A Study of Philippians 4:1-5 encourages Christ-followers to maintain spiritual readiness, lose your personal agenda, demonstrate a joyful spirit, and put God’s Kingdom first.
A Study of Philippians 4:1-5 encourages Christ-followers to maintain spiritual readiness,
V.1 Stand firm in the Lord
Following Jesus is not easy. Because we swim against the current of culture. And live according to God’s truth, which is unpopular in a sea of moral relativism.
But Paul encourages us to “stand firm in the Lord.” And that begins by submitting to the lordship of Jesus Christ. It’s assuming a posture of readiness, like a soldier braced for attack. But take heart. It’s not a battle you face alone.
Read Psalm 112:7-8 and record your thoughts on how it encourages your spiritual readiness.
A Study of Philippians 4:1-5 encourages Christ-followers to lose their personal agenda
V.2 Agree in the Lord
Can Godly people who love Jesus still disagree? Yep. Happens all the time.
Because we differ in our understanding of scripture. Form unique perspectives out of our backgrounds and experiences. And let’s be honest, sometimes we have a personal agenda. Even if well-meaning, it can still become a sticking point.
And here Paul calls out a couple of ladies in the middle of one. He doesn’t identify what it’s about or take sides, but encourages them to work it out and “agree in the lord.”
“To agree” is from the Greek auto phronein, which means to have the same mind. In other words, focus on your shared goals and ultimate mission. And that should include the best interest of the church rather than your personal interest.
Genuinely listening to one another and a humble spirit will also move you towards common ground.
A Study of Philippians 4:1-5 encourages Christ-followers to demonstrate a joyful spirit
V.4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice
This is the twelfth time Paul uses the Greek word chairo which is translated both joy and rejoice. And in case it wasn’t clear the twelfth time, he immediately says it again.
Keep in mind, Paul is in prison. Uncertain of his future. Physically uncomfortable. Likely fighting fear and doubt. And perhaps experiencing moments of depression.
A crushing weight for sure. But he didn’t let it overwhelm him. That is what’s powerful about Christian joy. It can flourish in spite of earthly circumstances. Why? Because it’s based on an unshakeable promise that is secured in Jesus Christ.
Joy makes following Jesus compelling. And the gospel contagious.
REFLECT & RECORD
Are there circumstances in your life that are impacting your joy? Record your thoughts and feelings about what is going on. Then pause for prayer and ask the Lord to renew your joy.
A Study of Philippians 4:1-5 encourages Christ-followers to put God’s Kingdom first
V.5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
Reasonableness is the Greek word epieikes and means appropriate, gentle, moderate. And what is right and fitting. It also helps to consider that sometimes it’s not what you say, but the way you say it. Your word choice and tone of voice.
Read Proverbs 15:1 and 1 Peter 3:15. What do they say about your manner of speaking?
Jesus gets right to the heart of it. Read what he says in Matthew 6:33. Although the context in the surrounding passage addresses materialism and personal well-being, his words in V.33 have a broader application.
As a Christ-follower, I must always examine my heart and honestly ask myself: Am I putting God’s Kingdom first? Are you?
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A study of Philippians 3:17-21 reveals the value of a Christian mentor, the tragedy of rejecting Jesus, and the promise of following Jesus.
A study of Philippians 3:17-21 presents the value of a Christian mentor
V. 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us
Someone is watching you. Evaluating. Measuring. Taking your cues. And following them. No pressure, right?
In this passage, Paul not only embraces the idea of others imitating him. He encourages it. Not because he’s perfect. He already confessed his imperfection. And he’s not full of himself either. But he understands the importance of mentoring other followers of Jesus.
It underscores both the importance and serious responsibility of disciple-making. Which Jesus commanded all of his followers to engage in.
Sure, it’s risky business. Because right after you hold yourself up as an example you’re sure fail. To sin. Me too. But Paul qualifies his meaning in Corinthians 11:1 by saying, “Be imitators of me, as I am in Christ.”
In other words, the pattern of behavior he invites the Philippian church to imitate is his example of striving to imitate Christ. Not his achievement of perfection. And that’s what Christian mentorship is all about. Not, follow me because I’ve got this Christian faith all figured out. But follow me because I’m following Jesus.
REFLECT & RECORD
Who has been a mentor in your life? How did they invest in your life and positively impact your faith? How are you investing in and making a positive impact on the faith of someone else? Would you feel comfortable inviting others to imitate your imitation of Jesus? Why or why not?
A study of Philippians 3:17-21 presents the tragedy of rejecting Jesus
In V. 18, Paul calls people enemies of Christ. And the Greek word for enemies is echthrós, which means hostility. But wait. Doesn’t Jesus love everyone? And the answer is yes he does. But here, Paul refers to people who completely reject Jesus Christ. And rather than choose to follow him as Lord, they follow their own desires and passions.
V. 19 Their end is destruction…
God grants you free will so you may accept or reject a relationship with Jesus Christ. But there is no riding the fence. No maybe. You’re either all in or not. The Greek word for destruction is apōlĕia which means spiritual, eternal death. So ultimately, your decision has an eternal consequence.
their god is their belly…
Who is Paul talking about? He may have meant the Jewish followers who insisted new believers must also follow Jewish religious practices. And this included observing Jewish practices around eating clean versus unclean food. Or perhaps, he meant a group called Gnostics who perverted the teaching of God’s grace. They reasoned that because God’s grace covered every sin, they could satisfy their appetites and enjoy a worldly lifestyle without restraint. However, scripture consistently warns about the dangers of these two extremes. The first is legalism and the second is license.
they glory in their shame…
They celebrated wrong and shameful behavior. To defiantly sin and then celebrate it mocks God. And is unwise. Scripture clearly warns God will not be mocked.
with minds set on earthly things.
Both then and now, people seek to acquire earthly possessions, recognition, and achievements in the pursuit of happiness. But the truth is, as Solomon attests in Ecclesiastes, only the presence of God and his goodness is fully satisfying. What earthly things are consuming your attention right now?
A study of Philippians 3:17-21 presents the promise of following Jesus
V. 20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body
Whales and dolphins are a marvel of creation. The ocean is their habitat, but they require air to live. And drown if totally immersed under water for too long. Likewise, Christ-followers inhabit the earth. But will spiritually suffocate if immersed in a worldly lifestyle. Paul reminds us that while we reside on earth, not to get too comfortable. Because a day is coming when we will be transformed into our perfect image of God. The one he originally intended. And we’ll enjoy in our eternal home.
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A Study of Philippians 3:12-16 shows a work in progress, a certain future, and strong finish for Christ-followers.
A Study of Philippians 3:12-16 shows a work in progress
V.12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
Every Christ-follower is a work in progress. Even Paul admitted it about himself. His desire was to grow in Christ-likeness, but it was a process that would continue his entire life. And it should represent our goal too.
The phrase “make it my own” is translated from the Greek word katalambanō which means to take eagerly, seize, possess. The NIV Bible translates it “take hold of” and perhaps, more accurately describes Paul’s meaning.
Paul admits that as a human he is imperfect. Although he pursues perfection and eagerly strives to take hold of it. But he lives with the assurance that it’s not all on him. Jesus has also, taken hold of him.
REFLECT & RECORD
Describe how you sense that Jesus has taken hold of you? As you consider your own progress toward Christ-likeness, how are you doing in your eagerness to take hold of it?
A Study of Philippians 3:12-16 shows a certain future
V.13 forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead…
Paul doesn’t hold on to any of his credentials or regrets of past sins. And neither should we.
In other words, he doesn’t forget what’s behind by wiping the past from his memory. But by refusing to let it effect his forward progress. He won’t leverage credentials to his advantage or let past sin weigh him down with guilt and shame. Which is a common strategy Satan employs against Christ-followers. If he can’t keep you from entering the Kingdom of God, he’ll try to block you from taking others with you by making you feel inadequate.
Because most of us live with regrets. Things we shouldn’t have done but did. As well as things we should have done and didn’t. And this is where we lean on God’s grace because it covers them all.
A Study of Philippians 3:12-16 shows a strong finish
V.14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul communicates the picture of a runner leaning forward with all his energy as he crosses the finish line. Which is called “a strong finish” in track and field jargon. Because when you’re in a race, it’s critical to ignore the other runners next to you and focus on crossing the finish line looking straight ahead and at full speed. Paul turns that image into a spiritual analogy. He’s leaning forward in the finish of his spiritual race and the anticipation of collecting an eternal reward.
It’s a good question to think about. Are you in a spiritual sprint looking straight ahead or a sight-seeing trot toward heaven?
V.15 Let those of us who are mature think this way,
The Greek word teleo is translated “perfect” in V.12 and “mature” in V.15. And it means to carry out, complete, and fulfill. So Paul does not mean absolute perfection in V.12, but reaching a level of spiritual completeness. To grow to a point of fulfilling the purpose God has for you.
REFLECT & RECORD
In what ways does your Christian walk demonstrate spiritual maturity? Where does it need adjustment? Are you progressing? Stagnant? Regressing? Where is adjustment needed?
In conclusion, it’s important to acknowledge absolute perfection is out of reach in this life. But we should strain forward towards that goal. And show progression towards a greater level of spiritual maturity.
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A study of Philippians 3:8-11 reveals the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, a righteousness determined by faith, and the attainment of a resurrected life.
A Study of Philippians 3:8-11 reveals the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus
V.8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Paul counted everything as loss for the sake of Christ in V.7. But in V.8, he counts it as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.
The Greek word for surpassing worth is hyperéchō, which means to surpass, exceed, amount to more. In his previous, religious life, Paul had an enviable life. One of position, power, and influence. But here he says knowing Jesus as Lord is way better.
“Knowing” is the Greek word Gnosis and implies a personal relationship. There’s a difference in knowing about someone and actually knowing someone. Because the first is intellectual and the second relational. Lordship goes even further by submitting to Jesus’ leadership. And in Paul’s case, it led him to prison and a potential death.
Do you know and follow Jesus with this kind of zeal?
REFLECT AND RECORD
Describe your current relationship with Jesus. Do you call him Lord? What does that mean to you? How is it evident in your life? If not, what do you think submitting to Lordship looks like for you?
A Study of Philippians 3:8-11 reveals a righteousness determined by faith
V.9 not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
Here’s the problem with works-based religion. When you follow religious rules, you can take the credit for your efforts. Feel good about your worthy accomplishments. In a sense, own your faith. Although it easily leads to self-righteousness and pride.
The Greek word for faith is pisteúō and means to believe and trust. But it’s not blind.
Biblical faith demonstrates a sense of confidence. It uses your senses to observe and a reasoning mind to perceive the presence of God. To study scripture and recognize it describes the world better than any other worldview. But then to act on that faith by engaging the person of Jesus Christ.
A Study of Philippians 3:8-11 reveals the attainment of a resurrected life
V.10-11 that I may know him
Paul repeats what he said in V.8 to reinforce his point. Knowing Jesus relationally involves an investment of your time and energy. And requires spending time in his Word and in prayer. This is how you learn to follow Jesus and where he guides you in that pursuit.
may share his sufferings…
Was Paul, perhaps, remembering his part in persecuting other believers? And now it’s his turn to take what he used to dish out it? It’s a good question for us to consider. Just how serious am I about following Jesus? How much will I suffer for it?
becoming like him in his death…
Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins. Therefore, Paul is ready to sacrifice himself for his faith. The first represents salvation for humanity. And the second martyrdom for faith.
I may attain the resurrection from the dead…
Paul’s confidence includes an eternal promise. Following Jesus in life and death on earth includes the assurance of a resurrected life in heaven with Jesus. It is this confidence…this hope that empowers him to endure. And is still available to Christ-followers today.
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A study of Philippians 3:4-7 presents Paul’s religious credentials, affirms his religious devotion, and discounts it all for the sake of Christ.
A study of Philippians 3:4-7 presents Paul’s religious credentials
There’s a popular “one up” game we often play. Sometimes called bragging rights. I tell you about the 10 pound bass I caught and you tell me about the 15 pounder you snagged. And Paul plays the game masterfully with a specific teaching point in mind.
V.4 If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more.
Experts who speak to audiences usually list credentials that support their expertise. And in Philippians 3:4-7, Paul shares his. Not to brag. But to say he has plenty to brag about if he put his confidence in the flesh. In other words, from strictly a human perspective, his qualifications are outstanding.
V. 5 circumcised on the eighth day…
A highly regarded family name reflects favorably on individual family members. So Paul begins with his family’s good reputation in the Jewish community. They properly followed the religious law that required circumcising boys on the eighth day after birth.
The people of Israel…
He’s also a citizen by birth in the nation of Israel. And therefore part of God’s chosen people.
The tribe of Benjamin…
The small tribe of Benjamin held a special position and played an important role in the history of Israel. It also produced several significant people including Ehud, a warrior and one of Israel’s Judges, Queen Esther who saved her people from genocide, and Saul, the first king of Israel.
A Hebrew of Hebrews…
Paul preached to the gentiles and wrote his New Testament letters in Greek. But he was raised in and spoke Hebrew–the ancient language of his race. And scholars say the language in spoke in Acts 22:2 was probably Aramaic, another distinctly Jewish language. His fluency in both demonstrates his faithfulness to traditional Hebrew culture.
As to the law, a Pharisee…
He’s talking about the Jewish, religious law. The Pharisees were a religious, Jewish group who rigorously upheld it. They were the super religious people of their day and demonstrated a zeal that bordered on fanatical. But were also the ones Jesus criticized the most for their self-righteousness and hypocrisy.
REFLECT AND RECORD
Think about a time you engaged in bragging competition. What did it involve? How did it end? What are your thoughts about the motivations behind comparing and competing? How is this transferred to our spiritual lives?
A study of Philippians 3:4-7 affirms Paul’s religious devotion
Paul possessed more than a religious pedigree. He demonstrated religious action. Did the right things. Walked his talk.
As to zeal a persecutor of the church…
His zeal as a Pharisee is shown in his active participation in persecuting the early Christian church. Although it was a misguided zeal that Jesus corrected when he appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus.
Righteousness under the law, blameless…
Paul is not claiming perfection before God. But is referring to his commitment to the Old Testament law. In other words, he’s saying if following the law is how you grade righteousness, then I score at the top of the class.
A study of Philippians 3:4-7 discounts it all for the sake of Christ
All those religious credits. Accomplishments. And good works tokens. They meant nothing to Paul. Because they were all about punching a religious “do good” ticket. Even though it characterized his religious life before he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. That’s when God redirected Paul and he made a spiritual U-turn.
From good works, to a relationship with Jesus.
V. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
And now, Paul makes his main point. If good works is the measurement God uses for judging righteousness then Paul’s in good standing compared to other people. But it’s a relationship with Jesus that makes us righteous before God. Therefore, all he gains through good works, he counts as loss. Because his attention is focused on Jesus Christ. And where we should focus our attention too.
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