Book 50 The Book Of Philippians
Who wrote the book of Philippians: Paul When was it written: 61 A.D.
The focus of Philippians is joy. Over and over again Paul tells readers to find joy in the LORD rather than to search for it in worldly places and pleasures. Paul also cautions us against being prideful, independent, and self-seeking.
Philippians is also known as one of Paul’s prison letters; meaning he wrote it to the church in Philippi while he was in prison in Rome. He wrote the letter as a way of saying thank you for the encouragement and gifts he had received from them.
Bible study guide for Book of Philippians
In the first chapter of the book of Philippians Paul praises his Christian brothers and sisters in Philippi for their faithfulness to God, and their expressions of brotherly love toward him.
Additionally, he shares his joy in the fact that “…most of the brothers in the LORD have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly….” because he (Paul) is in prison. The implication is that his fellow evangelists aren’t going to let Paul’s imprisonment be for nothing.
Intertwined with and following these comments, Paul gets down to the business of encouraging these faithful followers of Christ.
Christian living lessons from Philippians
What We Learn From The Book Of Philippians
We are to continually grow in wisdom and knowledge of God’s Word. (1:9)
Our knowledge of God’s Word should be used to discern what God’s will for our life is, the difference between truth and lies, and right from wrong. (1:10)
We should never be ashamed of our faith. (1:20)
We are to conduct ourselves as representatives of Jesus Christ at all times and in all situations because that is exactly what we are. (1:27)
We are to be united with our brothers and sisters in Christ because of our mutual love for him. (2:1-2)
We are to consider others better than ourselves; meaning we should possess the qualities of humility and selflessness. We should also resist the temptation to be self-serving by looking for ways to serve and help others who are in need. (2:3-4)
We learn that equality with God is not possible. (2:6)
We are reminded that Jesus humbled himself to humans out of obedience to God in order to save us from our sins through his death on the cross. (2:7-8)
We are told that because of Jesus’ obedience to the Father, God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place—that someday every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD. (2:9-11)
The verse that tells us we are to “…work out our salvation with fear and trembling….” does not mean our salvation is based on works, but rather that our faith spurs us into action to do God’s will for our life. (2:12-13)
We are to do everything without complaining or arguing. (2:14)
We need close brothers and sisters in Christ that we can depend on to encourage us, hold us accountable, and serve side by side with. (2:19-30)
Rejoice in the LORD! (3:1)
We are to watch out for evil men and false teachers. (3:2)
Nothing we can accomplish or attain here on earth is nothing compared to the reward of heaven. (3:7-8)
We are to persevere and not give up on God and in serving him. (3:12)
Those who live contrary to God’s commands will suffer a destiny of destruction and suffering in hell. (3:18-19)
Philippians verses about contentment and faith
Rejoice in the LORD always! (4:4)
Be gentle. (4:5)
We don’t have to be anxious or worry about anything as long as we give it over to God in prayer. Why? Because when we do that we have the promise that God will guard our hearts and minds with unspeakable peace. (4:6-7)
We are to fix our thoughts on anything that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and/or praiseworthy. (4:5)
The secret to contentment is knowing that no matter what God is on our side and that we can do any and all things through him. (4:11-13)
God will meet and exceed all our needs with his glorious riches. (4:19)