PHILIPPIANS
(Answers)



CHAPTER 1

  1. a. Yes. b. Because they were active in the faith and the gospel since the first day Paul brought the word to them.
  2. a. Paul wanted them to grow in knowledge and discernment of the things that are approved by God. b. They would be able to discern the good and righteous helping the to avoid sinning. c. Avoiding sin, they could become filled with the fruit of righteousness.
  3. a. Some were preaching the gospel with good intentions and some out of selfish ambition and to add strife to Paul's imprisonment. b. In any case, Christ was being preached.
  4. Paul knew that to remain in the flesh he could help the people progress in their faith.
  5. Our condust must be worthy of the gospel of Christ . We must live by His teachings and remove ourselves from sinful things.
  6. By having the same conduct and spirit among us we show our unity and understanding of the gospel of Christ.
  7. By not fearing our adversaries we emphasize their destruction and our salvation.
  8. We can expect to persecutions for the gospel's sake.

CHAPTER 2

  1. a. We should look to serve others. b. Jesus chose to be a servant to others.
  2. a. He did not exalt Himself or seek honor even though He was the son of God with the power of God. b. By humbling Himself and being obedient totally to God He chose to live as a man and to teach others about God and salvation.
  3. We will be exalted by God as He determines.
  4. a. In fear and trembling we should observe our walk for salvation. b. God is in us for His purpose and will. If we do not heed His voice we are rejecting Him and jeopardize our salvation and our souls.
  5. a. We should be a light to the world, filled with righteousness. b. By being righteous, non-believers can see and will possibly change their lives becoming "lights" themselves. c. By following steadfastly the word of life (the teachings of Christ and the will of God through the Spirit). d. You have lived in vain, and you will not be saved at the time of Christ's return (Php.2:16b).

CHAPTER 3

  1. a. He was an educated religious authority - a Pharisee. b. It was rubbish now. It was not important compared to knowing Christ and having salvation
  2. We believe by burying our old sins in commitment to the gospel and repenting of present sins while striving to put down future sins we will be perfected and have salvation.
  3. a. The goal of resurrection from the dead to be with Jesus in Heaven. b. No, Paul stated he was not perfected or secured yet in his mind for that resurrection. c. He needed to press on against sin, persecution, and suffering and keep maturing and perfecting his own heart and mind to achieve the resurrection with Christ.
  4. The upward call of God - the rapture and resurrection.
  5. a. He will reveal to them their weaknesses and show them where they need to mature for the goal of the resurrection to eternal life. b. We must keep striving against sin and acquaint ourselves to Spirit's voice as He reveals to us our weaknesses and then we must correct our imperfections. c. We will be blameless before God on Judgement Day and have eternal life.
  6. We must walk by what we do know now as righteous and good.

CHAPTER 4

  1. a. Stand fast in the Lord in righteousness (not just in belief). b. Striving against sin always and heeding the voice of the Spirit.
  2. We should not be anxious for worldly things and needs. God will supply us with what we need and bless us with other things as He approves.
  3. Thinking of pure, lovely, good, just, and praise-worthy things will help keep our hearts at peace.
  4. We should be content in whatever state God has allowed us to be in.
  5. The gifts helped bring more people to Christ and strengthened others in the faith.
  6. He will supply all our needs. He will enable us to have what we need in order to help others.