Sunday, March 13, 2011

Bible Study - Philippians Chapter 3 {And a Link Up!}


Today we continue our study on the book of Philippians, by taking a close look at chapter three. 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 3:1-2

Paul was speaking to the Greeks here, warning them to beware of those who are still teaching and living by the Levitial Law, including that of circumcision. Circumcision in itself wasn’t the issue, but rather those who put their confidence of salvation in it, thinking that their works would save them.

There are still many Christians today who mix the old law in with the new. They pick and choose parts of the old law and combine it with the new covenant.

No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. ~ Mark 2:21-22, KJV

Salvation comes through Jesus Christ, and it is by Him that we are made righteous. Our actions are in response to our desire to serve Him, but they don’t define our righteousness.

Compare Galatians 2:11-21, where Paul rebukes Peter because he withdrew himself from the Gentiles when the Jews were present. Pay particular attention to verse 16.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. ~ Galatians 2:16, KJV

If our actions don’t define our righteousness, does that mean that we can continue in sin? Why or why not?

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Philippians 3:3-4

Circumcision was a Jewish tradition that represented a cutting away of our sinful flesh.

You may remember in previous studies I mentioned that the flesh represents our passions, desires and wants. Walking in the Spirit is following God’s desires rather than our own.

Why do you think that Paul is saying “We are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit?” Compare Romans 8:5-6

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Philippians 3:5-6

Paul establishes himself as an authority on the topic by pointing out that he had met every requirement of the Jewish Law. He also mentions here how he was one who was persecuting the Christian church. We see an example of that in Acts 7:56-60 when Paul (Saul was his Hebrew name) was standing by while Stephen was stoned to death for his faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul also describes himself as being a Pharisee:

Pharisee defined: “They sought for distinction and praise by outward observance of external rites and by outward forms of piety, and such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers, and alms giving; and, comparatively negligent of genuine piety, they prided themselves on their fancied good works." (blueletterbible.org)

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness. ~ Matthew 23:27, KJV

What do you think that Jesus meant in the verse above? How does that relate to your walk of faith?

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Philippians 3:7-8


When Paul says that he counts things as “loss” he looks at those things as damaging to his walk with the Lord, and discards them at any and all cost.

I view this term much in the same way as I do the word “jettison,” which is to cast (goods) overboard in order to lighten a vessel or aircraft or to improve its stability in an emergency. (dictionary.com)

In order to reach his destination, he is willing to throw anything overboard so that he might arrive safely at the end of his journey.

Blinded by a heavenly light on the road to Damascus, Paul began his journey of faith with a struggle. There was never a time when his Christian walk was easy one, but he was willing to reevaluate his entire life and turn from everything he had grown to know as truth, to pursue Christ.

Consider your own walk of faith. Are there things that you need to discard? Are there temptations that are holding you back? If so what must you sacrifice and how?

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Philippians 3:9

“Righteousness” is basically our right-standing before God. It’s who we need to be in order to be accepted in His sight.

Faith: Strong's G4102 – pistis – Conviction of the truth.

The righteousness that we have is given to us through faith in Jesus Christ, while the Pharisees were trying to enter heaven by their own righteousness.

This reinforces the parable that Jesus spoke of in Matthew chapter 22. We read about a King [God the Father] who prepared a marriage for his son [Jesus]. The king sent his servants out twice, inviting them [the chosen nation of Israel] to come to the supper. Rather than accepting the invitation, they killed the messengers, and mistreated them.

“Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:8-14, KJV

Jews and Gentiles have all been called to the marriage supper of the lamb, but only those who accept the righteousness that is through faith in Jesus Christ, are chosen to be His guests.

What do you think it means to have faith in Jesus Christ?

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Philippians 3:10-11

As we participate in the sufferings of Christ, we conform to who He is.

Giving up our will for His, means that we are dying to ourselves and becoming alive in Him. It is a death and resurrection of our souls. This starts here on earth and continues, each time we crucify the flesh and conform to His will. But the completeness of that transformation is yet to come in eternity.

We haven’t completed the race. That final perfection is yet to come.

“Perfect” Strong's G5048 – teleioō - to carry through completely, to accomplish, finish, bring to an end.

Jesus used the word, teleō on the Cross (John 19:30) when he said “It is finished.”

There are two perfections that you will see Paul talking about in this chapter. One is the full perfection that we receive when both our body and soul is redeemed after death. The other perfection is the one that Christians receive here on earth.

When we are forgiven of sin and made righteous through Christ, we have that robe of righteousness that we read about in the parable of Matthew chapter 12. That righteousness makes us perfect in the sight of God, but we will still have a struggle with flesh throughout life that won’t be removed until our final perfection takes place after death.

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” ~ Ephesians 1:4, KJV

Philippians 3:12-14


Paul offers us an analogy of a race. He compares it to the Christian walk, encouraging readers to vigorously pursue their faith. In doing so we need to focus on the finish line and leave the past behind us.

Are there things in your past or your present that are taking your eyes off of Christ?

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Philippians 3:15-16

Paul is instructing the church to continue to walk in the faith. It is one thing to be forgiven and made perfect through Christ, it is yet another to continue the pursuit.

In what ways are you pursuing Christ?

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Philippians 3:17-18

Here Paul says, follow my example and be mindful of the example of each other so that you may grow together in faith. He is stressing the importance of good fellowship, and warning the Philippians that there are many people walking contrary to the faith that could lead them astray.

Jesus spoke about this same thing in the parable of the sower. In Matthew 12:7 He says, “And some [seeds] fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.”

Esteeming the riches of the world higher than one esteems God, and valuing the riches of this world over heavenly gifts are the very thorns that will choke out our faith. It’s important that we stay in good fellowship with believers, or as the parable puts it in good soil.

Philippians 3:19

Paul talks about people whose “God is their belly.” We see so much of this in the world today, living in a society where people desire to fulfill their own passions above anything else. The commandments of God are useless to them unless they cater to their wants. We are in a world where even “Christians” are picking and choosing the commandments of God to suit their desires.

“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” ~ Galatians 5:24

Have you ever sacrificed your desires to follow Christ? If so, what did you give up?

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Philippians 3:20

“Conversation” Strong's G4175 – politeuma- meaning our law of constitution, or our citizenship.

Heaven is our home, and this world is just a place that we are passing through. When we realize that truth, we are focused on something eternal rather than the here and now.

Philippians 3:21

Once we pass from this world, the perfection of our body and soul will be complete. Our struggle with the flesh will be done.

How does this knowledge change your outlook on life, or does it?

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Optional homework for the week:

Memorize Philippians 3:13-14

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 three. Come back next Monday for chapter 4!




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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