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From your meditation, readings, and study, summarize the book of Philippians.

From your notes, list the references Paul shares on being likeminded, being of one mind…and the other references to the mind. Also, list any statements from Philippians on rejoicing.

We pray this study on Philippians is a blessing to your life and ministry in Christ Jesus. May you continue to grow in the knowledge and understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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How did Paul refer to the Philippians in Philippians 4:1? Who did Paul address (Philippians 4:2-3)? Who are those that labored with Paul? What did Paul say about each?

In what five things did Paul instruct the Philippians (Philippians 4:4-9)?

What three ways were the Philippians to let their requests be known unto God (Philippians 4:6)? Look up the word ‘supplication’ in Strong’s Concordance. What would they receive as a result (Philippians 4:7)?

What things were they to think on (Philippians 4:8)?

How will the peace of God be with the Philippians (Philippians 4:9)?

Describe Paul’s discussion on the Philippians’ care of him (Philippians 4:10). What was Paul’s ‘position’ on the matter (Philippians 4:11-19)?

How did the Philippians care for Paul (Philippians 4:14-16, 18)? Where did the Philippians care for Paul?

Did paul desire a gift? If not, what did he desire (Philippians 4:17)? Read Luke 6:43-45 as well.

Who will supply the needs of the Philippians (Philippians 4:19)?

Describe Paul’s closing salutations (Philippians 4:20-23).

Reflection

What themes existed concerning being likeminded, being of one mind…any references to the mind?

What does Paul say about rejoicing?

Summarize your reading.

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How does Paul begin to close his letter (Philippians 3:1)? What was safe for the Philippians?

Who was Paul warning the Philippians of (Philippians 3:2)?

What group were they (Paul and Philippians) a part of (Philippians 3:3)?

What were the Philippians not to have confidence in (Philippians 3:3)?

How could Paul have more confidence in the flesh than others (Philippians 3:4-6)?

Describe the contrast between the circumcision of Phillippians 3:3 and Paul’s description in Philippians 3:5. Look up the word ‘circumcision’ in a bible dictionary.

How did Paul count those things in the flesh (Philippians 3:7-11)? Why?

Did he already attain the resurrection of the dead? What did Paul seek to apprehend? How was Paul apprehended (Philippians 3:12)? Look up the word ‘apprehended’ in Strong’s Concordance.

What did Paul do as a result of Philippians 3:12 (Philippians 3:13-14)? What did Paul press toward? Who were to be thus minded (Philippians 3:15-16)? What would happen to those that did not think in that manner?

What did the Philippians already attain (Philippians 3:15-16)? What four things does Paul tell them to do in Philippians 3:16-17?

How do those that are as enemies of the cross live (Philippians 3:18-19)? How did Paul feel about these them (Philippians 3:18)?

Where were Paul’s and the Philippians’ conversation (Philippians 3:20)? What will the Lord Jesus Christ accomplish as they look for Him (Philippians 3:21)?

Reflection

What themes existed concerning being likeminded, being of one mind…any references to the mind?

What does Paul say about rejoicing?

Summarize your reading.

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Read Philippians 2:19-30.

Why was Paul sending Timothy (Philippians 2:19)? What did Paul say about Timothy (Philippians 2:20-23)? What did Paul say people seek (Philippians 2:21)?

What did Paul hope for himself (Philippians 2:24)?

Paul sent Epaphroditus? What did Paul say about him (Philippians 2:25-28)?

How were they to receive Epaphroditus? Why (Philippians 2:29-30)? What did Epaphroditus supply?

Reflection

What themes existed concerning being likeminded, being of one mind…any references to the mind?

What does Paul say about rejoicing?

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Read Philippians 2.

What four things led to Paul’s request of fulfilling his joy (Philippians 2:1)?

In what ways were the Philippians to fulfill his joy (Philippians 2:2)? How (Philippians 2:2-4)?

What mind were they to have (Philippians 2:5)? How did Paul describe the life (and mind) of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8)? How will God the Father be glorified (Philippians 2:9-11)?

What did Paul them to be obedient to (Philippians 2:12)? What did he call them in Philippians 2:12? Look up the word in Strong’s Concordance. How would God help them (Philippians 2:13)?

What did Paul tell the Philippians to do (Philippians 2:14)? Why (Philippians 2:15-16)? Why would Paul rejoice in the day of Christ (Philippians 2:16)?

What sacrifice would cause Paul to joy and rejoice with the Philippians (Philippians 2:17)? How do the Philippians joy and rejoice (Philippians 2:18)? Look up the words ‘offered,’ ‘sacrifice,’ and ‘service’ in Strong’s Concordance.

Reflection

In what ways could the Philippians have the mind of Christ?

What themes existed concerning being likeminded, being of one mind…any references to the mind?

What does Paul say about rejoicing?

Summarize your reading.

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Read Philippians 1.

Who did Paul write to (Philippians 1:1)?

Describe Paul’s greeting (Philippians 1:2-11). What did he thank God for? What confidence did he have? What things did Paul desire of the people?

What did Paul speak concerning his bonds (Philippians 1:12-20)? What were his bonds accomplishing? Where was the gospel being made manifest? Why were some people preaching Christ (Philippians 1:15-18)? Why did he rejoice? In what ways will the things that happen to him turn to his salvation (Philippians 1:19-20)?

Describe Paul’s talk on life and death (Philippians 1:20-26)? What did Paul desire? Why did he ‘choose’ not to follow his desire?

What two things did Paul instruct the people in Philippians 1:27-28? Why (Philippians 1:27-30)? What were they to share with Paul (Philippians 1:30)?

Reflection

What themes existed concerning being likeminded, being of one mind…any references to the mind?

What does Paul say about rejoicing?

Summarize your reading.

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Please access a bible atlas for the city of Philippi.

Please read through (and meditate on) Philippians (multiple times). The purpose of this reading is not to focus on specific points or even familiar scriptures (i.e. Philippians 1:6, 3:13-14, 4:8, 4:12-13). The focus is understanding the letter to the Philippians as one unit; one letter that shares a number of issues – some lining under a common theme and others that address other specific situations.

After each reading/hearing, consider the love and joy Paul expresses toward the people and his words of instruction. What is his desire within the letter for the Philippians? What were his desires? What words (or themes) continue to resurface within his letter?

Thoughts on mediation:

Dictionary.com references meditation as continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation. Meditation is not a quick look or read through the passages of scripture. It is a slow, purposed, and intentional view into what is said, who said it, how it applies to its (original) readers, and remembering its truth for practical use. Within the life of a disciple of Jesus, meditation is an important principle as it allows for greater understanding, memorization, and great success in Him.

Study Aids

To assist you within this study, we use a number of bible dictionaries, concordances, and other references. For an explanation of some of the FREE resources we use and how to use them effectively, please see the following link.

The King James Bible is used throughout this study.

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The referenced material below is from Easton’s Bible Dictionary (Matthew George Easton, M.A., D.D. (1823-1894)). Published in 1897, it is now a public domain resource and is no longer under copyright.

Philippians, Epistle To:

was written by Paul during the two years when he was “in bonds” in Rome (Philippians 1:7-13), probably early in the year A.D. 62 or in the end of 61.

The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus, their messenger, with contributions to meet the necessities of the apostle; and on his return Paul sent back with him this letter. With this precious communication Epaphroditus sets out on his homeward journey. “The joy caused by his return, and the effect of this wonderful letter when first read in the church of Philippi, are hidden from us. And we may almost say that with this letter the church itself passes from our view. To-day, in silent meadows, quiet cattle browse among the ruins which mark the site of what was once the flourishing Roman colony of Philippi, the home of the most attractive church of the apostolic age. But the name and fame and spiritual influence of that church will never pass. To myriads of men and women in every age and nation the letter written in a dungeon at Rome, and carried along the Egnatian Way by an obscure Christian messenger, has been a light divine and a cheerful guide along the most rugged paths of life” (Professor Beet).

The church at Philippi was the first-fruits of European Christianity. Their attachment to the apostle was very fervent, and so also was his affection for them. They alone of all the churches helped him by their contributions, which he gratefully acknowledges (Acts 20:33-35; 2 Corinthians 11:7-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). The pecuniary liberality of the Philippians comes out very conspicuously (Philippians 4:15). “This was a characteristic of the Macedonian missions, as 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 amply and beautifully prove. It is remarkable that the Macedonian converts were, as a class, very poor (2 Corinthians 8:2); and the parallel facts, their poverty and their open-handed support of the great missionary and his work, are deeply harmonious. At the present day the missionary liberality of poor Christians is, in proportion, really greater than that of the rich” (Moule’s Philippians, Introd.).

The contents of this epistle give an interesting insight into the condition of the church at Rome at the time it was written. Paul’s imprisonment, we are informed, was no hindrance to his preaching the gospel, but rather “turned out to the furtherance of the gospel.” The gospel spread very extensively among the Roman soldiers, with whom he was in constant contact, and the Christians grew into a “vast multitude.” It is plain that Christianity was at this time making rapid advancement in Rome.

The doctrinal statements of this epistle bear a close relation to those of the Epistle to the Romans. Compare also Philippians 3:20 with Ephesians 2:12, 19, where the church is presented under the idea of a city or commonwealth for the first time in Paul’s writings. The personal glory of Christ is also set forth in almost parallel forms of expression in Philippians 2:5-11, compared with (Ephesians 1:17-23; 2:8; and Colossians 1:15-20). “This exposition of the grace and wonder of His personal majesty, personal self-abasement, and personal exaltation after it,” found in these epistles, “is, in a great measure, a new development in the revelations given through St. Paul” (Moule). Other minuter analogies in forms of expression and of thought are also found in these epistles of the Captivity.

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In our devotional study on the book of Philippians, we take a look at the letter written to the people of Philippi during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. This letter carries a special emphasis to be likeminded. Please join us in discovering the mind Paul encouraged the people to have.

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