Philippians (Bible Study)

Philippians 2

We'll begin our study by reading Philippians 2. Once you've said a prayer and finished reading, join me back here to continue our study.

Focus Verse

Philippians 2: 2(NKJV)

"Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." 

Breaking it Down

Verses 1-11

► In these verses, Paul stresses the importance of humility, selflessness, and unity among believers. 

► It is important for believers to be "like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind," (V. 2) and to be selfless, lowly of mind, and humble (V. 3, 5-8). 

► Humility is rewarded. Paul gives the example of Christ, who "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given him the name which is above every name" (V. 7-9). 

► Every tongue will confess the name of Jesus, and every knee will bow, to the glory of God the Father (V. 10-11). 

Verses 12-18

► Paul stresses to the Philippians that their obedience and working out of their own salvation is incredibly important to maintaining their faith. He continues, explaining why - "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (V. 13). 

► In Colossians 3, it is written: 

     V. 17. "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

     V. 23. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 

     V. 24. "Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ." 

► Paul reiterates the message from Colossians 3 in instructing the Philippians to "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (V. 14-15). 

Verses 19-24

► Paul tells the Philippians that he is sending Timothy so that he "may be encouraged when he know[s] [their] state" (V. 19). 

► Timothy was a great friend of Paul and a missionary partner. 

Verses 25-30

► Paul is also sending Epaphroditus, his "brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to [his] need" (V. 25). 

► He enlightens us to a personal, touching fact. The Philippians had been worried about Epaphroditus, believing him to be sick. This troubled Epaphroditus (we are told that he was "distressed because [they] had heard that he was sick" in verse 26). He certainly was sick, but in being made better through God's mercy (V. 27), he is on his way to visit with the Philippians to let them know that he is okay. This is a cause for rejoicing (V. 28). 

► We're also given a bit more insight into Epaphroditus' character. Paul says in the last verse that "for the work of Christ [Epaphroditus] came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in [the Philippians'] service toward me" (V. 30). 

Study Notes

► The key themes of this chapter surround unity, selflessness, humility, obedience, and honor to those who give their lives in service to God.