Read Philippians 2:12-13 – Working Out Your Salvation
1. To his beloved friends in the church at Philippi, Paul commends them as being obedient both in his presence and in his absence. Then what does he tell them to do?
a. It is important to note that Paul’s instruction is to work out, not to work for. Why is this an important distinction?
b. From NKJV Study Bible: “The word translated work out is used by the first century author Strabo to speak of digging silver out of silver mines.” What insight does this give us in regards to the command to work out your salvation?
c. How would you explain the addition of the words fear and trembling?
2. Verse 13 is rich with insight! What do you see?
Read Phil. 2:14-18 – Lights in the World
1. We would all agree with the wisdom of doing all things without complaining and disputing! Note the word “all”. No exceptions! What are some things Christians tend to complain about or dispute? What might this tendency indicate?
2. What does it mean to become blameless and harmless, children of God?
3. Why is it important for them, and for us, to be without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse world?
a. Compare the crooked and perverse world of the days of Paul with our world today.
b. What is the source of this perversion? Can you give scripture verses to support this?
4. Among whom are we to shine like lights in the world? (vs 15b) And what must we do in order to shine? (vs 16a)
a. Christians are “lights in the world.” This is not instruction to do something, but simply a fact. What are physical lights used for? What is their purpose?
b. Apply these things to our purpose as Spiritual Lights.
5. In verse 16 Paul describes his ministry as running and laboring. What might this indicate?
6. (vs 17-18) What should cause Paul and the Philippians to rejoice? Read these verses in several versions. Below is the NLT version:
But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
– In your own words, what is Paul saying?
Read Phil. 2:19-24 – Intentions to Send Timothy
1. What assignment did Paul plan to send Timothy to accomplish?
2. How did Paul describe Timothy?
3. How does verse 21 describe those who were unlike Timothy? How would that have discouraged Paul from sending one of them?
4. Paul expressed his desire to visit the church at Philippi, but instead was sending Timothy. Why?
Read Phil. 2:25-30 – Instructions to Receive Epaphroditus
1. Though Paul planned to send Timothy to Philippi eventually, he sent Epaphroditus immediately. Epaphroditus may have been the deliverer of this letter.
a. What words are used to describe Epaphroditus? How do these speak of Paul’s relationship with Epaphroditus? How and why do ministers today need people like Epaphroditus?
b. What else are we told about him in these passages?
2. Paul tells them to receive Epaphroditus in the Lord with all gladness and to hold men like him in high esteem. Why? (vs 30)
a. Define “esteem”?
b. What can we do that shows we hold someone in high esteem?