Philippians Conclusion

Well, we’ve finished studying the book of Philippians. As a conclusion to our study, try reading through the entire book in one sitting.

Remember that the book of Philippians is really a letter that Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi – people like Lydia and the jailer (see Acts 16). The Philippians were generous in their support to Paul, and looked to him for guidance and teaching, since he had probably led many of them to Christ.

Go ahead and read through the book of Philippians.

What have we learned?
Look over any notes you made as you read through the book. What stands out to you? What have you learned by reading this letter?

Every week, one of our questions has been, “What can we learn about God from this passage?” Look over your list. What did you write down?

Are there any verses from this book that you want to memorize? Spend a little bit of time every day reviewing those verses and committing them to memory.

How have you changed since the beginning of our study? Have you cut back on the complaining? Do you find yourself asking others about their day? Have you chosen to spend time in prayer every day? Are you more generous with your time and resources?

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit... (Philippians 4:23)

Philippians 4:10-23

Read through Philippians 4:10-23. As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: Here we see that the Philippians supported Paul financially and gave him supplies. What can we learn from them?

• Remember that the Philippians were generally poor people. And yet they collected money and supplies to send to Paul.
• The Philippians gave to Paul more than once. They had sent him a gift when he was in Thessalonica, too.
• After a letter full of “you need to ___” statements, Paul takes a moment to affirm what they are already doing well, and encourages them to continue serving in this way.

Observation #2: Paul mentions a “sweet-smelling sacrifice.” What’s he talking about?

• In the Old Testament, people used to offer animal sacrifices to God, and the smell of that offering was pleasing to God.
• Paul calls the gifts of the Philippians a “sweet-smelling sacrifice” to let them know that their gifts were pleasing to God. They were behaving in a way that glorified Him.
• Even though we don’t offer animal sacrifices today, we can still offer our actions as an act of worship to God.

Observation #3: At the end of this letter, Paul refers to the Christians who work in Caesar’s palace. What does that tell us?

• Paul has been able to connect with and encourage the Christians at Rome, especially those who work in the palace – those who might be risking their lives to work for Caesar.
• It’s possible (pretty likely) that Paul had influenced some of the people in the palace to believe in Christ and decide to follow Him. Perhaps Paul told them about the Philippians when he received their gifts, and those stories encouraged the new believers.
• Even though the believers in Rome were separated from the believers in Philippi, they were still united together through their decision to follow Christ, just like we are united to believers in other countries.

Read through Philippians 4:10-23 again.

Questions:

1. Paul had learned to be content in every situation. What was his secret?
2. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-29. What kinds of situations had Paul been in? Do you think it was always easy for him to be content?
3. What kind of “sacrifices” have you offered to God recently? Are they pleasing to Him
4. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Read through the book of Acts to find out what it was like to be an early follower of Christ – some of the struggles they faced, how their faith influenced their decisions, what they talked about, etc.

Philippians 4:2-9

Read through Philippians 4:2-9. As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: There are two women mentioned here – Euodia and Syntyche. Who are they?

• All we know about these two women were that they were part of the Church at Philippi and that they were arguing with each other.
• Here, Paul names a specific instance of how disagreement and arguing show up in the Philippian church, and he urges them to work things out (“live in unity”).

Observation #2: Paul addresses our prayer lives.

• The word worry means “to be pulled in different directions.” It also gives us the idea of “being strangled.”
• Instead of worrying about something, Paul encourages the Philippians (and us!) to pray about it instead. This passage implies three kinds of prayer: (1) general praying – adoring and worshiping God, (2) supplication – sharing our needs with God, and (3) appreciation – giving thanks to God.
• If we “do this”, we are promised God’s peace, “which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.”

Observation #3: Paul addresses our thought lives.

• What goes on in our minds influences how we feel and how we act. For example, if I think that my teacher is being unfair to me, I’m going to resent her and be rude to her. Everything she does will be tainted by my belief that she is being unfair, even if she isn’t.
• Paul knows the power of our thoughts. That’s why he encourages the Philippians to “fix their thoughts” on true and honorable things, things that are pure and right.
• By thinking about these things, the behavior of the Philippians would better reflect that of a “citizen of heaven.”

Read through Philippians 4:2-9 again.

Questions:

1. How do you think Euodia and Syntyche felt when they were “called out” and mentioned by name in Paul’s letter?
2. Are you a part of any argument or disagreement that is causing division?
3. How does worry affect you? Do you lose sleep? have an upset stomach? get really quiet?
4. How are you behaving today? What thoughts are driving that behavior?
5. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: This week, try to pray using Philippians 4:6 as a guide – adoration/worship, supplication, appreciation. If you don’t know what to ask for, return to the prayer of Philippians 1:9-11 and ask for love, knowledge, wisdom, character, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Philippians 3:12-4:1

Read through Philippians 3:12-4:1. As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: Paul writes about “forgetting the past.” What does he mean?

• To us, forgetting means that we don’t remember something; we forget to feed the dog, or we forget to grab our homework on the way to school.
• Paul uses forgetting in the sense that he refuses to let the past dictate his behavior. Have you ever done something you’ve regretted? Paul shows us that what is in the past, is in the past. Instead of focusing on everything we’ve done wrong and feeling bad about it, Paul encourages us to look forward to our future with Christ.

Observation #2: It sounds like Paul is saying that we must earn our salvation, by “working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.” What’s going on?

• This letter to the Philippians is all about living as a citizen of heaven. Paul made it clear in the last portion of the letter that we are not saved by our efforts, but only by the grace of God.
• Paul is saying, however, that our behaviors need to change once we accept Christ. Remember that the Philippians had been arguing with each other and were being selfish and proud. Instead, they needed to live in unity, be humble, and serve each other.

Observation #3: Paul pleads with the Philippians to “stay true to the Lord.” Why?

• Because “there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ” (v. 18).
• Because the Judaizers were trying to convince the Philippians to earn their salvation instead of relying on Christ.
• It’s tough to follow Christ when people are trying to steer you down the wrong path. So Paul writes to his friends – to Lydia, to the jailer – and encourages them to stay focused on Christ. As the Message puts it, “Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.”

Read through Philippians 3:12-4:1 again.

Questions:

1. Read Acts 22:3-21, where Paul shares his story with a crowd of people in Jerusalem. What was Paul’s past? What might he have been trying to forget?
2. Why is our behavior so important?
3. Who is trying to steer you down the wrong path? Where have you been “wavering”?
4. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Memorize Proverbs 4:25-27 this week. But don’t just memorize it; think about what it says. You can also check out Hebrews 12:12-13; Proverbs 2:20; and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Philippians 3:1-11

Read through Philippians 3:1-11. To help you keep the “big picture” of Philippians in mind, go ahead and outline what we’ve studied so far.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: It seems as if Paul is getting sidetracked… What does any of this have to do with what he has been writing about?

• Remember the ways to live as a citizen of heaven? First on the list was “to live in unity.”
• We’ve already mentioned that some of the believers in the Philippian church were arguing and fighting among themselves. But there were also men who pretended to be Christ-followers (they were called Judaizers). Their teachings didn’t line up with what Paul had taught.
• Paul warns them to stay on guard against these false teachings so that they won’t split the group. He wants them to remain faithful to the truth.

Observation #2: Paul mentions having “confidence in the flesh”. What does he mean?

• Basically, the Judaizers were trying to convince the Philippian believers that they were saved by their good works, that they had to earn their salvation.
• Paul reminds the Philippians of the truth: “No… it’s not through our effort that we are saved. It’s only by God’s grace that we are saved.”
• Paul uses his own life as an example in order to show the Philippians that the Judaizers were wrong. In essence, he says, “If anyone can get to heaven based on their good works and on their character, it’s me.” Then he says, “But none of that matters. Without Christ, I am nothing.”

Observation #3: Paul writes, “I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ.” What is he saying?

• The word for “garbage” (or “rubbish” as some translations put it) is actually the word for “dung.” Imagine changing a nasty diaper, or cleaning up after your dog or horse. It can get pretty gross…
• Paul is saying that everything else is dung compared to knowing Christ. “It doesn’t matter what I’ve done, what I’ve accomplished. Knowing Christ far outweighs the best this world has to offer.”

In this section, Paul encourages the Philippians to live with unity, but he also reminds them of the basic truth of the Gospel: We are saved by grace through faith. In other words, we cannot earn our way into heaven.

Read through Philippians 3:1-11 again.

Questions:

1. How do we try to earn our way into heaven? (In other words, what does a “good Christian” look like?)
2. Read James 2:14-26 and compare it to Romans 4:5. Is James contradicting what Paul taught? What is James really saying?
3. In your own words, what does it mean to “live as a citizen of heaven”?
4. What does it mean to “know Christ”? (See Philippians 3:9-11.)
5. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Meet with someone you trust (a friend, parent, or mentor) and talk about Question #2 above.

Philippians 2:19-30

Read through Philippians 2:19-30. As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

Review: These past few weeks, we’ve been learning about how to “live as a citizen of heaven.” Paul mentions several ways to do that:

1. live in unity – keep Christ at the center of your relationships, work together, love each other
2. live with humility – be interested in what others are doing, be selfless
3. let your life shine before men – have good character, serve others, don’t complain, share the Gospel

A Closer Look: In this section of the letter, Paul mentions two men who are great examples for the Philippians to model their lives after. These two men were individuals that the Philippians knew personally.

Example #1: Timothy (“Tim”)

• Relationship to Paul – Tim was like a son to Paul. He traveled with Paul to several cities to share the Good News about Christ and was mentored by Paul.
• Relationship to the Philippians – Tim joined Paul on his trip right before Paul and Silas went to the city of Philippi. That means that he probably stayed with Lydia (the business-woman) and talked with many of the believers there.
• “Genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ” – Tim loved the believers at Philippi and kept Christ at the center of his relationship with them. He stood out from the others, who only cared about themselves.
• “Has served with me in preaching the Good News” – Tim lived a life of service by assisting Paul in his missionary trips. He wasn’t afraid to share the Good News with others.

Example #2: Epaphroditus (“Big E”)

• Relationship to Paul – Big E was the messenger from Philippi who brought Paul the supplies and gifts. He stayed in the city for awhile before returning to Philippi, probably updating Paul on all the news at Philippi and listening to Paul preach.
• Relationship to the Philippians – Big E was one of the believers at Philippi, and evidently he was trusted enough to serve as a messenger for the whole group.
• “He is a true brother, a faithful worker, and a courageous soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need.” – Big E served faithfully and selflessly. Since Paul refers to him as a “true brother”, it was probably easy to tell that he was committed to Christ.
• “He risked his life for the work of Christ” – It seems Big E didn’t stop at anything to share the Good News with others, whether that was verbally sharing the Gospel or simply serving without complaining and working hard with others.

Read through Philippians 2:19-30 again.

Questions:

1. Read Galatians 5:19-23. How does this fit in with what we’ve read in Philippians?
2. Why is it important for us to be selfless in our relationships with others?
3. How do you think Tim felt about being able to return to the Philippians soon after Big E went back? How do you think the Philippians responded to having Tim back in the city?
4. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Who has been a mentor or role model for you? Write them a note this week, thanking them for investing in you. Share with them how they have influenced you or the lessons they have taught you. And take a moment to think about someone that you can be a role model to… perhaps a child at church or a younger brother or sister.

Philippians 2:12-18

Read through Philippians 2:12-18. Remember that Paul is encouraging the Christians at Philippi to live as “citizens of heaven.” He has already told them (1) to live in unity with each other and (2) to live with humility. This section contains a third way: to “let your lives shine before men.” As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: Paul tells the Philippians to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” What does that mean?

• Paul is telling them – in a different way – that they need to act like “citizens of heaven.” Remember that the Philippians seem to have problems with pride, selfishness, and arguing. They needed to follow Christ’s example and be humble and selfless instead.
• “Fear” refers to a “deep reverence.” Do you have any people in your life that you really respect and look up to? We don’t want to let them down; instead we want to do our best for them. In the same way, we should try to do our best for God.
• Note that Paul had already prayed for them to “be filled with the fruit of your salvation” – i.e., to live like “citizens of heaven.” See Philippians 1:11.

Observation #2: What does it mean to “let your lives shine brightly” in everyday life?

• DO – have good character (be “blameless”), be pure, be willing to serve
• DON’T – complain, argue, be selfish, have a bad attitude
• In order for the Philippian believers to stand out from the non-believers, they needed to behave differently. So Paul mentions some specific areas for them to work on.
• Note that Paul had already prayed for them to be “blameless” and “pure.” See Philippians 1:10.

Observation #3: Paul tells them to “hold tight to the word of life.” What does he mean?

• The “word of life” refers to the Gospel. When Paul visited Philippi, he shared the Gospel with them so that they would follow Christ.
• “Hold tight” could also mean “hold forth” – as if you were offering someone a gift. Paul is encouraging the Philippians to continue sharing the Gospel with others in their community, not only by telling them the Good News about Christ but also by “letting their lives shine.”

Read through Philippians 2:1-18.

Questions:

1. We are learning more and more about the believers at Philippi. How would you describe them, now that we have read Acts 16 and Philippians 1:1-2:18?
2. Paul’s prayer (in Philippians 1:20) is that he will be “bold” for Christ. In other words, he wanted to continue sharing the Gospel with others, even though he had been arrested for it. Does that affect the way you read this passage?
3. The Message translation of Philippians 2:15 reads, “Provide people a glimpse of good living and of the living God.” How can you give people a “glimpse of God” this week?
4. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenges:
#1 – Read Exodus 15:22-17:7; Exodus 32:1-35; and 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. These describe times when the Israelites complained and grumbled, as well as how God responded to their behavior.

#2 – Read Matthew 5:1-7:29. Jesus describes in more detail what it means to “live as a citizen of heaven.”

* “Salvation” is simply a big word that means “delivered” or “saved.” In this case, it means saved from sin. People who trust in Christ are saved at the moment of their confession of faith (Romans 10:8-10) and are no longer slaves to sin. They can enjoy a personal and intimate relationship with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit. (Check out John 8:31-36 and Romans 6:6-23.)