participant s handbook - spiritual blessings...participant’s handbook a series of seven studies...

Participant’s Handbook

A series of seven studies based on Philippians

focusing on getting our priorities right, and staying

focused on the glory that awaits us.

Prepared by

Peter Ward

Persevere To

Maturity

Developed* by

Peter Ward

A series of seven studies based on Philippians

focusing on getting our priorities right, and staying

focused on the glory that awaits us.

*This booklet has been prepared directly from Scripture. The author completed his own research, but acknowledges that the work done by Michael Penny and William Henry in their book “Following Philippians” formed the primary foundation upon which this present work was built.

Persevere To Maturity 3

Quotations are taken from the New International Version, unless otherwise stated.


Study 1: Pure and blameless until the

Day of Christ

Paul’s Greeting

1:1 Paul and Timothy, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of Christ Jesus, to all the

_ _ _ _ _ _ in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the _ _ _

_ _ _ _ _ _ and _ _ _ _ _ _ _

What does it mean to be a “servant” of Christ? ________________________________________________________________________________________

Who is a “saint”? ________________________________________________________________________________________

We, as saints, are _ _ the world, but not _ _ the world.

What is an “overseer”? ________________________________________________________________________________________

What is a “deacon”? ________________________________________________________________________________________

Turn to 1 Timothy 3:1-12 to learn about

‘overseers’ and ‘deacons’


1:2 _ _ _ _ _ and _ _ _ _ _ to you from God our

Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Acts 9:15

Who had Paul been appointed to

teach?_______________________________________

____________________________________________

Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians

1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Colossians

1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:2

What is the common thread that can be seen in all of these

readings?______________________________________

____________________________________________

What is “Peace”? _______________

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

What is “Grace”? _________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


Paul‟s prayer of thanksgiving

1:3-8 I _ _ _ _ _ my God every time I

remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I

always _ _ _ _ with joy because of your

partnership in the gospel from the first day until

now, being confident of this, that he who began

a good work in you will carry it on to

completion until the _ _ _ of _ _ _ _ _ _

_ _ _ _ _.

What is the reason for Paul‟s gratitude? ________________________

___________________________

_____________________________________

____________________________________________

Phil 4:10,18

What are some of the reasons that Paul wrote this letter? ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Why is he confident that they would carry on their good work? ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

When is this “day of Christ Jesus”? ______________________

____________________________________________

What will happen on this day?


Phil 3:20-21, 2 Cor 5:21, Eph 5:27

What will happen on the “day of Christ Jesus”?

1.___________________________________________

2.___________________________________________

3.___________________________________________

That is completeness indeed!

1:7-8 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have

you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and

confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ

Jesus.

What were Paul‟s feelings toward the Philippians?

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


Paul’s prayer of encouragement

1:9-11 And this is my _ _ _ _ _ _ : that your

love may abound more and more in knowledge and

depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern

what is best and may be pure and blameless until the

day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness

that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory

and praise of God.

Ephesians 3:17-19

Was Paul‟s prayer just for abounding

love in knowledge? __________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

The Bible is God breathed.

Does it tell us what is right and wrong?

Does it always tell us what is best?

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

YES NO

YES NO


What is the “fruit of righteousness”?

There are two other similar expressions:

Galatians 5:22-23 Ephesians 5:9

Hebrews 12:11, James 3:18

The passage would be better translated:

“…that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit, ________ ___ righteousness, that comes through Jesus Christ”.

So… righteousness is the fruit of _______________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Fruit of the Spirit Fruit of the Light


Discussion Points 1. Paul recognises that the

Philippians‟ behaviour is due to God‟s Spirit in action. Yet at the same time, it is the Philippians themselves who are performing the service. To what extent is our development towards Christian maturity a work of God in our lives? What part do we have to play? How do we and God‟s Spirit work together?

2. Paul brings the Day of Christ before his readers right at the start of the letter. Why is it important to keep that day in our minds as we consider the way we should live? What are the dangers for our lives on earth if we lose sight of “That day”? Look at Colossians 3:1-4 where Paul says something similar.

3. A an illustration of the process of rejecting what is good for the sake of what is better, see Romans 14:13-18. Exercising your Christian freedom may be good (v16), but if you are not acting in love it is better not to exercise that freedom (v15). Why is this an indication of maturity? Are there any contemporary examples you can think of?


Study 2: Paul’s Priorities

a) Paul’s Main Concern: The advancement of the Gospel

1:12-14 Now I want you to

know, brothers, that what

has happened to me has

really served to advance

the gospel. As a result, it

has become clear

throughout the whole

palace guard and to

everyone else that I am in

_ _ _ _ _ _ for Christ.

Because of my chains,

most of the brothers in

the Lord have been

encouraged to speak the

word of God more

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Chained?, Imprisoned?, Silenced?...

How could Paul being put in chains serve to advance the

Gospel?_______________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


1:15-17 It is true that some preach Christ out of _ _ _ _ and

_ _ _ _ _ _ _, but others out of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. The latter do so in

love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel. The

former preach Christ out of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, not

sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am

in chains.

What sort of trouble might the “some” be able to stir up? ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Did it work?...

1:18a But what does it matter? The important thing is that in

every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.

And because of this I rejoice.

Romans 1:16 and Isaiah 55:11

Why didn‟t it matter?

Because _ _ _ _ _ _ was being _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

What can we learn from this in our lives?

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

As long as Christ is preached, and people are believing and being

saved, we should not envy, we should… _ _ _ _ _ _ _!


b) Paul’s Main Aim: The exaltation of Christ

1:18b – 19 Yes and I will continue to _ _ _ _ _ _ _, for I know that

through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus

Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

Luke 21:12-15 Acts 9:15-16

What help had the Holy Spirit given him?

It had given him the _ _ _ _ _ and the _ _ _ _ _ _ to deal with his

adversaries.

1:20-21 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be

ashamed, but will have sufficient _ _ _ _ _ _ _ so that now as

always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by

death. For to me, to live is Christ and to _ _ _ is _ _ _ _.

Luke 23:43 2 Corinthians 5:1-8

Philippians 3:10-11 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 1 Corinthians 15:42, 50-54

What does Paul mean by “to live is Christ and to die is gain”? ________________________________

________________________________

______________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

________________________________


1:22-26 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful

labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn

between the two: I desire to _ _ _ _ _ _ and be with Christ, which is

better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the

body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will

continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so

that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will

overflow on account of me.

What did Paul mean by “depart to be with Christ”?

Luke 12:35-36

Philippians 3:20-21

He is speaking of the _ _ _ _ _ _ of Christ.

He knew that it was _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

for him to remain in his _ _ _ _ so that he could

prepare the Philippians for that day of resurrection – the day when Christ returned.


c) The Christian Response: Unity in one spirit)

1:27-30 Whatever happens, conduct

yourselves in a manner

_ _ _ _ _ _ of the

gospel of Christ. Then,

whether I come and see you or only

hear about you in my absence, I will

know that you _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in

one spirit, contending as one man

for the faith of the gospel without

being frightened in any way by

those who oppose you. This is a

sign to them that they will be

destroyed, but that you will be saved – and that by God. For it

has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on

him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the

same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

No matter what confronts us, we should always conduct ourselves in a

manner which brings _ _ _ _ _ _ to the name of _ _ _ _ _.

This type of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ shows people that we are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in one _ _ _ _ _ _,

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for the faith of the _ _ _ _ _ _.

Daniel 3:16-18

Why? ________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

What were the Philippians to expect? ____________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


Discussion Points 1. In the first section of

Philippians (1:12-18) Paul demonstrates singleness of purpose in the furtherance of the gospel. He used his imprisonment for the cause. Would you have done that?... or kept quiet? His only concern was Christ preached. Would you be that single-minded, even if some people have impure motives and are trying to damage you and your cause?

2. In the third section (1:27-30) the priority is given to the glorification of Christ in our lives and the proclamation of the Gospel to those outside of Christ. What do you think are the main stumbling blocks in Christian fellowships today that cause us to lose sight of this priority? How should we approach the achievement of that priority?

3. What principles are presented in verses 27 & 28 that should govern our “Christian community” life here on earth?


Study 3: The attitude of Christ Jesus

a) An appeal for unity

2:1-5 If you have any encouragement from being united

with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if

any fellowship with the Spirit, if any

tenderness and compassion, then make

my joy complete by being like-minded,

having the same love, being one in

spirit and purpose.

Paul presents four “ifs” and four desires here. What would the “ifs” be better translated as?

_ _ _ _ _ you have encouragement…

_ _ _ _ _ you have comfort from his love,

_ _ _ _ _ you have fellowship with the Spirit

_ _ _ _ _ you have tenderness and compassion…

What does it mean to be “like-minded”? ___________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

1 Corinthians 15:1-2

What is the „one‟ spirit and purpose?

The „one thing‟ over which the Philippians must be like-minded, have the same love, and be one in spirit and one in purpose over is

presenting a unified gospel of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. If it is not,

Christianity becomes _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and _ _ _ _ _ _ _.


2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in

humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you

should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests

of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:15 makes it clear that Paul did not want the Philippians to be like those who had preached Christ out of envy and rivalry.

1 Corinthians 1:31 2 Corinthians 10:17

Let him who boasts _ _ _ _ _ in the _ _ _ _.

b) The humility of the Lord Jesus

2:6-7 Who, being in very nature god, did not consider equality

with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness

What does Paul mean when he says “something to be grasped”? ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself

and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.

Christ humbled himself and became a servant of others – doing what others needed which included:

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ them

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ them

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ them

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ them

_ _ _ _ _ for them.


c) The exaltation of the Lord Jesus

2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the

highest place and gave him the name that

is above every name, that at the name of

Jesus every kneed should bow, in heaven

and on earth and under the earth, and

every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is

Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This section in Philippians is one of three glorious passages that exalt Christ. Compare and think on these things.

Philippians 2:6-11

Ephesians 1:19-23

Colossians 1:15-20

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 as a man, he humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,

far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross

Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Discussion Points 1. Read Ephesians 4:14-

16 and consider Paul‟s vision for the mature church. Notice the unity and diversity? How should this operate in practice today? (see Phil 2:3-4)

2. In Philippians 2:4 Paul says that we should look out, not only for our own interests, but those of others, and that we should think of others as better than ourselves. What practical ways can we apply this in our Christian fellowship?

3. Like the Lord Jesus, we are called to be obedient to the Father and His purposes. This means that we will serve others and prioritise their interests before ours. But we can never be the slaves of others: our responsibility is to the Lord. Consider how this can be achieved in practice e.g. can excessive demands of church service damage our relationships with family members?


Study 4: Salvation worked out

a) Salvation worked out: God’s work and our response

2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have

always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now

much more in my absence—continue to work out your

salvation with _ _ _ _ and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, for it is God who works

in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose

Proverbs 1:7

For those who believe in Christ, God has a father‟s love. So why should Christians be in “fear and trembling”? ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

2:14-16 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you

may become blameless and pure, ―children of God without fault in

a warped and crooked generation.‖ Then you will shine among

them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not

run or labour in vain

Complaining and arguing are not modern phenomena.

Ephesians 4:30-31


Paul wanted them to _ _ _ _ _ like _ _ _ _ _ in the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ by considering the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of others, and considering others to be _ _ _ _ _ _ than

themselves.

Why?

John 13:35

By this _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ will know

that you are my _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, if

you _ _ _ _ one _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

“We can argue for Christian morals and ethics, but Christian morals and ethics are for Christians.

For non-Christians, we must hold out the gospel.”

Michael Penny – Following Philippians p 72

Where can we shine today?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


_ _ _ _ _

_ _ _ _ _

_ _ _ _

_

_ _ _ _ _

a) Salvation worked out: The example of Paul

2:17-18 But even if I am being poured out like a drink

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ on the sacrifice and service coming

from your faith, I am glad and

rejoice with all of you. So

you too should be glad and

rejoice with me.

2 Timothy 4:6

Philippians 1:9-11

Romans 12:1


a) Salvation worked out: The example of Timothy

2:19-23 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to you soon,

that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no

one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.

For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus

Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself,

because as a son with his father he has served with me

in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send

him as soon as I see how things go with me.

Philippians 2:4

_ _ is the one I want to send, but I await my _ _ _ _ _ _ _ before sending him.

Who was Timothy?

Acts 16:1, 17:14-15, 18:5, 19:22,

1 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Timothy 1:2-3, 1:18,

Hebrews 13:23

Summary of who Timothy was:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


2: 24 And I am _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

Philemon 22, Philippians 1:25-27

a) Salvation worked out: The example of Epaphroditus

2:25-27 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my

brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you

sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed

because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God

had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow

upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when

you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then,

welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because

he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the

help you yourselves could not give me

Who was Epaphroditus?

Philippians 2:25-26

Summary of who Epaphroditus was:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Acts 19:11-12 Philippians 2:27

This is the first time in the New Testament that we see Paul (or anyone), not using the Holy Spirit‟s gift of healing to heal the sick.

Contradiction or Changed Conditions?

How was it possible for Paul to send a handkerchief to heal the sick in Acts, but could not heal Epaphroditus who was with him in Philippians?

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

WWhhaatt’’ss wwrroonngg

wwiitthh tthhiiss ppiiccttuurree??

Lord, if it be Thy will, heal him

Take this unto the sick, and they shall be

healed


Miracles Recorded in the New Testament

Miracle Book Ref Leper healed Matthew 8:2 Also in Mark 1:40 & Luke 5:12

Centurion’s servant healed 8:5 Also in Luke 7:1

Peter’s wife’s mother cured 8:14 Also in Mark 1:30 & Luke 4:38

The tempest stilled 8:23 Also in Mark 4:37 & Luke 8:26

Two Gadarene men possessed by demons, cured 8:28 Also in Mark 5:1 & Luke 8:26

Man sick of the palsy cured 9:2 Also in Mark 2:3 & Luke 5:18

Woman’s issue of blood cured 9:20 Also in Mark 5:25 & Luke 8:43

Jairus’s daughter raised from death 9:23 Also in Mark 5:23 & Luke 8:41

Two blind men cured 9:27-31

Man’s withered hand cured 12:10 Also in Mark 3:1 & Luke 6:6

Man possessed by a demon blind and dumb, cured 12:22 Also in Luke 11:14

Jesus feeds 5,000 14:15 Also in Mark 6:30, Luke 9:10 & John 6:1-14

Jesus walks on the sea 14:25 Also in Mark 6:48 & John 6:15

A Canaanite woman’s daughter cured 15:28 Also in Mark 7:24

Four thousand fed 15:32 Also in Mark 8:1

Jesus’ transfiguration 17:1-8

An epileptic child cured 17:14 Also in Mark 9:14 & Luke 9:37

Piece of money in fishes mouth 17:24-27

Two blind men cured 20:29 Also in Mark 10:46 & Luke 18:35

Fig tree blasted 21:18 Also in Mark 11:12

The miraculous conception Luke 1:35

Christ’s ascension 2:42-51

Christ’s resurrection John 21:1-14

Violent wind and tongues of fire herald the Holy Spirit Acts 2:26

Many ‘signs and wonders’ done by the Apostles in Jerusalem 2:43

Peter heals the lame man at the temple gate 3:1-16

Shaking of the assembly building in Jerusalem 4:31

Ananias and Saphira struck dead at Peter’s feet 5:5-11

Apostles perform signs and wonders among the people 5:12

Peter’s shadow cures many in the streets 5:15

Multitudes from outside Jerusalem are healed 5:16

Prison doors open for the Apostles 5:17-25

Stephen works great signs and wonders 6:8

Philip cures crippled and possessed in Samaria 8:6-18,13

Philip snatched by the Spirit of the Lord 8:39

Saul struck blind on the road to Damascus 9:8-9

Peter raises the disciple Tabitha from the dead 9:36-42

Ananias cures Saul of his blindness 9:17-18

Peter heals the Aeneas of palsy 9:33-35

Peter liberated from prison by an angel 12:5-11

Herod slain by an angel 12:23

Paul temporarily blinds the sorcerer Elymas 13:9-12

Miracles worked by Paul and Barnabas on mission journey 14:3

Paul cures the lame man of Lystra 14:7-9

Paul stoned, then miraculously healed at Lystra 14:19

Great signs and wonders done among the Gentiles 15:12

Paul drives a divining spirit out of a girl 16:16-18

Chains fall from Paul and Silas 16:25-30

Miracles worked through objects touched by Paul 19:11-12

Paul raises Eutychus from the dead 20:9-12

Paul shakes off a viper from his arm 28:3-6

Paul heals Publius’ father of dysentery 28:7-8

Paul heals all the sick brought to him on Malta 28:9


Discussion Points 1. In what aspects of our

lives are we expected to work out our salvation?

2. Consider Philippians 2:12-16 and Ephesians 4:13-16. How does a group of believers become built up together?

3. Verses 14 and 15 set out a number of qualities for Christians. How do these give us pointers towards the way in which the light is contrasted with the darkness?

4. Contrast Epaphroditus with Archippus (Colossians 4:17). What work have you received from the Lord to do?


Study 5: The danger of “confidence in

the flesh”

3:1-6 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for

me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for

you. Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those

mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we

who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and

who put no confidence in the flesh – though I myself have reasons

for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put

confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth

day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of

Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting

the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

The Philippians needed to be warned about certain Jews. But which ones? Who were “those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh” ?

1 Kings 18:28

They were _ _ _ _ known as _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

These were _ _ _ _ who had accepted

_ _ _ _ _ _ as their saviour, but insisted

upon _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ being _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Matthew 7:6 Mark 7:27

Paul considered the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ that they required to be no more than an _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ like those of the heathen in1 Kings.


Acts 15:11-29 Romans 4:9-10

The _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, in

agreement with the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _,

had decided that _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ did

not need to be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

or to keep the _ _ _ of _ _ _ _ _.

“Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh”.

STRONG WORDS to describe other believers!

This language seem to be almost hypocritical in light of Paul‟s exhortations to the Philippians regarding grace and humility.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Colossians 2:11

Do you think his description of them justified? ________

Why?________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


3:7-9 BUT whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the

sake of Christ. 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.

BUT what did all those human/religious qualifications matter? _ _ _ _ _ _ of them

had _ _ _ _ _ him.

Was it just “garbage”?... no… it was _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

What had saved him? __________________________

____________________________________________

What value do the traditions of many churches today (which are the traditions of men) have? _ _ _ _ !

Is my salvation dependent on baptism or the Holy Sacrament, or confirmation, or speaking in tongues? _ _

Ephesians 1:13-14

NO MENTION OF CIRCUMCISION

OR LAWS HERE.

THE PATH TO SALVATION IS CLEAR!


Discussion Points 1. In verse 3 Paul explains

that the true meaning of circumcision goes beyond the physical act. What does verse 3 mean? Compare this with Colossians 2:11 where we have a similar thought. Express Paul‟s ideas in your own words.

2. What are the main dangers of legalism (what the Judaizers taught) to Christians today? How do you think it can impact on attitudes towards the Lord and our relationship with one another? How can we avoid such dangers… practically?

3. Why is it that Paul thinks that knowing Christ is so superior to a legalistic form of righteousness?

4. In what sense has Paul „lost‟ all his earthly privileges and „gained‟ Christ? What might be the equivalent for us in the 21st century?


Study 6: Pressing on to win the prize

a) Pressing on to win the prize

3:10-11 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his

resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him

in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from

the dead.

Paul wanted to know both Christ, and the _ _ _ _ _ of his resurrection.

Ephesians 1:18-20 Ephesians

3:16-19

QUESTION: How could Paul participate in Christ’s sufferings which were over and done with before Paul even arrived on the scene?

Acts 9:15-16 →→→→→ Colossians 1:24

He was probably referring to the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ that

_ _ _ _ _ _ told him he must endure for Him. A better

translation might therefore be “…and participation in

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ which Christ has

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I should endure”.

What did he mean by “…becoming like Him in his death”?

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


Resurrection from the dead

????????

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

Paul clearly believed there was _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ who had died.

Romans 5:9, 10:9, 10:13, Ephesians 2:8

What is the common theme that runs throughout each of these passages?

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

QUESTION: How, then, are we to equate “somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead” with these four passages which clearly indicate that Paul knew and believed that one has only to confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead and they would be saved?


What Resurrection?

3:10-11 10

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his

resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him

in his death, 11

and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from

the dead.

“Resurrection” in verse 10 is the Greek word _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

“Resurrection” in verse 11 is the Greek word _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

“Ex” is a prefix meaning _ _ _ _ _ or _ _ _ _. So we literally have a resurrection taken _ _ _ _ _ the resurrection of the dead – thus the “_ _ _ resurrection”.

Philippians 3:10-12 Hebrews 11:35

A major theme in Philippians is to become “_ _ _ _ _ _ _” or mature and thus achieve the “_ _ _ _ _” – which is a _ _ _ _ _ _ resurrection. This is the _ _ _ _ _ spoken of in Philippians 3:14.

So… believers who _ _ _ _ _ _ _ that Jesus is Lord and believe that He was raised from the dead – but _ _ _ _ _ go on to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, will be _ _ _ _ _, and will be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ when the dead in Christ shall rise.

But… believers who believe that Jesus is Lord, and believe that He was raised from the dead – and _ _ go on to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, will be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ when the dead in Christ shall rise, but will be part of the group of mature believers who attain a _ _ _ _ _ _ resurrection.


3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already

arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which

Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not

consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I

press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called

me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Tick which one you think Paul is talking about here:

The gift of eternal life and its associated benefits

Maturity (perfection) and its associated benefits (better resurrection)

Why? ___________________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

The GIFT is given by _ _ _ _ _ and is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. It includes _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

The PRIZE is the result of _ _ _ _ _ _ _, or works.

So… did Paul ever attain the

prize?...

2 Timothy 4:7-8


3:15-17 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of

things. And if on some point you think _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, that too

God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have

already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers

and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on

those who live as we do.

In spite of some disagreeing with his teaching, what was Paul‟s main concern?

That the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ would live up to the

_ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ life.

What should be our main concern today?... to make sure others agree with our opinions about Christian doctrine, or to make sure that we live up to the Christ-like life?

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

b) The danger of lawlessness

3:18-19 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again

even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their

destiny is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, their god is their stomach, and their

glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

Romans 6:1 1 Corinthians 6:13

Colossians 3:1-4 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

QUESTION: Who are the “many” _________________ ____________________________________________

“Destruction” is better translated _ _ _ _ or _ _ _ _.

What is the result that awaits believers who walk not of the cross i.e. with their minds on earthly things?

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


3: 20-21 But our _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ is in heaven. And we

eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by

the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,

will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious

body.

Colossians 3:11 Ephesians 2:12-19

Colossians 3:4 2 Timothy 4:8

As believers with our minds on things _ _ _ _ , we

should long for Christ‟s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, because on

that day, He will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ our _ _ _ _ _ _ _

bodies into _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ones - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ bodies

like His own.

That is the day when every knee shall _ _ _, and every

tongue _ _ _ _ _ _ _ that Jesus Christ is _ _ _ _.

What a day that shall be!


Discussion Points 1. We see “better”

resurrections mentioned in several other places in Scripture (Hebrews 11:35, Revelation 20:4-5). From the context of these passages, what are the criteria for participating in these resurrections? Does this fit with what Paul is saying in Philippians 3?... How?

2. What is our attitude to the possibility of reward for service? Should we think about it? What might be dangers associated with it?

3. Read Philippians 3:18. Are there Christians today whose lifestyle or behaviours make them “enemies” of the cross?

4. Read Philippians 3:20-21. This suggests that, as Christians who have our focus on things above, we will recognise that we belong in a heavenly realm rather than the one on earth. How does this affect the way we live now?


Study 7: Unity and Joy

a) An appeal for unity 4:1-3

4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love

and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you

should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

What is the “therefore” there for?

Because ________________________________________________

Because ________________________________________________

Because ________________________________________________

Because ________________________________________________

we should _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in the Lord. But How?

Philippians 3:17-18 Ephesians 6:10-17

By: 1.___________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________

3. __________________________________________________


4:2-3 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the

same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you (also), my true

companion, help these women since they have contended at my side

in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my

co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 2:1-4

Who was it that was not standing firm and being of one mind?

_____________ and ______________. These women had both stood by his side and helped him. It grieved him to see them disagreeing.

b) An appeal to rejoice

4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let

your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

The Philippians were:

________________________________________ (1:28)

________________________________________ (3:2-3)

________________________________________ (3:15-17 & 4:2-3)

None-the-less, Paul instructs them to _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

What are some examples of how this can apply to us today?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________


c) Threats against joy: anxiety

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..

What could the Philippians have had to be anxious about?

_________________________________________________________

Study the following statement closely…

In every situation pray and petition God and the peace of

God will guard your heart and mind.

Many of Christians do this… and it doesn‟t work. Why not?... what‟s missing? ________________________________________________

1 Thessalonians 5:18 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Presenting our prayers and petitions to God with

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ helps keep our view of

life in _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

What are the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in your life for which you can be

constantly thankful?_______________

______________________

_______________________

_________________________.


d) Threats against joy: Wrong thoughts

4:8-9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is _ _ _ _, whatever is

_ _ _ _ _, whatever is _ _ _ _ _, whatever is _ _ _ _, whatever is

_ _ _ _ _ _, whatever is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _— if anything is

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ or _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _—think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen

in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 3:1-2

What are some of the things around us in our present society that fight for our attention, but don‟t fit with Paul‟s teaching here? _________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

What are the sorts of things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy in our present society that we can fix our minds on?______________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

NOTICE: Paul speaks of

Not Who. Love the who, not the what.


e) Threats against joy: Discontentment

4:10-13 I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ greatly in the Lord that at last you

renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you

had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in

need, for I have _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ whatever the

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. I know what it is to be in need, and I

know what it is to have plenty. I have _______________________

________________________________________

_________________________________________

___________________________________________

__________________________________________.

What is Paul doing here that shows that he is practicing what he is preaching?

_____________________

___________________________

_____________________________

______________________________

_______________________________

1 Timothy 6:6

The key to inner peace (contentment) is depending on Christ who _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ you,

and remaining _ _ _ _ _ _ _

on Him REGARDLESS of the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Stay out from under the

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ !


f) Thanks for the gifts

4:14-16 Yet it was good of you to share in my _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your

acquaintance with the gospel, when I

set out from Macedonia, not one

church shared with me in the matter

of giving and receiving, except you

only; for even when I was in

Thessalonica, you sent me aid more

than once when I was in need.

What “troubles” is Paul referring to?____________________________

________________________________________________________

4:17-18 Not that I desire your gifts; what I

desire is that more be credited to your

account. I have received full payment and

have more than enough. I am amply

supplied, now that I have received from

Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a

fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice,

pleasing to God.

What “account” is he talking about and what is he saying about it? ____________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

4: 19-20 And my God will meet all your needs according to the

riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory

for ever and ever. Amen.

God has already met our greatest need. What is it?

To go beyond _ _ _ _ _ and attain _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. To do this, we need _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - which we already have through Christ‟s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for our sin, and His glorious _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.


4:21-23 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and

sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send

you greetings, especially those who belong to _ _ _ _ _ _ _

household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen

Here we learn that there were Christians in _ _ _ _ _ _ _ household – which probably included the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

2 Corinthians 12:9

What “grace” is he referring to? _______________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________


Discussion Points 1. Notice that in 4:2-3 Paul

is not interested in what the argument is about, just that they agree. How is it possible for us to have this kind of agreement among Christians and still permit freedom of opinion?

2. What is meant by having joy “in the Lord”? What is the difference between joy and happiness, and joy and pleasure?

3. What is our primary defence against anxiety? (see 4:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:7). Can you think of an experience where you were able to do this and it worked for you? What about times when it hasn‟t worked for you and what reasons it didn‟t?

4. How would you define the right attitude towards giving to the Lord‟s work? How does it apply in an affluent society like ours when Christians are not poor?


The Big Issues in Philippians

1. We need to get our priorities right

2. The right attitude is that of Timothy, Epaphroditus, Paul and, above all, the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Many of the dangers faced by the Philippian church are relevant to today also e.g. disunity, complaining and legalism in all its forms

4. Paul urges us to rejoice here and now, in the Lord

5. Like the Lord Jesus, we should be focused on the glory that awaits us.


NOTES

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