Liberty University School of Divinity
Philippians Final Project Bible Study
Submitted By:
Jessica Morales
BIBL 350 Inductive Bible Study
Submitted to Dr. Wilkins
May 5th 2023
PHILIPPIANS BIBLE STUDY
INSTRUCTIONS
WHY IS PHILIPPIANS IMPORTANT?
The book of Philippians provides a large in site into the character and life of Paul. Paul writes the
book of Philippians to the believers or church in Philippi. Paul thanks them for their ongoing and
past support of his ministry and genuine concern for him. Paul highlights the need for unity and
edification of the church body, how the gospel abounds and advances in suffering, how to imitate
the humility and love of Christ as well as the source of righteousness and strength is solely found
through Christ. Paul shares personal testimony of His imprisonment and the fact that he is still
able to rejoice in suffering because it is a catalyst for the gospel. Paul also realizes that all
worldly identity and accomplishments even his seemingly perfect and righteous standing under
the law is worthless because righteousness is not achieved separated from Christ. Paul shares to
experience the Lord we must work out our faith die to our old selves and share in Jesus’s
suffering. Paul consistently demonstrates what it is like to redirect our gaze and focus on Christ.
Philippians is about Christ and how to be imitators of him with the example of Paul.
2
WHO WROTE PHILIPPIANS?
The writer of Philippians is Paul. He was born in Tarsus, in modern-day Turkey, to Jewish
parents who were also Roman citizens (Acts 22:3). Paul or by his Hebrew name is Saul was a
Pharisee and a persecutor of Christians. The Pharisee where Jewish leaders in the temple who
followed extreme adherence and devotion to the Law. Paul persecution on the church was quite
severe and was even present at death of the first Christian martyr Stephen ((Acts 7:58-8:3)
and responsible for the death and arrests of many early believers. Paul had a transformative
experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22), where he saw a vision of the risen Jesus
Christ. Paul made the descion to no longer persecute the church or those who followed Christ
rather pour all His zeal and vigor into the advancement of the Gospel and elevation of Christ and
establishing new churches throughout the Roman Empire. Paul is the author of a large portion of
the New Testament writing 13 out of 27 books of the new testament and his writings under the
influence of the Holy spirit influence much of the church’s practice and understanding of
doctrine and theology.
3
WHO IS PAUL’S AUDIENCE?
Paul is writing to the church or believers in Philippi (Philippians 1:1) Philippi was a city in
Macedonia within the Roman empire. The church in Philippi originally was founded amongst
women including Lydia who was Paul’s first convert in Europe. “One of those listening was a
woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of
God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her
household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’
she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us” (Acts 16:14-15) He also addresses
two other women named Euodia and Syntyche. Paul mentions that they are both leaders in the
church that have been fighting. Paul does not lower or question their leadership capabilities but
rather encourages them to top fighting and refers to Him as coworkers or partners in the gospel.
“Paul calls upon his “true (4:3: true yokefellow; gnēsie syzyge ) to help the women who are
quarreling reconciled, he is drawing on a common appellation used for famous pairs of friends in
Greco-Roman literature. The metaphor of the “yoke of friendship” was used by Plutarch to
depict the relationship between pairs of friends such as Theseus and Perithous, ... Paul’s
yokefellow and co-workers are those who contended with him in the cause of the gospel (4:3).” 1
As Philippians are citizens of the roman empire, they have a large pride and esteem to Rome and
high regard as roman citizens. This can be demonstrated through the example of Paul in Acts 16
where he appeals to His roman citizenship when mistreated. “ But Paul said to them, “They beat
1
Hansen, G. Walter. The Letter to the Philippians, Eerdmans, 2009. ProQuest Ebook Central,
4
us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now are
they going to send us away secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves
and escort us out.” (Acts 16:37)
There were few Jewish men in Rome which is evident in its lack of a synagogue. “Philippi did
not have a quorum of ten Jewish men necessary for the establishment of a synagogue. (Hansen,
G. Walter. The Letter to the Philippian) In this city, the place he found to keep the Sabbath was
not a synagogue within the city but a “place of prayer” by the river outside the city gate where
some women gathered on the Sabbath (Acts 16:4)
The city modeled after Rome had a diverse mixture of different faith and belief systems but
primarily imperial worship. “Although Greek, Phrygian, and Egyptian gods had their temples in
Philippi, the imperial cult was the most prominent in the city. With impressive altars and temples
dedicated to the emperor and members of his family, the city’s religious life centered on the
worship of the emperor. viewed as subversive activity. Withdrawal from participation in the
imperial cult was viewed as subversive activity” (Hansen) “Its architecture and administration,
for example, appear to have been modeled on Rome’s, and worship of the emperor was an
important element in the religious life of the city.”
Paul had a close and affectionate relationship with the church in Philippi. In his letter to the
Philippians, Paul expresses his deep love and gratitude for the church, calling them his "partners
in the gospel" (Philippians 1:5) and thanking them for their ongoing support of his ministry.
Despite being imprisoned at the time of writing, Paul sends his greetings and encouragement to
the church, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to live in unity with one another.
5
“As Paul writes Philippians, he was in prison awaiting a trial whose outcome could result in his
execution” (Frank Thielman, Philippians)2
He also commends two of the church's leaders, Epaphroditus and Euodia, for their faithful
service to the gospel. According to the book of Acts in the New Testament, Paul was on his
second missionary journey when he traveled to Philippi (Acts 16:11-40). Before arriving in
Philippi, Paul and his companions had traveled through various cities in Asia Minor (modern-day
Turkey), including Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, where they had preached the gospel and
established churches. He maintained ongoing communication with the believers there.
Paul in Philippians expresses his great love and gratitude for the gifts and support from the
Philippian believers.
“According to this account in Acts, the first members of the church founded by Paul in Philippi
included Lydia (a God-fearing, Gentile businesswoman), the members of her household, a
Roman jailer, the members of his household, and perhaps a slave girl. Given the lack of evidence
for a Jewish presence in Philippi, we can assume that all the members of the church were Gentile
Christians.”
2
Thielman, Frank S.. Philippians, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 1995. ProQuest Ebook
Central,
6
WHEN DID PAUL WRITE THIS BOOK?
The exact date of when the book of Philippians is written is unknown but it is known it is during
Paul’s imprisonment “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to
me has actually advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial
guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ.” (Phil. 1:12-13)
The imprisonment in Philippians refers to Paul's first Roman imprisonment, which is also
mentioned in Acts 28:16-31 and Acts 28:30-31 which says that Paul was under house arrest in
Rome for two years, but he was permitted to receive visitors and continue his ministry. The exact
date of this imprisonment is also uncertain. During the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero. It is
believed that Paul was imprisoned in Rome because he was accused of preaching the gospel and
causing disturbances in various cities throughout the Roman Empire. In his letters, Paul
describes how he faced persecution, opposition, and imprisonment for the sake of the gospel, a
description that is consistent with his account of his ministry. According to 2 Corinthians 11:23-
28, Paul lists many hardships he has endured, such as imprisonment and robbery threats. The
apostle Paul acknowledges in Philippians 1:12-14, that his imprisonment has helped spread the
gospel, as his fellow prisoners and others have heard it.
Paul was on his second missionary journey when he traveled to Philippi (Acts 16:11-40). Before
arriving in Philippi, Paul and his companions had traveled through various cities in Asia Minor,
including Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, where they had preached the gospel and
established churches. After leaving Derbe, Paul, received a vision in which they were called to
go to Macedonia, a region in northern Greece (Acts 16:6-10). They traveled by sea from Troas to
Neapolis and then on to Philippi, which was the first city they visited in Macedonia (Acts 16:11-
7
12). Paul was on his way to Philippi from various cities in Asia Minor, having received a call to
preach the gospel in Macedonia.
One major event was the ongoing expansion of the Roman Empire, which continued to grow
under Emperor Nero's reign.. In addition to military conquest, the Roman Empire was also
undergoing significant social and cultural changes, including the spread of the Greek language
and culture throughout the empire. (Carter, Warren "Imperial Cult and Early Christianity)
Another major event during Paul's imprisonment was the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, which
destroyed much of the city and led to the widespread persecution of Christians. While Paul was
not directly affected by the fire, it is possible that he witnessed some of the persecution that
occurred in its aftermath.3 The early Christian church was also grappling with issues such as the
relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers, the nature of Christ's divinity and humanity,
and the role of women in the church.
Overall, during Paul's imprisonment in Rome, the Roman Empire was during significant
political, social, and cultural changes, and the early Christian church was grappling with
theological and organizational issues that would shape its development for centuries.
WHAT IS AT THE HEART OF PHILIPPIANS?
3
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Edited by Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and Archie
England. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
8
A. Genre:
Paul the apostle writes a letter to the believers in Philippi to encourage and inform them of His
gratitude and issues he had observed about the church. Philippians was written in prison and is a
part of section of the New Testament referred to as the prison epistles. It is one of the only letters
where Paul dose not state His apostleship because of his affectionate and personal relationship
with them. Paul is encouraging and firm on the need to rejoice, full of gratitude and includes
doctrinal instructions about righteousness and Christ. Paul writes a personal letter to the church
to discuss unity, humility, joy and suffering.
B. Purpose:
The book of Philippians provides a large in site into the character and life of Paul. Paul writes the
book of Philippians to the believers or church in Philippi. Paul thanks them for their ongoing and
past support of his ministry and genuine concern for him. Paul highlights the need for unity and
edification of the church body, how the gospel abounds and advances in suffering, how to imitate
the humility and love of Christ as well as the source of righteousness and strength is solely found
through Christ. Paul shares personal testimony of His imprisonment and the fact that he is still
able to rejoice in suffering because it is a catalyst for the gospel. Paul also realizes that all
worldly identity and accomplishments even his seemingly perfect and righteous standing under
the law is worthless because righteousness is not achieved separated from Christ. Paul shares to
experience the Lord we must work out our faith die to our old selves and share in Jesus’s
suffering.
9
C. One Sentence Summary:
Philippians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, highlighting
unity, humility, and the surpassing value of knowing Christ, while also providing
guidance for believers on how to live out their faith in practical ways, avoiding elevating
oneself and striving for righteousness through faith in Christ.
D. Outline:
Chapter 1:
Greeting
Paul and Timothy introduce themselves to the church in Philippi
1:1-2
Thanksgiving
Paul shares that the love and joy that he has for the church in Philippi and that he
prays diligently for them and their growth
1:3-11
Advancement of the gospel + joy
Paul shares about how trials and any bad circumstances can bring advancement to
the gospel.
Paul shares that his imprisonment lead further to the advancement of the kingdom
and allowed him to rejoice
Rejoice in all things
1:12-20
Living for Christ
To live is Christ to die is gain
It is better to remain in the flesh is better to Christ may further abound
Not only believe for Christ but suffer for Him
10
o1:20-30
Chapter 2:
Confronting Suffering
Humility for followers and Unity
Have unity in the spirit
Love and be united for one purpose
Consider others more important than yourself
Consider others needs higher than your own
o2:1-4
Christ’s humility and Exaltation
Jesus is God
Jesus emptied himself and took the form of a servant
Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death upon the cross
God allowed this so that every knee and tongue will confess God is the Lord
o2:5-18
Obedience + rejoicing
Work out own salvation
Don’t grumble or argue when you do things
Be blameless and pure among a corrupt generation
Pour self out as a drink offering before Christ as sacrificial servants
o2:5-12
Sending Timothy
Paul writes to Epaphroditus
Confident in timothy’s ability to care and serve so Paul is sending him.
2:19-30
Chapter 3:
Knowing Christ Deeper
Paul cautions the church to watch out
All things that once where a gain to Paul are now a loss because of how much
more valuable knowing Christ is
o3:1-7-12
Reaching forward
11
Look forward to the prize of Christ ahead and peruse it in righteousness
3:12-21
Chapter 4:
Restore unity
Euodia and Syntyche have had a type of falling out
Paul urges them to have unity
4:1-7
Call to higher living and unity
4:8-9
Do all things good in a Christ honoring manner
Appreciation and final greetings
Paul thanks the church for their support and gifts
Thanksgiving for the support during his suffering
E. Key Verse(s):
1. Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will
carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This verse is a source of
encouragement for Christians who may feel discouraged or unsure of their spiritual
progress. It assures us that God will continue to work in our lives and bring us to maturity
in Christ.
2. Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as
Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God
something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the
very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance
12
as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
This passage is a powerful statement about the humility and self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ,
and serves as a model for Christians to follow in their relationships with one another.
3. Philippians 3:8-9 - "What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing
worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider
them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of
my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the
righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." This verse highlights the
centrality of Christ in the life of a Christian, and underscores the importance of faith in
Christ rather than relying on one's own righteousness or good works.
4. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer
and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus." This verse is a source of comfort and reassurance for Christians who may be
struggling with anxiety or worry. It encourages us to turn to God in prayer and trust in his
peace to guard our hearts and minds.
F. Key People or Characters:
Christ: (1:1 1:8, 1:11, 1:20-21, 2:5-11, 3:7-11)
Timothy and Paul (1:1) – Timothy is mentioned as a co-sender of the letter with Paul. He was a
close companion and co-worker of Paul
13
Epaphroditus (2:25-30) - Epaphroditus is described as a messenger sent by the Philippians to
bring a gift to Paul, who had been imprisoned in Rome. While there, Epaphroditus became
seriously ill, but recovered and was able to return to Philippi with news of Paul's condition. Paul
describes him as a fellow worker and a brother in the Lord.
Euodia and Syntyche (4:2-3) - These two women are mentioned as having a disagreement or
conflict with each other in the church at Philippi. Paul urges them to reconcile and work together
for the sake of the gospel. Little else is known about these women.
Clement (4:3) - Clement is mentioned as a fellow worker with Paul
True companion (4:3)
"Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me
in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the
book of life." It is unclear who the "true companion"
The Praetorian Guard (1:13). The verse reads, "so that it has become known throughout the
whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ." The "imperial
guard" referred to here is the praetorian guard, which was a special unit of elite soldiers who
served as the personal bodyguards of the Roman emperor.
E Summarize:
While Paul is in prison, he writes to the believers in Philippi to thank and encourage them. He
shares that his sufferings are catalysts to the advancement of the gospel, and He is still able to
14
remain joyful in the trials. He shares that the Philippian believers are called to unity and spurred
them to remain steadfast and rejoice in Christ matter the circumstance. He shares to rejoice in all
circumstances and surrender to the Lord to remain steadfast and experience long-suffering. In all
things, Paul points to Christ as he is the source of our strength in weakness. The example of
Christ's humility and righteousness through Him is the example of the gospel. All fleshly things
that Paul could once boast in are a loss under Christ because He is the provider of confidence.
WHAT WAS PAUL & THE PHILIPPIANS WORLD LIKE?
15
Paul is writing to the church or believers in Philippi (Philippians 1:1) Philippi was a city in
Macedonia within the Roman empire. The church in Philippi originally was founded amongst
women including Lydia who was Paul’s first convert in Europe. “One of those listening was a
woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of
God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her
household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’
she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us” (Acts 16:14-15) He also addresses
two other women named Euodia and Syntyche. Paul mentions that they are both leaders in the
church that have been fighting. Paul does not lower or question their leadership capabilities but
rather encourages them to top fighting and refers to Him as coworkers or partners in the gospel.
“Paul calls upon his “true (4:3: true yokefellow; gnēsie syzyge ) to help the women who are
quarreling reconciled, he is drawing on a common appellation used for famous pairs of friends in
Greco-Roman literature. The metaphor of the “yoke of friendship” was used by Plutarch to
depict the relationship between pairs of friends such as Theseus and Perithous, ... Paul’s
yokefellow and co-workers are those who contended with him in the cause of the gospel (4:3).” 4
As Philippians are citizens of the roman empire, they have a large pride and esteem to Rome and
high regard as roman citizens. This can be demonstrated through the example of Paul in Acts 16
where he appeals to His roman citizenship when mistreated. “ But Paul said to them, “They beat
us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now are
4
Hansen, G. Walter. The Letter to the Philippians, Eerdmans, 2009. ProQuest Ebook Central,
16
they going to send us away secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves
and escort us out.” (Acts 16:37)
There were few Jewish men in Rome which is evident in its lack of a synagogue. “Philippi did
not have a quorum of ten Jewish men necessary for the establishment of a synagogue. (Hansen,
G. Walter. The Letter to the Philippian) In this city, the place he found to keep the Sabbath was
not a synagogue within the city but a “place of prayer” by the river outside the city gate where
some women gathered on the Sabbath (Acts 16:4)
The city modeled after Rome had a diverse mixture of different faith and belief systems but
primarily imperial worship. “Although Greek, Phrygian, and Egyptian gods had their temples in
Philippi, the imperial cult was the most prominent in the city. With impressive altars and temples
dedicated to the emperor and members of his family, the city’s religious life centered on the
worship of the emperor. viewed as subversive activity. Withdrawal from participation in the
imperial cult was viewed as subversive activity” (Hansen) “Its architecture and administration,
for example, appear to have been modeled on Rome’s, and worship of the emperor was an
important element in the religious life of the city.”
Philippi was geographically advantageous in several ways. The city was located on a major trade
route that connected the Aegean Sea with the Danube River, allowing for the easy movement of
goods and people. This made Philippi an important commercial center and a hub of regional
trade.
Philippi was situated on a plain surrounded by hills and mountains, which provided natural
defenses against invasion and made the city relatively safe from attacks. This geography made
Philippi a strategic location for military operations, and the city played a significant role in
several conflicts throughout its history.
17
Philippi would have been heavily influenced by Roman law and culture. The Romans were
known for their emphasis on law and order, and they developed systems of government and
administration that included elected officials, courts, and a system of tax.5 (The New Interpreter's
Bible) The city was home to several political monuments that represent the city's rich history and
heritage. The city as it would be modeled or resembled after Rome. Since imperial and pagan
worship was quite common so there would have been large idols or monuments dedicated to
Nero or Caesar as well as their pagan Gods and Goddess In Philippi, religion was diverse and
influenced by various cultural traditions. The city was a Roman colony, which meant that the
worship of Roman gods and goddesses was prevalent. However, there were also significant
numbers of Greeks in Philippi, which introduced other religious beliefs and practices. The
Greeks worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses. There also was a Jewish community
existed in Philippi, as Paul visited a Jewish prayer meeting by the river outside the city during his
time there (Acts 16:13-40). It is also believed that there were devotees of the mystery cults, such
as the cult of Dionysus, in Philippi. These cults had secret initiation ceremonies and promised
their followers a special kind of spiritual experience. Overall, religion in Philippi was a complex
mixture of Roman, Greek, and Jewish beliefs and practices, with some influence from cults.6
5
19942004. The New Interpreter's Bible: General Articles & Introduction, Commentary
6
Fee, Gordon D. Paul's Letter to the Philippians. Grand Rapids, Mich: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co,
1995.
18
Paul is writing to a letter to the church in Philippi to both thank and encourage them with
testimonies and guidance. The Chapter is split up in four parts. Part one is a greeting to the
church where he shares he is a servant of Christ Jesus and wishes them grace and peace. The
second is about thanksgiving and prayer where he thanks them for the work they have done in
support of him, the proclamation of the Gospel and His imprisonment. Section three is the
advancement of the Gospel sharing how even during suffering and trials the preaching of the
Gospel will advance the Kingdom. Section four is about living in and for Christ and the fullness
of joy and purity in conduct.
Chapter 2
Unity and humility: Paul begins the chapter by urging the Philippians to be of the same mind and
to have the same love for one another. He emphasizes the importance of putting others before
oneself and avoiding selfish ambition or conceit.
Paul then points to the example of Christ, who humbled himself and became obedient to the
point of death on the cross. He emphasizes that Jesus' humility and obedience are the key to his
exaltation and lordship, and he encourages the Philippians to follow Christ's example of humility
and service.
Paul also mentions the importance of working out one's own salvation with fear and trembliling.
He urges the Philippians to do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that they may shine
like stars in the world and hold out the word of life.
Chapter 3
20
Focused on the theme of righteousness through faith in Christ, as opposed to one's own works or
accomplishments. Paul begins by warning the Philippians to beware of false teachers who are
promoting circumcision and other forms of religious zeal. He emphasizes that true righteousness
comes through faith in Christ, not through adherence to the law or circumcision.
Paul then describes his own background as a Jew and a Pharisee, emphasizing that his previous
achievements and status are worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. He
urges the Philippians to follow his example and to press on towards the goal of knowing Christ,
forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
Paul concludes the chapter by urging the Philippians to imitate his example and to join him in
living as citizens of heaven. He reminds them that their true citizenship is in heaven, and that
they eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter 4
Paul encourages the church do to not worry or have anxiety about anything but to trust in the
Lord provision and to petition their request to The Father. Paul provides testimony of his life, and
the ways God not only provides but also reveals Himself. God is enough to satisfy all needs and
transforms our self and what we value. He shares that we should be content in every
circumstance.
Rejoice:
21
Paul is writing to the Philippian believers to encourage them in the Lord amidst there
circumstances. He shares a sense of peace and fulfillment that can only come from the
Lord. He shares in all His suffering and even in his bondage that he is rejoicing in the
Lord. He rejoices or encourages the Philippians that they should celebrate or be filled
with joy in the Lord. To rejoice is to be filled with joy and exaltation. Specifically, the
exaltation of Christ as Lord. He celebrates the hardships he is experiencing because of the
edification of the Church and the advancement of the gospel. To rejoice is to be in Christ.
To rejoice is to view Christ as Lord in all aspects of life even hardships. Paul uses the
word rejoice to further exemplify faithfulness to the Lord. Paul’s faithfulness to the Lord
was solely because of Christ. The context of rejoice is Christ and His exaltation
regardless of the situation or persecution. The advancement of the Gospel and
personhood of Christ is the sole reason we must rejoice at the face of adversity. Paul
experienced the depth of trials and earthly suffering and yet did not test unfaithful rather
focused his eyes on the Lord and invited others to do the same while rejoicing.
Faithfulness and remaining steadfast lead to the elevation of Christ an advancement of
Gospel which is reason to rejoice!
Waste:
In Philippians 3:2-11 Paul discusses his religious pedigree and confidence that he has in
the flesh he shares to the extent of the law was found he righteous, a religious leader, a
Hebrew of Hebrew and even his parents where devoted Jews. He is sharing to a Jewish
audience who where arguing on the purpose of circumcision concerning salvation rather
than a symbol of being set apart. He shares that all things that would give him to boast or
have confidence in the flesh are now loss. Paul even further emphasizes this to further
22
extent of garbage. Walter Hansen states “Paul takes his revaluation of his advantages in
the flesh another radical step further by declaring, I consider them garbage. The word
garbage denotes “excrement, manure, garbage, kitchen scraps.” In some Greek texts this
term refers “specifically to human excrement.” Paul not only considers all things as loss,
but in this shocking statement he intensifies his renunciation of all things by referring to
them as garbage. “The choice of the vulgar term stresses the force and totality of this
renunciation.”7. Paul states that he considers his past life and accomplishments as
worthless in comparison to the infinite value of Christ.
While Paul is in prison, he writes to the believers in Philippi to thank and encourage them. He
shares that his sufferings are catalysts to the advancement of the gospel, and He is still able to
remain joyful in the trials. He shares that the Philippian believers are called to unity and spurred
them to remain steadfast and rejoice in Christ matter the circumstance. He shares to rejoice in all
circumstances and surrender to the Lord to remain steadfast and experience long-suffering. In all
things, Paul points to Christ as he is the source of our strength in weakness. The example of
Christ's humility and righteousness through Him is the example of the gospel. All fleshly things
that Paul could once boast in are a loss under Christ because He is the provider of confidence.
Fragment/Thought
7
Klein, William W., David E. Garland, Arthur A. Rupprecht, and Todd D. Still. Ephesians, Philippians,
Colossians, Philemon. Revis ed. Vol. 12. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2006.
23
Rejoice in Christ
Quick Synopsis:
Paul is writing to thank and encourage the Philippians with personal testimony as well as
pointing them to the example of Christ.
Full Explanation of Passage Principle
While Paul is in prison, he writes to the believers in Philippi to thank and encourage them. He
shares that his sufferings are catalysts to the advancement of the gospel, and He is still able to
remain joyful in the trials. He shares that the Philippian believers are called to unity and spurred
them to remain steadfast and rejoice in Christ matter the circumstance. He shares to rejoice in all
circumstances and surrender to the Lord to remain steadfast and experience long-suffering. In all
things, Paul points to Christ as he is the source of our strength in weakness. The example of
Christ's humility and righteousness through Him is the example of the gospel. All fleshly things
that Paul could once boast in are a loss under Christ because He is the provider of confidence.
HOW DO WE LIVE OUT PHILIPPIANS?
,The Holy Spirit, Humanity, Sin, Salvation, The Church, Future Things, Doctrine & Theology):
24
In my life all the things I’ve created like others’ perceptions of me, accomplishments, successes,
and the life I once dreamed and desired are all worthless compared to Christ. The life I lived
though good would not ever be good enough apart from Christ. Righteousness does not come
from good works that earn me a seat at the table rather, Because of Christ Jesus we can live in
fullness and confidence in Him. He leads me to rejoice. I often comforted by the idea of Christ
dying on the Cross to save me but pushed to further dwell in suffering as he did to grow in His
likeness.
A. Things to Do (Repent, Believe, Grow, Love):
Examine what’s of value to me. Paul demonstrates taking time to examine priorities and
consider what things to let go of to better focus on your relationship with Christ. Examine what
things in my life I hold to a higher value than Christ or have taken His place as Lord.
Embrace humility. Paul discusses the importance of humility in Philippians 3:8, saying that he
considers everything else to be "garbage" or of no value compared to knowing Christ. I can take
time to reflect on what it means to embrace humility and put Christ first in my life. How can I
humble myself in accomplishment or worldly identity to further exalt the Father?
Pursue righteousness. In Philippians 3:9, Paul speaks about the righteousness that comes from
faith in Christ. Consider what it means to pursue righteousness and seek to live a life that honors
God in all things even suffering as Christ did. Create a plan to remain steadfast on the rock of the
gospel even when things are inconsistent. How can I redirect my eyes to Christ?
25
Rejoice in the Lord: Philippians 3:1 and 3:3 both emphasize the importance of rejoicing in the
Lord. Finding ways to cultivate joy and gratitude in life, even in difficult circumstances. How
can we rejoice that Christ is refining us and that circumstances produce endurance and character?
Righteousness is found in Christ. Often our tendency is to over emphasize or elevate or
accomplishments and identity in fleshly things. Apart from Christ our works render us unworthy
and unrighteous. The Lord sent Jesus because we are unworthy. We can find freedom and rest in
the fact we no longer must strive for worldly praise and control perceptions of ourselves. In
essence Paul is telling the Philippian he appeared to have it all together. We can look like we
have it all together and even be convinced of that ourselves, but we can only be found worthy
through the blood of Christ.
Surrender the need to create a perception of perfection and worldly zeal but follow in the
footsteps of the apostle Paul in putting that zeal and energy into perusing Christ! Paul a
persecutor of early Christians, once encountered with Christ redirected his focus and energy
towards perusing righteousness and the elevation of Christ over himself.
We must have a personal encounter with the Lord to redirect to seeking righteousness.
If we claim to have a relationship with The Father, we must reevaluate the things in our life we
both pursue and value.
26
Paul understands that through suffering we can experience the power of Christ. Righteousness in
Christ stems from the denial of self. Righteousness does not come from good works that earn a
seat at the table rather, Because of Christ Jesus we can live in fullness and confidence in Him. He
leads us to rejoice. We can be comforted at the idea of Christ dying on the Cross to save but also
pushed to further dwell in suffering as he did to grow in His likeness.
In reflection, we must exam our hearts and life and ask if our righteousness found in our worldly
ventures and zeal or through Christ alone
RESOURCES USED:
Bibliography
27
Hansen, G. Walter. The Letter to the Philippians. Grand Rapids, Mich: William B. Eerdmans
Pub. Co., 2009.
The New Interpreter's Bible: General Articles & Introduction, Commentary
1994-2004.
Thielman, Frank S.. Philippians, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 1995. ProQuest Ebook
Central,
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Edited by Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and Archie
England. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
Klein, William W., David E. Garland, Arthur A. Rupprecht, and Todd D. Still. Ephesians,
Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Revis ed. Vol. 12. Grand Rapids, Michigan:
Zondervan, 2006.
Fee, Gordon D. Paul's Letter to the Philippians. Grand Rapids, Mich: W.B. Eerdmans
Pub. Co, 1995.
28
