PHILIPPIANS
(Answers)

 

(Updated 02/2024)



CHAPTER 1

  1. The people in Philippi were active in the faith and the gospel since the first day Paul brought the word to them.
  2. a. Paul wanted the people to grow in knowledge and discernment of the things that are approved by God. b. They would be able to discern the good and righteous and avoid sin. c. Sincere and without blame they could become filled with the fruits of righteousness.
  3. Paul was in prison in Rome being guarded by the palace guards.
  4. a. Some were preaching the gospel with good intentions and some out of selfish ambition and to add strife to Paul's imprisonment. b. In any case, Christ was being preached.
  5. Paul knew that to remain in the flesh he could help the people progress in their faith.
  6. Our conduct must be worthy of the gospel of Christ. We must live by His teachings and remove ourselves from sinful things.
  7. By having the same conduct and spirit and avoiding dissensions and contentions we show our unity and faith in the gospel.
  8. By not fearing our adversaries and being unified in mind and spirit we emphasize their destruction and our salvation.
  9. We can expect persecutions for the sake of the gospel.

CHAPTER 2

  1. a. We should be like-minded, humble, and looking out for the interests of others. b. Jesus chose to be a servant to others.
  2. a. Jesus did not exalt Himself or seek honor even though He was the Son of God with the power of God. b. Jesus served both God and man by humbling Himself and being obedient to God He lived as a man and taught the people about God and salvation even dying for them.
  3. God will exalt the humble as He determines.
  4. a. In fear and trembling (this means “scared to death”) we should observe our walk for salvation (in trembling anxiety not to fall short of the goal (1Co 9:26, 27; Heb 4:1).  b. There is an important interest at risk – the salvation of our souls. God is in us for His purpose and will. If we do not fear and heed Him we may jeopardize the salvation of our souls.
  5. a. We should be a light to the world, filled with righteousness. b. By being a living example of righteousness non-believers can be influenced and possibly converted becoming "lights" themselves. c. We become light to others by believing in Jesus and following steadfastly the words of life (the teachings of Jesus and the will of God through the Spirit).
  6. If you don’t hold fast to the word of life you will be ineffective as a servant of God. Also, holding fast is working out your salvation with fear and trembling. The word brought to you may have been in vain if you do not endure and persevere to the end. (The salvation of the soul will not take care of itself without an effort on our part.)

CHAPTER 3

  1. a. Paul was an educated religious authority - a Pharisee. b. Paul considered his former background as worthless compared to knowing Christ and having salvation.
  2. Our righteousness comes from our faith in the justification by Jesus who paid for our sins.
  3. a. Our knowledge, hope, fellowship and conformity to Christ grow during our walk in Christ. b. Paul considered himself as not yet attained perfection or guaranteed his resurrection yet. c. Paul needed to press on against sin, persecution, and suffering and to keep maturing and growing in faith, hope, fellowship, service, and conformity to Christ.
  4. Paul seeks the upward call of God - the rapture and resurrection.
  5. a. We should understand the importance of pursuing and striving for the prize of salvation. b. God will reveal to them the error of their thinking and fully disclose the importance of making an effort for salvation.
  6. We must walk in righteousness and goodness according to what we do know now.
  7. We should follow the example of those who are mature in Christ and press on for the upward call in Jesus. (We should acquaint ourselves to the Spirit's voice and the word of God and let both guide us).

CHAPTER 4

  1. a. If we stand fast in the Lord we will be glorified with a new body. b. We must press on in our faith and service to the Lord. We must avoid falling to sin and heed the voice of the Spirit.
  2. We should be anxious for nothing. Let our requests be made known to God who will supply us with what we need and bless us He wills.
  3. We should meditate on pure, lovely, good, just, and praise-worthy things. This will help keep our hearts at peace.
  4. We should be content in whatever state God has allowed us to be in whether we have plenty of little
  5. In all things God will give us the strength to be content or enable us to endure all circumstances or situations.
  6. The gifts helped produce fruit for Paul, to bring more people to Christ, and strengthened others in the faith.
  7. God will supply all our needs. He will enable us to have what we need so we can help others.