Page 75 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Paul had few reasons for writing this book, some of which are: to provide information concerning his
circumstances (1:12-26), encourage them to live in humility and stay in unity as a church (2:1-11; 4:2-5),
thank the Philippians for the financial gift (4:10-18), and to inform them concerning the return of
Epaphroditus (2:25, 26).

Structure

Paul opens Philippians like many of his other letters—with a greeting
(1:1–2), a thanksgiving (1:3–8), and a prayer (1:9–11). Then he reports
about his circumstances (1:12–26), telling the believers not to worry
about him. Even though he is in prison, he sees it as an opportunity to
give thanks. In the next major section (1:27–2:30), Paul instructs the
Philippians to remain united and humble. In a short hymn-like section,
Paul praises the humility shown by Jesus (2:5–11). Timothy and
Epaphroditus also reflect humble service to the gospel (2:19–30). 108

In the next section (3:1–21), Paul warns against false teachers who apparently were telling the believers
to seek righteousness through Jewish practices, like circumcision. Paul tells the Philippians that he went
this route in his earlier days, and he knows it doesn’t work—it actually hindered him from knowing
Christ. The closing section begins by addressing a specific situation: Two women in the church seem to
be feuding, and Paul wants them to reconcile (4:1–3). He urges the Philippians to rejoice in faith (4:4–9),
and he thanks them for their generous gifts (4:10–20). The letter ends with a final greeting and
benediction (4:21–23). 109

Outline
• Introduction and Paul’s report (1:1–26)
• Call to unity (1:27–2:30)
• Warnings against false teachers (3:1–21)
• Further instructions and thanksgiving (4:1–23) 110

How does Philippians impact our lives?
Philippians 1:1 – 29 – Though it seems clear that Paul’s main purpose of this chapter is to give thanks to
the Church in Philippi, he touches on a number of different important doctrines along the way. Some of
those being: sanctification (v.6), preaching of the gospel (12-18), the purpose of life and benefit of death
(19-26), and living a life worthy of the gospel (27-30). The most challenging was V.29. Living in this
generation in which most of the sermons heard seem to suggest that when you are in Christ everything
becomes easy. We highly needed V.29 to prepare us for the realistic challenges in Christianity.

When have you experienced a sense of sharing in the ministry of the gospel (Phil 1:5, 7, 27)? Have you
ever witnessed the gospel advancing in the middle of failure or hardship (Phil 1:12)?
How do you connect with Christ’s work in the world? What obstacles do you encounter as you strive for
the gospel (Phil 1:27)? If you’ve never been involved in spreading the gospel, what steps might you take
to change that? What challenges would you likely face?

108 Barry, J. D., et all
109 Ibid
110 Ibid
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