Today we continue our study on the book of Philippians, by taking a close look at chapter two. It might work best to open your Bible, read the passage of scripture heading each paragraph, and then study along with the notes I have made. If you don't have a Bible, you can still study along by clicking through the link to read the scripture at Biblegateway.com.
There is also a print button below the post so that you can print a copy for yourself if you like.
Philippians 2:1-3
You will often see the word “bowels” used in scripture, as in “bowels of mercies” seen here. This word is literally translated bowels (or intestines) as we know it. But to the Greeks it was an expression of speech that reflected deep emotion. Similar to when we say, “From the bottom of my heart.”
He was urging the church to be united in faith and brotherly love (agapē). To be humble and to put others before themselves.
Philippians 2:4-7
This is such an interesting piece of scripture, and one that we should study to learn from. The word "robbery" found in verse six is:
Strong's G725 – harpagmos, a thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained.
So we learn that while Jesus was in the form of God, He didn’t look at being equal (in quantity or quality) to God as His goal. His goal was--and our goal always should be--to please the Father through every thing that He did.
Jesus emptied himself of this power by choice, and became a servant of man.
Servant - Strong's G1401 – doulos, devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests.
That word servant and its Greek translation of doulos, reminds me of our word “doula” which is a labor and delivery assistant. During the time of labor all attention is given to the birth of new life. In Old Testament times the doula was a female slave.
Why would Paul urge the church to have this same mindset of humility? Why is it important for Christians to live this way?
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Philippians 2:8
Here we read that Jesus became obedient unto death. It’s heartbreaking when you study this verse deeply.
Obedient unto death:
Death - Strong's G2288 – thanatos. The translation of this word is very dark: in the widest sense, death comprising all the miseries arising from sin, as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth, to be followed by wretchedness in hell.
Even the death of the cross:
And death of the cross, referring to the cruel punishment that criminals were given in those days as they were beaten, and then hung and nailed to stakes in the ground.
Knowing all of this, Jesus still chose to empty himself of His own wants and desires to take on this death. Everything that He did points to the fact that He was driven by a love for the Father.
Are there any wants or desires that are holding you back in your walk with the Lord? If so, what should you change?
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Philippians 2:9-11
Because of this obedience, the Father gave Jesus a majestic title that surpasses that of any, so that every soul in heaven and hell would call Him Lord.
Lord - Strong's G2962 – kyrios, meaning he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding.
When one accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior, what do you think that means?
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Philippians 2:12
Having a fear for your salvation, is understanding that sin lies at our door and could seize us at any moment. We need to be aware of that danger, and understand how powerful temptation can be.
For one to say, "I'll sin today and repent tomorrow," shows that they don't realize the power that temptation has to overcome a believer.
"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." ~ James 1:14
For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. ~ Isaiah 66:2
Was there ever an instance when you or someone you know stepped into temptation and as a result fell away from the faith? How might that have been prevented?
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Philippians 2:13-14
The power to do good comes from God, but how and if you choose to use that power depends on you. God doesn’t just want us to “do” good for His kingdom, He wants us to “desire” to do His work.
Murmurings and disputing have everything to do with our attitude. Both words used in this verse refer to our thought patterns.
Murmurings - Strong's G1112 – goggysmos, a secret displeasure not openly avowed. Dispute - Strong's G1261 – dialogismos, the thinking of a man deliberating with himself a thought, inward reasoning. [inward dialogue]
Philippians 2:15-16
Harmless – “pure” as in a pure wine or metal (Strong's)
This means that our thoughts are pure and not mingled with anger, resentment or evil.
Perverse - Strong's G1294 - diastrephōto distort, turn aside. To oppose, plot against the saving purposes and plans of God.
In the midst of a society that strives to destroy the plans of God.
Shining as light in the world is literally translated as stars in the universe. That is such a beautiful way of saying it.
Philippians 2:17-18
Here we see the theme of joy continue. Paul was living a sacrificial life for the furtherance, but because he had a deep desire to please God he was able to rejoice through his trials.
Philippians 2:19-24
Paul would send Timothy to the church in Philippi, knowing that Timothy was faith-focused in the same way that Paul was. Paul was confident in Timothy’s abilities enough to trust him with a new church.
Look up Acts 16:1-5. What four things do we learn about Timothy?
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Philippians 2:25-30
Epaphroditus had one of the most important jobs in the history. He delivered a letter to the church in Philippi that was to become a part of the most sacred book of all time—the Bible.
You see the true compassion of this man in this verse, “is distressed because you heard he was ill.” That’s a true reflection of someone who is more concerned about others than he was about himself. He wasn’t distressed that he was ill, he was distressed that they knew.
What four things do you learn about the character of Epaphroditus from these verses?
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Optional homework for the week:
Memorize Philippians 2:5-7
Underline some of the scriptures that stood out to you and add cross references for future study.
Read the second chapter again with some of the lessons in mind.
That closes our study on chapter two. Come back next Monday for chapter 3!
If you are studying along with us this week, you are welcome to leave a link to your site in the Linky tool below. But rather than linking up with a graphic from your blog like we usually do, it would be nice if you could post your profile photo so we can all see each other. If you don't have one--not a problem, another graphic will do. The Linky tool is just a way for all of us to get to know each other, it's not necessary to write a corresponding post.
I'm also posting the button code to the Bible study in hopes that you can add it to your post or sidebar.
And don't forget, tomorrow is Titus 2sdays, so if you're a blogger, come back and link up with your post on marriage, parenting, housekeeping or recipes.
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene
For comments or questions, contact me at:
darlene[at]darleneschacht.net
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