Philippians - Ryan Kelly - E-Book

Philippians E-Book

Ryan Kelly

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The book of Philippians challenges Christians to remember their true identity as citizens of God's kingdom, especially when faced with difficult circumstances and painful trials. Helping us grasp the Apostle Paul's gospel-centered exhortation to endurance, this guide explains the biblical text with clarity and passion—encouraging us to joyfully imitate Christ in the midst of hardship. Over the course of 12 weeks, these studies explore books of the Bible and: - Ask thoughtful questions to spur discussion - Show how each passage unveils the gospel - Tie the text in with the whole story of Scripture - Illuminate the doctrines taught in each passage - Invite you to discover practical implications - Help you better understand and apply God's Word

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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2014

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PHILIPPIANS

A 12-WEEK STUDY

Ryan Kelly

Knowing the Bible: Philippians, A 12-Week Study

Copyright © 2014 by Crossway

Published by Crossway

1300 Crescent Street

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law.

Some content used in this study guide has been adapted from the ESV Study Bible (Crossway), copyright 2008 by Crossway, pages 2275–2287. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Cover design: Simplicated Studio

First printing 2014

Printed in the United States of America

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway. 2011 Text Edition. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added by the author.

Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-4335-4026-4

PDF ISBN: 978-1-4335-4027-1

Mobipocket ISBN: 978-1-4335-4028-8

EPub ISBN: 978-1-4335-4029-5

Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Series Preface: J. I. Packer and Lane T. DennisWeek 1:    OverviewWeek 2:    Thankfulness and Prayer for the Philippians (1:1–11)Week 3:    Paul’s Imprisonment Is for the Greater Good (1:12–18)Week 4:    Whether in Life or Death, Christ Will Be Magnified (1:19–30)Week 5:    A Call to Humble Sacrifice; Jesus’ Supreme Example (2:1–11)Week 6:    Working Out What God Has Worked In (2:12–18)Week 7:    Updates, Travel Plans, and Models to Follow (2:19–30)Week 8:    Rejoicing in the True and Only Gospel (3:1–11)Week 9:    Pressing Forward in Pursuit of Christ (3:12–21)Week 10:   Fighting for Peace, Joy, Trust, and Right Thinking (4:1–9)Week 11:   Provision, Thankfulness, and Contentment (4:10–23)Week 12:   Summary and Conclusion

SERIES PREFACE

KNOWING THE BIBLE, as the series title indicates, was created to help readers know and understand the meaning, the message, and the God of the Bible. Each volume in the series consists of 12 units that progressively take the reader through a clear, concise study of that book of the Bible. In this way, any given volume can fruitfully be used in a 12-week format either in group study, such as in a church-based context, or in individual study. Of course, these 12 studies could be completed in fewer or more than 12 weeks, as convenient, depending on the context in which they are used.

Each study unit gives an overview of the text at hand before digging into it with a series of questions for reflection or discussion. The unit then concludes by highlighting the gospel of grace in each passage (“Gospel Glimpses”), identifying whole-Bible themes that occur in the passage (“Whole-Bible Connections”), and pinpointing Christian doctrines that are affirmed in the passage (“Theological Soundings”).

The final component to each unit is a section for reflecting on personal and practical implications from the passage at hand. The layout provides space for recording responses to the questions proposed, and we think readers need to do this to get the full benefit of the exercise. The series also includes definitions of key words. These definitions are indicated by a note number in the text and are found at the end of each chapter.

Lastly, to help understand the Bible in this deeper way, we would urge the reader to use the ESV Bible and the ESV Study Bible, which are available online at www.esvbible.org. The Knowing the Bible series is also available online. Additional 12-week studies covering each book of the Bible will be added as they become available.

May the Lord greatly bless your study as you seek to know him through knowing his Word.

J. I. Packer and

Lane T. Dennis

WEEK 1: OVERVIEW

Getting Acquainted

Paul wrote to the Philippian church to thank them for their support and prayers, and to give updates on the welfare of Epaphroditus, Timothy, and himself (matters to which we will return below under “Date and Historical Background”).

But Philippians is not just a letter of thanks and updates. Ever the teacher, Paul also writes to encourage their faith and growth. More specifically:

to spur them on to progress in their Christian growth (2:12; 3:12–17)to warn of those who proclaim another gospel (3:2, 18–19)to reiterate the true gospel and encourage them to hold tightly to it (3:3–11)to encourage their unity and confront any lack of unity (2:1–4; 4:2–3)to call them to joy and thankfulness and peace (2:18; 3:1; 4:4–7)to plead with them to keep their eyes on Christ and the hope of heaven (3:2–21)

Philippians is an amazingly practical letter—sort of a “101” on Christian living—but it is also a deeply doctrinal letter. For example, in Philippians 2:5–11 we find some of the clearest and most important teaching in all of Scripture on Christ and his incarnation. And yet, the primary purpose of this section of the letter is to show Jesus as a model of humility and selfless service so that the Philippian Christians might be further unified and Christlike. So the doctrinal and practical elements are inseparable and intermingled throughout Philippians. (For further background, see the ESVStudy Bible, pages 2275–2279 or visit www.esvbible.org.)

Placing It in the Larger Story

By the time Paul writes Philippians, the events recorded in the book of Acts have all come to pass. Of course, that means that the Messiah1 has come—living righteously, dying sacrificially, and rising victoriously. In so doing he has ushered in a new covenant for his people (Jer. 31:31–34). He has sent his followers into the world to proclaim the gospel, to make disciples of the nations, and to plant local churches. The book of Acts records just that—30 or so years of the gospel spreading and churches forming. Thus, it is clear that the kingdom has come—it is now. But it is also still coming. It is both now and not yet. Christians are redeemed but must keep pressing on: standing firm in their confession, working out their salvation in Christian growth, resisting false teachers, embracing suffering and persecution, holding out the gospel of hope to the world, and committing to live out Christ’s love and humility with each other in the church.

Paul wrote several biblical letters to churches and individuals (Romans–Philemon). From one angle, they all share a general purpose—to encourage and equip Christians for the advance of the gospel (1:12) and progress in the faith (1:25). But, from another angle, each letter has its own unique purpose, context, background, and emphases. One distinctive of Philippians is its emphasis on partnership or sharing. The Philippian Christians share the gospel and the gospel mission with Paul, as they do among themselves as a church. This has important and far-reaching implications (See 1:5, 7, 14–19, 27; 2:1–8, 17–18, 22, 25, 30; 3:16–17; 4:1–3, 10–16).

Key Verse

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).

Date and Historical Background

Paul had a long history with the Philippian Christians, beginning with the conversion of Lydia’s family, a demon-possessed girl, and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:14–40). Paul returned to Philippi at least twice, but mutual care and communication between the apostle and the Philippian church seem to have been regular. He prayed frequently for them with much thankfulness and affection (Phil. 1:3–11). The Philippians stood with Paul, financially and otherwise, when others did not (1:7; 4:14–16). In concern for Paul’s present imprisonment (1:12–19) they sent one of their best men, Epaphroditus, to bring financial support and to minister to Paul’s needs (2:25).

While imprisoned in Rome, in roughly AD 62, Paul pens this letter we know as Philippians. He writes to thank the Philippian church2 for their care for him and support of his ministry. He writes to assure them that, despite his present imprisonment, the gospel is spreading (1:12–18) and he is well cared for (4:18). He also relays that Epaphroditus, their messenger, is well after having become ill on his journey to Paul (2:26–30). Epaphroditus is now returning to the Philippians with Paul’s letter. Timothy, another worthy servant and Paul’s “right-hand man,” may be coming in due course (2:19); and Paul himself is eager to do the same, if the Lord permits (1:8, 25–26).

Outline

I.    Greeting and Prayer (1:1–11)

II.   Encouragement about His Imprisonment (1:12–30)

A. Paul’s imprisonment has meant progress for the gospel (1:12–18)

B. Christ will be magnified in Paul’s life or death (1:19–26)

C. Exhortation to walk worthy of the gospel (1:27–30)

III.  Exhortation to Humble Service (2:1–30)

A. A call to unity, humility, and service to one another (2:1–4)

B. Christ’s example of humble service (2:5–11)

C. Living as lights in the world (2:12–18)

D. The Faithful Examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19–30)

IV.  Warning about Distortions of the Gospel (3:1–21)

A. Contrast between false teachers and the true people of God (3:1–3)

B. Contrast between self-righteousness and receiving Christ’s righteousness (3:4–11)

C. Paul’s progress in the pursuit of Christ (3:12–16)

D. Contrast between earthly-mindedness and heavenly-mindedness (3:17–21)

V.    Concluding Exhortations and Thanksgiving (4:1–23)

A. A call to unity (4:1–3)

B. A call to rejoice, trust, pray, and think rightly (4:4–9)

C. Thanksgiving for the Philippians’ gift; Paul’s contentment in God (4:10–20)

D. Greetings and benediction (4:21–23)

As You Get Started . . .

Read the book through in one sitting. Then, more slowly, read the verses that were referenced in the Getting Acquainted section of this lesson.

What do you think is unique about the book of Philippians?

Which themes stood out to you?

Which passages or ideas did you find confusing?

As You Finish This Unit . . .

Take a moment now to ask the Lord to work in your heart and mind through the rest of this study in Philippians.

Definitions

1Messiah – Transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning “anointed one,” the equivalent of the Greek word Christ. Originally applied to anyone specially designated for a particular role, such as king or priest. In Jesus’ day, the word denoted the liberator-king for whom all the Jews were waiting. Jesus himself affirmed that he was the Messiah sent from God (Matt. 16:16–17).

2Church – From a Greek word meaning “assembly.” The body of believers in Jesus Christ, referring either to all believers everywhere or to a local gathering of believers.

WEEK 2: THANKFULNESSAND PRAYER FORTHE PHILIPPIANS

Philippians 1:1–11

The Place of the Passage

Paul begins Philippians much as he does his other letters: a quick salutation, an expression of thankfulness, and a prayer. Within these first 11 verses there are hints of what’s to come in the rest of the epistle.1 That was a common structure for letter writing in Paul’s time.

The Big Picture

Paul celebrates God’s genuine work of grace in the Philippians, warmly thanking them for their partnership in the gospel, and praying for their future growth in the faith.

Reflection and Discussion

Read through the passage for this study, Philippians 1:1–11. Then consider and answer the following questions. (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 2280–2281, or visit www.esvbible.org.)

Knowing what you do about the major themes of Philippians (see Week 1), read verses 1–11 with those in mind. Do you see any ways in which these verses foreshadow what’s to come in the rest of the letter?

Paul addresses this letter to “all the saints in Christ Jesus . . . with the overseers and deacons” (v. 1). Look at the first couple of verses in other letters that Paul wrote to churches, such as Romans through 2 Thessalonians. What is unique about how he addresses the Philippians? What might be behind this?

Paul’s various arrests, imprisonments, and trials stretch through eight chapters in the book of Acts (Acts 21–28). He writes Philippians while imprisoned and with execution looming. Amazingly, his focus is squarely on the Philippians’ welfare. Do you see any indication in verses 1–11 as to why and how Paul can focus on thankfulness, joy, and the welfare of others, instead of on his own hard circumstances?

Paul’s language is extremely warm and personal in these verses (especially vv. 3–5, 7–8). Why? Was it mere courtesy? Was it based on time spent together? Or was there a still deeper connection? (Hint: notice the connecting language in vv. 5, 7, which introduces his stated reasons—e.g., “because . . . ,” “It is right . . . because . . . ,” “for . . .”)

The Greek word behind “partnership” (v. 5) is sometimes translated “fellowship.” Unfortunately, for many Christians today “fellowship” has connotations of merely getting together for food. So “partnership” is a better word, especially here. Remember, the Philippians prayerfully and financially supported Paul’s missionary work. They shared the gospel and shared in gospelwork