Watch this week’s presentation on this topic:
FOUNDATIONS: BIBLE BLUEPRINT
Session Four: The Bible’s Big Picture – New Testament
REVIEW AND REFLECTION
From Session Three…
- What are the four major divisions of the Old Testament, and why do you think it is important to understand how the Old Testament is divided?
- Practice the memory verse: Genesis 3:15 – The first Gospel!
“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
In context:
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.””
Genesis 3:1-15 ESV
PRESENTATION
It is important to know the books that make up the Christian Bible along with the authors, inspired by God, their audiences and purpose for the writings. This helps us get the “big picture” as we move into the era of the New Testament. It is also helpful to know the basic timeline of events, and your study Bibles can help you with that task.
INTERTESTAMENTAL PERIOD
No inspired books are written
400 years of silence at the end of the Old Testament history – God prepares the world for the coming of His Son:
- Israel is back in the Land
- The universal language is now Greek, acquired from the “Hellenistic period” before the Romans ruled
- The Romans designed a transportation system for quick, easy and safe communication and commerce
- Crucifixion is in use as a death penalty
- It is just the right time for the world’s person of interest – Jesus, the Promised Messiah who fulfills all the Covenants, foreshadowing and prophecies of the Old Testament at just the right time in human history!
The 27 books of the New Testament are in the following order and categories:
The Gospels
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
The Gospels give four different eyewitness views, written with different audiences in mind, concerning the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus:
- Jesus’ birth, ministry, death and resurrection are recorded
- Specific details of Jesus’ followers and enemies are given
- Old Testament prophecy fulfillment by Jesus is evidenced by multiple attestations of His miracles, death and resurrection pointing not only to His Messiahship but to His Deity and role in the God-head (Trinity)
- Jesus is the New Covenant in fulfillment of the Old
The Acts of the Apostles and the Holy Spirit
The Book of Acts
This book is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, written by Luke to the early Christians for historical accuracy:
- This book records the beginning of Jesus’ Church and the early ministries, miracles, struggles and life changing events the first believers encountered
- There is a focus on the ministries and lives of the Apostle Peter and Paul
- This book serves as a framework for the Epistles of the Apostle Paul and his missionary journeys
The Epistles
These books contain epistles or letters written by Paul and other Apostles of Jesus, to groups, Churches or individuals:
Pauline Epistles
Romans
1 and 2 Corinthians
Galatians
*Ephesians
*Philippians
*Colossians
1 and 2 Thessalonians
**1 and 2 Timothy
**Titus
*Philemon
(*Prison epistles and **Pastoral epistles)
- Paul’s Epistles are personal letters written to various Churches and individuals he mentored during his missionary travels
- Paul’s Epistles can be cross-referenced with the book of Acts for insight into these early believers and Churches
- Paul’s writings include a few “prison epistles” that he wrote when he was imprisoned in Rome
- Paul’s writings also include a few “pastoral epistles” that he wrote specifically to individuals he was mentoring and who were leading some of these early Churches
General Epistles
Hebrews
James
1 and 2 Peter
1, 2, 3 John
Jude
- These Epistles were written by other Apostles to the early believers to guide them, encourage them and warn them about false teachers and false doctrines
- These authors include two of Jesus’ half-brothers – James and Jude, and the Apostles Peter and John
- Hebrews is the only New Testament book with an unknown author, but Paul is a strong candidate along with Barnabas, Apollos, Silas and a few others
The Apocalypse
The Book of Revelation (of Jesus Christ)
This book is a revelation from Jesus to the Apostle John concerning end times and signs of things to come:
- This book contains symbols and references specific to this ancient culture and Old Testament teachings
- This book includes a blessing for the reader
- This book ends with Jesus’ final victory over the curse of the “Fall” and Satan, with the elimination of all death, suffering and hopelessness – a perfect world ruled by Jesus
Review and Discuss:
- What is the “Intertestamental Period” and why is it important to know?
- What are the four major divisions of the New Testament, and why do you think it is important to understand how the New Testament is divided?
Bible Study
Each week, we are encouraging you to take some dedicated time and spend it in God’s Word. Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
PRACTICE
We will continue to practice Bible study in class using the hermeneutical method for the book of Philippians by doing the following:
(Remember to keep in mind the author-audience and purpose for the book of Philippians)
Read Philippians chapters 3-4, then summarize the reading in your own words (3-5 sentences per chapter or chapter section) and discuss.
Note: Table leaders will have guiding questions to add to the discussion.
- Context: What does it say?
- Interpretation: What does it mean?
- Application: How do I use what I learned?
- Do you have any “shelf” questions?
Basic answers with guiding questions for your review or to be used as a leader’s guide:
CONTEXT
What does it say?
- What is chapter three about? Discuss your summary
Chapter 3: Righteousness Through Faith in Christ; Straining Toward the Goal
Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
Paul tells the Philippians to rejoice in the LORD, and to watch out for evildoers who will try to get believers to follow rules such as circumcision in order to be saved. Paul uses himself as an example of one who followed all the Law with zeal, one of the best, but he counts it all as nothing compared to the grace of the LORD Jesus. He say that no matter what we do we can never attain that perfection on our own because righteousness can only come through faith in Jesus.
Straining Toward the Goal
Paul encourages believers to keep their eye of the prize of eternity with Jesus by training themselves just as an athlete would do. We are to keep our eyes on mature believers, like Paul who are practicing in such a way as to reach that goal. He warns them to beware of those who once were walking right, but now have turned from the truth because of earthly things. We cannot go wrong if we keep our eyes on Jesus and His teachings.
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
- In the Old Testament, circumcision was the sign of a believer in God’s Covenant (Promise) for Israel. What warning does Paul give, and what does he say is the sign of “true circumcision” in the Christian believer? (1-3)
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;” Philippians 3:1-2
- Paul is warning the Philippians of false teachers as this was becoming a problem for various reasons including those who wanted monetary gain, and those who were Judaizers.
- Those who wanted monetary gain were scammers and played off of those like Paul, Peter and the other disciples, charging people for miracles and other deceptive practices and teachings that were not in the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles.
- Those who were Judaizers were saying things such as, you need to become Jewish before you can become a Christian, or that only Jews could be saved unless you became a Jew through the following of the Law, and the like.
- This is why Paul was warning of the “false circumcision” because true circumcision was now of the heart (spiritual) instead of physical circumcision (the Old Testament requirement for Jews in promise of the New Covenant, Jesus) because Jesus had fulfilled this Old Covenant, making it possible for all to come to salvation through His sacrifice and resurrection in defeat of death and Satan which wiped out the need for the physical act.
Example from today:
Answer may vary…
- An example could come from any of the “works” based faiths or religions that require the person to do something in order to earn salvation. We see this in cults like Islam, Mormonism, or Jehovah’s Witness, and religions like Catholicism and even some Protestant denominations.
- Jesus’ sacrifice is nullified if we have to “do” something to earn salvation. Reference John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:1-4, among others.
“for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” Philippians 3:3
- Paul says that true circumcision is now “in the Spirit of God and Jesus,” and this is because Jesus fulfilled all that was promised in the Old Covenant.
- The Old Covenant (Testament) pointed to Jesus; and the Law (including circumcision) not only pointed to Jesus, but showed people that they could never fulfill the perfection required by God to be in His presence – Note: we do not understand, nor appreciate, the holiness of God and what is truly required to stand before Him.
- Jesus now stands in the gap for us by fulfilling what was required of us in the Law, and there is nothing we can do, or could ever do, to fully meet that requirement.
- In an effort to combat “Judaizers” (those who say you must become a Jew before you become a Christian) Paul lists his own credentials. What does he say about his religious life before as compared to his new life knowing Christ Jesus? (4-11)
“although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead” Philippians 3:4-13
- Paul points out that even though his credentials are excellent, better than most, he views all of it as rubbish compared to his relationship with Jesus.
- From the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: “Lists of virtues and/or advantages were common, including when praising someone. Speakers often reasoned by comparing figures, under appropriate circumstances, even comparing oneself with others. Praising oneself was deemed acceptable if the grounds were justifiable, such as refuting others’ grounds for boasting.”
- Paul admits that he does not have righteousness on his own, derived by the Law (no one can if he couldn’t with all of his credentials), but his righteousness comes directly from God on the basis of faith in what Jesus did.
- Paul also admits that he is not perfect, as we all are not in this human body, but that he is pressing on in his walk with the LORD, constantly forgetting his past (because we are forgiven) as he keeps focused on what lies ahead in eternity.
APPLICATION
How do I use what I learned?
- Paul compares his Christian Walk to that of an athlete in training (12-16). How can we do the same today in order to honor Christ Jesus? Cross-reference by reading 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8. (Reminder: This is not to attain salvation, but an after-salvation walk as a Christian).
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.” Philippians 3:12-16
- From the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: “Speakers commonly used athletic illustrations figuratively; Paul’s goal is the future resurrection. Even aged philosophers normally confessed that they were merely making progress toward perfection. Greek runners often ran in a straight line and back, but to win, a runner must keep his eyes ahead, not glancing back to what is behind.”
This life is practice, for the next one! Paul uses this analogy quite often in his Epistles.
- “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
- “But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” 1 Timothy 4:7-11
- “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
- What does Paul say about those who are walking with Christ Jesus in contrast to those who are not walking with Him? (17-21) What are their lives focused on, and how can we avoid the same pitfalls today?
“Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:17-21
- Paul speaks of those who are enemies of the cross of Christ and whose end is destruction – they are those whose god is their appetite, whose glory is in their shame, and who set their minds on earthly things.
- In contrast, those who walk with Christ should copy Paul and his co-workers’ walk and set their minds on heavenly things and everything opposite the enemies of Christ, waiting for Jesus to return because our citizenship is in heaven.
Are there any other thoughts or questions on this chapter from your shelf?
Answers may vary…
Read chapter four, then discuss the following:
CONTEXT
What does it say?
- What is chapter four about? Discuss your summary
Chapter 4: Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer; God’s Provision; Final Greetings
Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm in the LORD. He then encourages unity between the believers citing Euodia and Syntyche to “agree” or get along in the LORD. He tells them to rejoice in the LORD always and not to be anxious about anything, but in prayer make requests known to the LORD, and then the LORD’s peace will guard their hearts and mind. He also encourages them to focus on true, honorable and good things and the peace of God will be with them.
God’s Provision
Paul then rejoices that they are concerned for his well-being, but says that he has learned to be content with all things because God will take care of him and strengthen him. He gives them thanks for providing for his needs in various situations that he has been in, and he prays that God will provide for their needs as well.
Final Greetings
Paul ends this letter (as he does others) with a greeting. This one is for the saints in Jesus Christ from the brothers who are with him, especially those in Caesar’s household. He prays for Jesus’ grace to be with them.
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
- What did Paul say about Euodia and Syntyche, and why? (1-3)
From gotquestions.org
“Euodia and Syntyche are two women mentioned in only one short passage in the Bible: “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, 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 4:2–3).
It seems that Euodia and Syntyche had worked directly with Paul to spread the gospel throughout the city of Phillipi, although it is unclear in what manner. The church had begun at a women’s prayer meeting (Acts 16:11–15), and it is quite possible that Euodia and Syntyche were part of that original group. The one thing we know for sure is that these two women were at odds with each other. It is likely the brawl was a public one, due to the fact that Paul had heard about it even though he was currently in a Roman prison “in chains” (Philippians 1:13). Two women fighting in this manner would have put the unity of the believers in Philippi in jeopardy, so it was important for Paul to address the bickering in his letter to the church.
Unity among believers is a common theme in the Bible (see Psalm 133:1; John 17:23; 1 Peter 3:8). Paul himself spoke about unity in several of his letters (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:11–13; Colossians 3:13–14). In fact, Paul’s plea for addressing the problem was for each member of the church at Philippi to be united in helping Euodia and Syntyche live peaceably with one other (Philippians 2:3).
What can we learn from Euodia and Syntyche? Their example shows that even those who have worked together for the cause of Christ can have disagreements. It also shows the importance of treating one another with love, compassion, and longsuffering (Ephesians 4:31; John 13:34–35). A church warring with itself is in danger of losing its testimony to outsiders. Euodia and Syntyche needed to be “of the same mind in the Lord,” and the other church members were to do all that was necessary to heal the breach. They were all fellow-laborers in the Lord’s work, and their names were all part of the book of life.
Because the church is made up of sinners (albeit forgiven ones), there will be times when division occurs. In these cases, Scripture gives instructions on how to work toward peace. Some of those instructions are found in the very epistle sent to Euodia and Syntyche’s church: “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:2–4). Never does God’s Word allow for gossip, arguing, and fighting over personal matters in the church. Instead, believers are to encourage one another as we prepare for Christ’s return (Hebrews 10:25).
- What things does Paul say we should dwell on and why? (4-9)
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
- These verses also have a promise of God’s peace being with us if we dwell (think deeply and consistently about) things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellence, and things worthy of praise. The Philippians were to model what they had seen and learned from Paul.
- It seems that if we are focusing our thoughts and time on these types of things from God, then we won’t have time to dwell on the negative things not from God (but from the evil one in this world). Ultimately it is the Spirit of God that will supernaturally help us to do these things in times of need, all we need to do is learn to pray in this way and trust in the LORD to walk with us.
APPLICATION
How do I use what I learned?
- At this point, Paul had gone through a lot of hardship in his ministry and is thankful for the Philippian’s concern. What does Paul say that he has learned from the LORD so far in his circumstances and afflictions and how does that help us today? (10-20)
“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.” Philippians 4:10-14
- Paul had indeed been through many hardships and he lists them in several of his epistles and we see many of them in the book of Acts. One would think he would be discouraged and depressed from all that he has experienced, but not just the opposite because he had his eye on the eternal goal.
- Paul learned: to be content; to get along with humble means and to live in prosperity; both being filled and going hungry; both having abundance and suffering need.
- The main point to all that Paul experienced was in this statement: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Knowing the context based on Paul’s life shows us that we are not teaching a prosperity Gospel in the earthly meaning, but one that is based on a spiritual life and understanding the importance of sharing that with others with the eternal goal in view and not the temporal things of this life.
- The best example of Paul’s view on this comes in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
- Notice what Paul is saying about “his afflictions” that we know are tremendously painful, yet his eyes are on the eternal, not the temporal – this is a great passage to meditate on.
- It will be a few centuries before the Romans stop persecuting and killing Christians. What clues do you see in Paul’s final greetings that tell you people in higher places were experiencing the Gospel and salvation? How can that give us confidence today that God is working in people in all places and in all situations?
In closing, Paul gives this farewell:
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Philippians 4:19-23
- Paul send greeting from fellow believers that are with him (as he was imprisoned at this time), and we notice a part of this greeting that we might miss, but it is from those of Caesar’s household, meaning those who were either servants, relatives, or friends that were close to “the Caesar”!
- This is a great indication of what was to come in the next few generations as those close to the government officials, and officials themselves would experience Christianity in a personal way, and many would give their lives to the Gospel which eventually became, not a persecuted faith, but the official state religion with the eventual conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine in the fourth century.
- Note: This was a remarkable spread of the Christian faith which continues worldwide today, even though there have been negative connections between Christianity and politics, true Christianity has flourished among true Christians.
- Re-read verses 4:4-7. How does rejoicing connect with anxiousness? How does prayer and supplication connect with thanksgiving?
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
- Paul says “rejoice” twice, and this emphasizes its importance because the context tells us that we should “rejoice in the Lord always.” The result of constant rejoicing will help to quell our anxiousness because if we are busy rejoicing in the Lord we will not have time to dwell on the things that are causing the anxiety. Doing this will also invite the Holy Spirit in and He will be able to provide joy that results in comfort in the midst of anxiety.
- When we pray, and come humbly and earnestly (supplication) before the Lord, making our requests known in all sincerity, and combining our requests with thankfulness to the LORD, we will experience peace from God that is beyond our understanding, even in the midst of suffering and pain.
- The promise is God’s peace and the guarding of our hearts and minds in Jesus. This does not necessarily mean that the problem(s) will disappear, but that we can grow through them knowing that God is with us, supernaturally experiencing a sense of His peace and comfort, and this will be evident to those who might otherwise think that disaster has won; and God can also use this to be a form of witnessing and sharing the Gospel with others.
Are there any other thoughts or questions on this chapter from your shelf?
Answers may vary…
CONCLUSION:
Now that we have finished the book of Philippians, discuss any additional questions or comments that were on your “Shelf” or that come to mind at the conclusion:
- Discuss the overall purpose, context and interpretation for the book of Philippians.
Review of purpose from hermeneutics in session two; other answers may vary…
Purpose:
From the Life Application Bible Commentary
Philippians is Paul’s joy letter. The church in that Macedonian city had been a great encouragement to Paul. The Philippian believers The Philippian believers had enjoyed a very special relationship with Paul, so he wrote them a personal expression of his love and affection. They had brought him great joy (4:1). Philippians is also a joyful book because it emphasizes the real joy of the Christian life. The. Concept of rejoicing or joy appears sixteen times in four chapters, and the pages radiate this positive message, culminating in the exhortation to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (4:4).
Additionally, from the ESV study Bible:
The chief theme of Philippians is encouragement: Paul wants to encourage the Philippians to live out their lives as citizens of a heavenly colony, as evidenced by a growing commitment to service to God and to one another. The way of life that Paul encourages was manifested uniquely in Jesus Christ; it was also evident in the lives of Paul Timothy, and Epaphroditus.
- Discuss any major take-aways for application.
Answers may vary…
- Are there any key verses you’d like to remember from this study?
Example Key Verses from Philippians:
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ” Philippians 1:9-10
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things”. Philippians 4:8
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Join us next week as we continue our studies!
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Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15