21: “Let Your Conduct Be Worthy of the Gospel of Christ” (2) (Php 2:12-30)

The Basics

Setting

In the first part of this study, we looked at Paul’s appeal to the Philippians to be united with the mind of Jesus Christ. Paul continues his appeals and gives his exhortations in view of believers’ salvation. In this passage, Paul also gives instructions to the Philippians to receive two of his fellow workers of the gospel, Timothy and Epaphroditus.

Key Verse

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (2:12-13).

Did You Know…?

1.     “I am being poured out” (2:17): Paul compares the service of the Philippians to a sacrificial offering and himself to the drink offering that accompanies the sacrifice (cf. Ex 29:38-41).

Observation

Outline

(2:12-18)

(2:19-30)

Key Words/Phrases

Segment Analysis

2:12-18

1.     What is the main theme of this paragraph?

2.     Based on the context of this passage, how are we to “work out” our own salvation? Why with “fear and trembling”?

3.     Is working out our own salvation contrary to the doctrine of salvation by grace? Explain your answer.

4a.   Compare “complaining and disputing” (14) with “crooked and perverse generation” (15). What does this comparison suggest?

4b.   Have you complained or disputed when carrying out God’s work? What causes complaints or disputes?

4c.   Why is such behavior detrimental to the unity of believers and to the gospel?

5.     What does it mean to “hold fast the word of life” (16)?

6.     Explain the analogy of verse 17 and what it reveals about the heart of Paul.

2:19-24

7.     What are Paul’s commendations of Timothy?

8.     Why does Paul say that he would be encouraged to know the state of the Philippians (19)?

9a.   What are “the things which are of Christ Jesus” (21)?

9b.   What causes someone to seek their own instead of the things of Christ?

9c.   What is more important to you? The things of Christ Jesus or your own interests?

2:25-30

10a. What are Paul’s commendations of Epaphroditus?

10b. Why was Epaphroditus with Paul?

11a. Why did Paul eagerly send Epaphroditus to Philippi?

11b. What can we learn here about our relationship with fellow believers?

12.   What kind of people does the world hold in esteem? As Christians, what kind of people should we hold in esteem (29)? Why?