Philippians | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

PHILIPPIANS 2

FOLLOWING CHRIST’S EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY + UNITY

Highlighting the character of Jesus, Paul encourages the Philippians to live in humility and unity. Paul advises the believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but view others as more significant than themselves. Instead of only looking out for their best interests, they are to consider the interests of others as Christ considered them. Because Jesus was the ultimate example of humility, He was obedient to God, even when that obedience required death on the cross.

Because of Jesus’s humility and sacrifice, God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name that is above all others. In the end, every knee will bow to Jesus and every mouth will confess that Jesus is the Savior.

Paul instructs the believers to work out their salvation in obedience. Because salvation can only be found through faith in Jesus alone, Paul is advocating for followers of Jesus to perform good works as a response to salvation, not as a means to achieve or earn salvation. It is God Himself who works in the believers to accomplish the good works—God is both the source of goodness and glorified by goodness! Because of this, Paul encourages the believers to work without complaining, knowing that their work is not in vain.

Paul shares two examples of faithful disciples of the faith, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Hoping to send Timothy to Philippi soon, Paul believes that Timothy will be inspired by the faith of the Philippians. Paul speaks highly of Timothy, calling him a devoted messenger of the faith. Next, Paul speaks of Epaphroditus, who was sent by the Philippians to aid and support Paul in prison. Although Epaphroditus became ill, almost to the point of death, God revived him, and he was able to return to Philippi as a messenger of Paul.

STUDY QUESTIONS

How did Paul describe humility in Philippians 2:3-4?

What do you think Paul meant by saying that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord (Philippians 2:9-11)?

In Philippians 2:12, Paul encouraged believers to work out their faith. How is this different from attempting to earn salvation?