons to act different in external appearance, to
effect a different way of speaking, to use a different sort of dialect from others, or to be
different in voice, countenance or behavior.”
Easily Offended: “Spiritual pride takes great notice of opposition and injuries that are
received and is prone to be often speaking of them and to be much in taking notice of
their aggravation, either with an air of bitterness or contempt.”
Self-Confident: “Another effect of spiritual pride is a certain self-confident boldness
before God and men. . . . They have not rejoiced with a reverential trembling, in a
proper sense of the awful majesty of God and the awful distance between Him and
them. There has also been an improper boldness before men . . . It is as though it
became all persons, high and low, men, women and children in all Christian
conversation to wholly abandon all manner of modesty or reverence toward man.”
Attention-Hungry: “Another effect of spiritual pride is to make the subject of it want
attention. People often tend to act in a special manner as though others ought to take
great notice and regard of them. . . . It becomes natural for him to expect [high]
treatment and to take much notice if a person fails to do so, and to have an ill opinion of
those who do not give him that which he feels he deserves."
Neglectful of Others: “As spiritual pride causes persons to assume much to themselves,
so it treats others with neglect. . . . we ought to be very careful that we do not refuse to
converse with carnal men, as though we counted them not worthy to be regarded. On
the contrary, we should condescend to carnal men as Christ has condescended to us, to
bear with our unteachableness and stupidity.”
If you find yourself described by any of these marks, what should your next step be?
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 2:12-18 The Work of God
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
1. Why does Paul begin verse 12 with “So then”? (ESV, NIV: “Therefore,” KJV “Wherefore”)
2. In verses 13 and 14, the apostle beautifully unites God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility
in the area of Christian growth. Explain, from these verses, how the Christian grows.
3. What does it mean to “work out your salvation”? (v. 13)
4. What does it mean to do this “with fear and trembling”? (v. 13)
5. What should a child of God never do? (v. 14) Why? (vv. 15-16).
6. Serving others is often exhausting work. What did Paul think of such work? (vv. 17-18)
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. “Man is, in different senses, entirely active, and entirely passive: God producing all, and we
acting all. What He produced is our own acts. It is not that God does some, and we the rest. God
does all, and we do all. God is the only proper author, we the only proper actors. Thus the same
things in Scripture are represented as from God, and from us. God makes a new heart, and we
are commanded to make us a new heart; not merely because we must use the means in order to
the effect, but the effect itself is our act and our duty (Ez 11:19; 18:31; 36:26) [EDWARDS].”
- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Is it hard for you to understand how something can be done completely by God and completely
by you at the same time? Good! This is a paradox that no one is able to fully unravel. The better
question is this: Does your heart delight in God’s power and wisdom in this matter?
2. When a Christian grumbles, he dishonors God by suggesting that he is not a wise God and not
a loving Father. To complain about the weather is really to speak against God’s wisdom, since
he decides what the weather will be. To grumble over hard circumstances is really to question
God’s love, since nothing enters the lives of God’s children without his permission.
Thankfully, one of the strongest weapons against a grumbling spirit is Philippians 2:1-18.
How can this passage help you to put to death the sin of grumbling?
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 2:19-30 Timothy and Epaphroditus
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to dwell together in unity!”
- David
1. Who was Timothy? See Acts 16:1-3; 1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Thes. 3:2; etc.
2. Paul thinks very highly and fondly of Timothy. How does he describe his true child in the faith
in verses 20-22?
3. How did Paul show that he also was genuinely concerned for the Philippians’ welfare?
(vv. 19, 23-24).
4. What was Epaphroditus like, and why had he been with Paul? (vv. 25-26) See also Phil. 4:18
5. In view of verses 26-30, how should Christians think of death?
6. Some Christians teach that a lasting sickness is a sign of weak faith, because if you have
enough faith you will be healed. Would Paul agree?
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. A few months before the missionary David Brainerd died of a long illness, he wrote the
following in his journal:
. . . I saw clearly that the heart of Christianity consisted in the soul conforming to God,
and acting above all selfish views, for his glory, longing to exist for him, to live for him,
and please and honor him in all things . . . when God’s interests and a person’s interests
become one and the same, and the person longs that God should be glorified, and
rejoices to think that God is unchangeably the most glorious and blessed, then the
person is acting in conformity to God.
[modernized]
To what degree has God shaped your will to look like his own? Are you more like those who
“seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus,” or like Timothy?
2. Although death is unnatural and sorrowful even for the Christian, dying for the work of Christ
is honorable and good. Consider praying for and supporting your brothers and sisters around
the world who live near death for the sake of Christ.
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 3:1-11 Knowing Christ
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy; it is dangerous. It’s not comfort, not health, not
wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things.
But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ.”
- David Platt
1. The apostle warns his readers of certain “dogs.” Who are these persons? (vv. 1-2)
2. Instead of putting confidence in the flesh, how do true Christians live? (v. 3)
3. What qualified Paul to put confidence in the flesh if he wanted to? (vv. 4-6)
4. How did Paul view his religious credentials. Why? (vv. 7-8)
5. The doctrine that Paul teaches in verse 9 was obscured for centuries by the Medieval Roman
Catholic Church, but by God’s providence wonderfully resurfaced during the Great Reformation
of the 16th century. According to Paul, how can someone get righteousness (a right standing
before God)?
6. Paul cannot imagine being right with God without having a heart for God. What does Paul’s
heart crave in verses 10 and 11.
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. Legalism: Legalists are people who think that what they do can make them right with God.
Every major world religion is legalistic, encouraging its followers to work to earn God’s
approval. But the Bible teaches us that only faith in what Jesus has done on the cross can make
us right with God.
Imagine you are sharing the gospel with a legalist who says, “I know I’m right with God. I’m a
pretty good person and I haven’t missed church one Sunday in the last ten years.” What would
you say to this person?
2. Licentiousness/Lechery: Lechers are people who think that, since we are made right with
God by faith instead of works, we can enjoy God’s favor while disobeying him in whatever way
we want. But the Bible teaches that if our heart does not desire to obey God, then we have
never truly trusted in Jesus.
Imagine you are sharing the gospel with a lecher who says, “I know I’m right with God. I haven’t
been living for God lately, but I prayed to receive Jesus as my Savior at VBS when I was five.”
What would you say to this person?
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 3:12-16 Forget and Forward!
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
1. What motivated Paul to press forward in his Christian life? (v.12)
2. What things were behind Paul, and what was his attitude toward them? (v. 13)
3. What things were ahead of Paul, and what was his attitude toward them? (v. 13)
4. God’s people do not reach perfection in this life—on the contrary, they are often aware of
their own weakness and sin. Typically, this results in discouragement. What was Paul’s attitude
toward his imperfection? (vv. 13-14)
5. The apostle urges his readers to join him in two acts of obedience. What are they?
v. 15
v. 16
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. “You don’t understand,” your friend tells you, “I’ve been down some very dark roads. I’m
trusting Christ now for my forgiveness, but I can’t forget what I’ve done. I’m not worthy to be a
Christian—I expect I’ll just put in whatever years I have left here and then eek my way into
heaven.”
What counsel would you give your friend?
2. When Paul thinks of pressing forward, he remembers that he was “laid hold of by Christ
Jesus.” When he considers his goal, he is reminded of “the upward call of God.” Exciting
conferences, passionate sermons, and temporary emotions are not enough to keep us running
the race with endurance. How can we keep up a quick and steady pace until the end?
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 3:17-21 Heaven’s Citizens
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
“A soul disengaged from the world is a heavenly one; and then are we ready for heaven when
our heart is there before us.” - John Newton
1. Before Paul warns his readers about the enemies of the cross, he tells them how to make
sure they are friends of it. What does he urge them to do? (v. 17)
2. Why did Paul weep? (v. 18)
3. Describe the “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (vv. 18-19)
4. How are true believers different from the enemies of the cross? (v. 20)
5. What will Jesus do to true believers when he returns? (v. 21a)
6. How will he do it? (v. 21b)
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. Christian hip-hop artist Shai Linne writes,
I’ll dare to be specific and drop some clarity
On the popularity of the “gospel” of prosperity.
Turn off TBN–that channel is overrated,
The pastors speak bogus statements, financially motivated.
It’s kind of like a pyramid scheme,
Visualize heretics christianizing the American dream.
It’s foul and deceitful, they’re lying to people,
Teaching that camels squeeze through the eye of a needle.
Ungodly and wicked—ask yourself,
“How can they not be convicted?” Treating Jesus like a lottery ticket.
And you’re thinking they’re not the dangerous type
because some of their statements are right?
That only proves that Satan comes as an angel of light.
This teaching can’t be believed without a cost,
The lie is you can achieve a crown without a cross.
(from “Fal$e Teacher$” on the album Lyrical Theology Part 1: Theology)
Do your favorite teachers believe that you can achieve a crown without a cross?
2. How often in a typical week do you think of the return of Jesus and of heaven? When you do
think on these things, does it encourage you or discourage you?
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 4:1-9 Peace and Harmony
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
1. What did Paul think of his readers, and what did he want for them to do? (v. 1)
2. Describe Paul’s request concerning Euodia and Syntyche. (vv. 2-3)
3. As the apostle nears the end of his letter, he explains the lifestyle that he wants his Christian
readers to adopt. What does this lifestyle look like?
v. 4
v. 5
v. 6
v. 7
4. What things should dominate the minds of God’s people? (v. 8)
5. How did Paul’s own lifestyle help him to teach others? (v. 9)
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. Is your life characterized more by harmony with God’s people, joy, gentleness, prayer, peace,
excellent thought, and godly conduct; or by strife, misery, anxiety, self-trust, worry, sinful
thought, and ungodly conduct?
2. Paul practiced what he preached. He did not merely tell his brothers what to do, but showed
them how to do it: “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me,
practice these things.” What people have been living examples of the faith to you, and how has
their conduct helped you?
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THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 4:10-23 God’s Supply
QUESTIONS FROM THE WORD
“It is but one side of a Christian to endeavour to do what pleases God; you must as well
endeavour to be pleased with what God does, and so you will come to be a complete Christian
when you can do both, and that is the first thing in the excellence of this grace of
contentment.” - Jeremiah Burroughs, from The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
1. How did the Philippians help Paul? (vv. 10-20) See also 1:7 and 2:25, 30.
2. What is the secret to contentment? (vv. 11-13)
3. Why did Paul rejoice in the Philippians’ gift? (vv. 10-11, 17)
4. What did God think of the Philippians’ gift? (v. 18)
5. What did Paul expect the Philippians would receive, and what did he hope God would
receive? (vv. 19-20)
6. Does anything stand out to you from Paul’s final greeting? (vv. 21-23)
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. Many if not most of the arguments between married couples involve money. Much if not
most of the anxiety that the typical American faces involves money. It is impossible to live a
happy Christian life while worrying about money. If you worry about money, how might Paul’s
“secret” help you?
2. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—
pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be
measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38).
If you stop worrying about money, you will be much happier in Christ. And yet there is an even
greater happiness that God provides: the happiness of generosity. When you give, what good
things happen (see verses 18 and 19).
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