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PHILIPPIANS
OUTLINE
1. Introduction (1:1-2)
2. Paul's Love for the Philippians (1:3-11)
3. News About Paul (1:12-26)
4. Correct Conduct (1:27-2:16)
5. Updates on Workers (2:17-30)
6. The Folly of Exalting the Flesh (3:1-21)
7. The Christian Disposition (4:1-20)
8. Closing Comments (4:21-23)
BACKGROUND
The city of Philippi was given its name by Philip of Macedon (the
father of Alexander the Great) after he conquered the city in 360 B.C.
The city hosted a famous battle in 42 B.C. in which Marc Anthony and
Octavian (Augustus) defeated Brutus and Cassius, two of the
conspirators who assassinated Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. Many of
Antony's soldiers settled in Philippi. Just eleven years later (31
B.C.), however, Antony lost out to Octavian (who was now his enemy)
in the famous naval battle of Actium. From about the time of Julius
Caesar on there were soldiers stationed in Philippi. When Octavian
became Emperor Augustus, he bestowed the status of Roman colony
upon Philippi.
The church was established on Paul's second missionary journey;
its beginning is recorded in Acts 16:8-40, which highlights the
conversions of Lydia and the jailer. The only other mention of the
church is found in Acts 20:1-6.
VERSES TO MEMORIZE
1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so
that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of
your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind
striving together for the faith of the gospel.
2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but
in lowliness of mind let each esteem another better than
himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own
interests, but also for the interests of others.
2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who,
being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be
equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the
form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being
found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became
obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
2:9-11 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the
name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on the earth,
and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the
Father.
2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my
presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your
own salvation with fear and trembling.
2:14 Do all things without murmuring and disputing.
3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the
mutilation!
3:8 But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish,
that I may gain Christ.
3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but
one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I
press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of
God in Christ Jesus.
3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so
walk, as you have us for a pattern.
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
4:6-7 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
understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.
4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things
are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good
report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy-meditate on these things.
4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in
whatever state I am, to be content.
4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches
in glory by Christ Jesus.
KEY PASSAGES
1:9-11 Paul's prayer for the Philippians.
1:15-17 The motives some have for preaching.
2:15-16 The Christian's influence.
2:19-23 Paul's confidence in Timothy.
2:24-30 The sacrificial Epaphroditus.
3:18-19 The character of the false teachers.
4:2 Unity must prevail in the body of Christ.
4:14-17 The Philippians' gracious help to Paul.
*Send comments or questions concerning this survey to Gary Summers. [New Testament Survey Index]
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