20: “Let Your Conduct Be Worthy of the Gospel of Christ” (1) (Php 1:27-2:11)

The Basics

Setting

Up to this point, the epistle has focused mainly on Paul’s personal situation. Now, he makes a series of practical appeals to the Philippians. In the midst of persecution, believers must strive for the gospel with one spirit and one mind. They must imitate Christ so that their conduct can be a testimony to the gospel.

Key Verse

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (2:5).

Observation

Outline

(1:27-30)

(2:1-4)

(2:5-11)

Key Words/Phrases

General Analysis

1.     What are the requirements, according to this section, for striving together for the faith of the gospel?

Segment Analysis

1:27-30

1a.   How does the first phrase of 1:27 introduce the teachings that follow?

1b.   Why is our conduct so important to the gospel?

2.     Based on this paragraph, what can enable us to be steadfast in preaching the gospel of Christ?

3.     According to Paul, what is a proof of perdition to the adversaries and of salvation to the believers?

4a.   What does Paul mean by “the conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me” (30)?

4b.   What should be our view of suffering?

2:1-4

5.     2:1 uses God’s grace as an introduction to the exhortation on unity. Why is God’s grace fundamental to unity?

6a.   What motives or attitudes disrupt unity? Give some practical examples.

6b.   Conversely, what spiritual qualities help us achieve unity?

2:5-11

7.     What is the mind of Christ Jesus that we should also have (5)?

8.     Observe and record the progression in the hymn in 6-11 about Jesus’ humility and exaltation.

9.     Why does unity necessarily involve sacrifice, as illustrated by the example of our Lord Jesus?

10.   What motivated the Lord Jesus to humble Himself? What lesson can we learn from this about what motivates unity?