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Philippians 2: Lights in the World
In our relationship with the Lord, what things should we be thankful for?
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Philippians 2:1 Is there any reason to have a positive attitude about belonging to Christ? Of course there is. Hasn’t God’s love brought you comfort? Doesn’t his Spirit bear witness with your spirit, your hearts becoming tender in your care for others?
King James
Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Why would Paul want others to have the same attitude toward God that he had?
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Philippians 2:2 I’d be thrilled if you had the same attitude that I have, being of one mind with the Lord in showing love toward others.
King James
Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
How concerned should we be for the welfare of others?
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Philippians 2:3–4 Don’t try to exalt yourselves above others, but in humility find more pleasure in blessing others than in having more for yourselves. Be concerned for the wellbeing of others, not just yourselves.
King James
Philippians 2:3–4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
What do times of Jesus’ rebuke suggest about his care for others?
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Matthew 11:21–24 “How terrible it will be for you, Korazin. And for you, Bethsaida. If the people of Tyre and Sidon had seen the miracles you saw me do in your towns, they would have turned to God long ago in sackcloth and ashes. You can be sure, on Judgment Day, they will fare better than you. And you in Capernaum who think you are so high and mighty, God will bring you to the lowest depths. For if the people of Sodom had seen the miracles I did for you, that city would still be standing today. You can be sure, on Judgment Day, they will fare better than you.”
Luke 6:24–28 “Woe to the rich, those unwilling to help those who have less, for they already have their blessing. Woe to the well fed, those who think they have no need, for they will be hungry. Woe to the joyful, those who depend on circumstances for happiness, for they will weep and cry. Woe to the politically correct, those who say what people want to hear, for that is what their fathers liked about the false prophets. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Show kindness to those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.”
Philippians 2:5 In caring for others, you should have the same attitude that Jesus had.
King James
Matthew 11:21–24 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Luke 6:24–28 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
If the fullness of God was in Jesus’ physical body on Earth, why did so many people not recognize his divinity?
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Mark 6:3 “Isn’t he just a carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Do not his sisters live here in town?” They did not trust his actions or what he said.
Luke 2:46 Finally, after three days, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions.
John 1:11 He lived among his own people. Despite his unfailing love and faithfulness, most people did not accept him.
John 8:43–44 “Why don’t you understand what I say? I will tell you why. You do not want to hear my message. You come from your father, the devil, and your desires are like his. From the beginning, he was a murderer and opposed the truth, because truth was not in his nature. When he lies, he speaks from his heart, because he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 10:31–32 The Jews picked up stones to throw at him. Jesus said, “Under the authority of my Father, I have done many good works. For which of those do you want to stone me?”
Colossians 2:9 Everything about God is expressed in physical form through Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:6 Although he was God, he did not act like he was better than everybody else.
King James
Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 8:43–44 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 10:31–32 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
How does the world’s perception of greatness differ from the Kingdom of God?
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Matthew 23:11 “Whoever is the greatest among you must be everyone’s servant.”
Luke 22:26–27 “You shall not be like them. The greatest among you must behave as the least. The leader is the one who serves. Who is greater, the man who sits at the table or the one who serves him? You think it is the one at the table, but I am with you as a servant.”
John 14:9 “Philip! Have I been with you so long and you still do not recognize who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. So why do you ask me to show him to you?”
John 18:36 “My Kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus said. “If it were, my disciples would have fought to prevent my arrest by the Jews. No, my Kingdom is not from here.”
Philippians 2:8 As an ordinary human being, he subjected himself to death on the cross.
King James
Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Luke 22:26–27 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
What reasons did Jesus have for choosing to die the way he did?
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Mark 10:33–34 “Listen, we are now going to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and teachers of the Law, who will sentence him to die. They will deliver him to the Romans, who will mock him and spit at him. He will be whipped and crucified, but he will rise again on the third day.”
Luke 18:31 Jesus took the twelve disciples aside and said to them privately, “Listen, we are going to Jerusalem. Everything the prophets have written about the Son of Man must be fulfilled.
John 5:28–29 “Do not be surprised, for the voice of the Son of Man will soon be heard by those who are dead and buried, and they will rise from their tombs, the righteous unto life and the evil unto damnation.
John 10:18 “No one will take my life from me. I choose to give it up. I have the power to lay it down and to take it up again, because this is what my Father has commanded.”
Romans 14:9 Why did Jesus Christ die and was raised from the dead? So both those on Earth and those in Heaven could be servants of the Lord of lords.
Philippians 2:8 As an ordinary human being, he subjected himself to death on the cross.
King James
Mark 10:33–34 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Luke 18:31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
John 5:28–29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Why should the name Jesus be greater than any other name?
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Matthew 23:11–12 “Whoever is the greatest among you must be everyone’s servant. Those who try to make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Philippians 2:9 Therefore, God has promoted Christ to the highest of all positions and has made the name Jesus greater than any other name.
King James
Matthew 23:11–12 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
What conditions must exist for everyone in Heaven and on Earth to recognize Jesus as Lord?
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Philippians 2:10–11 So everyone in Heaven and on Earth must respect and bow to his position and authority, confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
King James
Philippians 2:10–11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Why might it be harder for someone to follow someone’s instruction when that person is absent?
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Philippians 2:12 Just as you followed my advice when I was with you, much more in my absence you must be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit, working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
King James
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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.
If Jesus is our Savior, what is left to be worked out?
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Matthew 24:13 “But those who remain faithful until the end will be saved.”
Philippians 2:12 Just as you followed my advice when I was with you, much more in my absence you must be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit, working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
James 4:8 Move closer to God, and he will move closer to you. Wash your hands of wrongdoing and purify your hearts with good motives. Don’t live a double life, but have a single focus upon what the Lord wants.
King James
Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Why might God’s purpose for our lives be more important than what we want?
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Philippians 2:13 The power of God is at work in you to accomplish his purpose and make you his great delight.
King James
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
What problems might we create for ourselves by complaining and arguing that conditions should be different?
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Romans 8:28 All those who love God and are working to fulfill his purpose should know that all things will work together for good.
Philippians 2:14 In everything you say and do, avoid complaining and arguing that conditions should be different.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 No matter what the circumstances are, be thankful, because this is the attitude God wants you to have in Jesus Christ.
King James
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
If God allows the plight we are in, why should we not blame him?
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Philippians 2:15 Don’t charge God foolishly, as if you should not have to live among corrupt, perverted people, for you are like the stars, giving light to the night.
King James
Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
What rewards could justify the sacrifice of our lives?
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Philippians 2:16 Give yourselves to the Word of Life, and I will rejoice in the day of Christ, knowing that my work was worthwhile, that the reward justified the sacrifice.
King James
Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Why couldn’t Paul be more agreeable with the Jews and Christians who believed they needed to keep the Law of Moses?
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Galatians 3:18 If the promise could be received by keeping the Law, it would be something earned, but that was not the case. God gave it to Abraham as a promise.
Galatians 4:29 Just as it was before, so it is now. Those who want you to keep the Law are children born of human effort. They are persecuting the children of freedom, who live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 2:17 If I lose everything sacrificing my life, just seeing your faith in Christ causes me to rejoice, overflowing with joy.
King James
Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Galatians 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Why wasn’t Paul worried about dying?
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2 Corinthians 5:8 Without a doubt, we would rather be free from our earthly bodies so we can be at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:2 More than fourteen years ago, I was caught up into Heaven. Only God knows whether I was there physically or only spiritually.
Philippians 2:17 If I lose everything sacrificing my life, just seeing your faith in Christ causes me to rejoice, overflowing with joy.
King James
2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
To what extent do you think the average Christian in Philippi understood Paul’s reason for rejoicing while in prison?
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Philippians 2:18 My reason for rejoicing can work for you in the same way, and then we can rejoice together.
King James
Philippians 2:18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
Why might Paul have valued Timothy’s report above what others might have had to say?
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Philippians 2:19–20 The Lord willing, I hope to send Timothy to see you soon. Then I will be encouraged through knowing how God is working in your lives. No one is more like me in genuinely caring for your wellbeing.
King James
Philippians 2:19–20 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
What must we do to know what matters to Jesus Christ, and why it is so important?
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Philippians 2:21 Most people care only for themselves, not what matters to Jesus Christ.
King James
Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
What do our actions reveal about us?
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Matthew 7:15–16 “Watch out for false prophets who come disguised as sheep but inwardly are vicious wolves. Recognize them by their actions. No one picks grapes from thorn bushes or figs from briers.”
Matthew 12:34 “You pit of snakes. If you are evil, how can you say anything good? As the heart overflows, the mouth speaks.”
Philippians 2:22 Know that Timothy has proved himself. Like a son working faithfully for his father, he has preached the good news of Jesus Christ.
King James
Matthew 7:15–16 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Philippians 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
What might have hindered Paul from sending Timothy right away?
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Philippians 2:23 I plan to send him as soon as I know what will happen to me here.
King James
Philippians 2:23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
Upon what would Paul have based his hope that he would be set free?
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Philippians 2:24 I trust that the Lord will make a way for me to come too.
King James
Philippians 2:24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
What do you think qualified Epaphroditus to be recognized as an apostolos, a “special messenger”?
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Philippians 2:25 Right now, I thought it necessary to send Epaphroditus, a fellow believer and apostle who works with me, fights the good fight, and seeks to satisfy my needs.
King James
Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
With all the miracles that took place among God’s apostles and considering Paul’s relationship with the Lord, why do you think Christians were worried about Epaphroditus’s sickness and that he might die?
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Philippians 2:26–27 He longed to see you and was distressed that his sickness made the journey impossible, as you have heard. Yes, he was very sick, and we thought he might die. But God raised him up, showing kindness to him and me as well, lest I should add his death to my sorrows.
King James
Philippians 2:26–27 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
What kind of story might Paul have been eager for the Philippians to hear?
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Philippians 2:28 Therefore, I am especially eager for you to hear his story and rejoice with him. And knowing of your joy in Christ will lessen my pain.
King James
Philippians 2:28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
What behavior did Paul want, which would “honor” Epaphroditus as one who served the Lord?
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Philippians 2:29 Welcome him with gladness and honor him as one who serves the Lord.
King James
Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Is it possible to do too much for the Lord? Why?
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Philippians 2:30 His concern for the work of Christ above his own wellbeing brought him to the edge of death, for he wanted to satisfy my needs, which you couldn’t do, being so far away.
King James
Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.