Answers for Philippians Chapter 1

About These Answers


DAY ONE
Questions and Answers


1. From the first two verses of this Chapter of Philippians, provide the following information.

  • Name the two messengers who sent the letter: The two messengers who sent the letter were Paul and Timothy
  • How they were described: They were described as bondservants of Jesus Christ
  • To whom the letter was sent: The letter was sent to all the saints in Jesus Christ together with the overseers or bishops and deacons
  • Where the recipients were located: The recipients were located in Philippi
  • Whom the messengers represented: The messengers represented God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

2. What do we learn about the city of Philippi from Acts 16:12-40 and 1 Thessalonians 2:2?

  • The city of Philippi was a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. (Acts 16:12)
  • Paul and Silas stayed there several days. (Acts 16:12)
  • There were both believers and non-believers in the city of Philippi (Acts 16:13-15 and Acts 16:16-22)
  • Despite the strong opposition Paul presented the Word of truth to the city with the help of God and many were saved. (1 Thessalonians 2:2 and Acts 16:13-15 and 16:29-34)


DAY TWO
Questions and Answers


1. From Philippians Chapter One, verses 3 through 11, what is Paul’s vision for the Philippians?

  • that he (God) who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (verse 6)
  • that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight or discernment, so that you may be able to approve what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God. (verses 9-11)

2. In verse 12 Paul states that his imprisonment has really served to advance the gospel. What are the two examples he cites for the Philippians in verses 13 and 14?

  • He witnessed to the whole palace guard and the prisoners
  • Most of the believers have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly

3. For what purpose was Paul in prison according to this first Chapter of Philippians?

For the defense of the gospel (verse 16)


DAY THREE
Questions and Answers


1. What life lesson do we see in verses 15 through 18 of Phippians Chapter One and how can we apply this lesson to our lives today?

That we should not be bothered by the petty personalities who preach Christ for selfish purposes such as the preachers on TV, but we should be content to know that God can turn their evil intentions into something good.

2. Why do you think Paul didn’t care about the motives of those who preached Christ?

The Bible doesn't tell us specifically why; but it's likely because Paul knew the Gospel is the power of God and not men. See Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 1:18, and II Timothy 1:8, which were all written by Paul.

3. How would you react if government officials came to your house tonight and arrested you for your faith in Christ Jesus? Would you be?

a) angry that I did no wrong;

b) afraid of what would come next;

c) worried about my family;

d) fearful for my life;

e) praying to God;

f) resolved to suffer;

g) joyful to suffer for Christ;

h) witnessing to those arresting me;

and/or i) other _________________

Only You Can Answer This Question




DAY FOUR
Questions and Answers


1. What is joy? Describe a time in your life when you had joy because of something God or a fellow believer did for you.

JOY - A positive attitude or pleasant emotion; delight.

Many kinds of joy are reported in the Bible. This makes it difficult to give a simple definition of joy. Even the wicked are said to experience joy in their triumphs over the righteous (1 Cor 13:6; Rev 11:10). Many levels of joy are also described, including gladness, contentment, and cheerfulness.

But the joy which the people of God should have is holy and pure. This joy rises above circumstances and focuses on the very character of God. In the Psalms, for example, the psalmist rejoices over God's righteousness (71:14-16), salvation (21:1; 71:23), mercy (31:7), creation (148:5), word (119:14,162), and faithfulness (33:1-6). God's characteristics as well as His acts are the cause of rejoicing.

The joy required of the righteous person (Ps 150; Phil 4:4) is produced by the Spirit of God (Gal 5:22). This kind of joy looks beyond the present to our future salvation (Rom 5:2; 8:18; 1 Peter 1:4,6) and to our sovereign God, who works out all things for our ultimate good, which is Christlikeness (Rom 8:28-30). This kind of joy is distinct from mere happiness. Joy like this is possible, even in the midst of sorrow (1 Cor 12:26; 2 Cor 6:10; 7:4). from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary

2. What are the three sources of, or reasons for joy in verses 4, 25 and 26 of this first chapter of Philippians?

  • Joy in prayer (vs 4)
  • Joy in faith (vs 25)
  • Joy in Christ Jesus (vs 26)

3. From the following verses below, what are some reasons for Christians to rejoice?

  • Matthew 5:12 - Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
  • Luke 10:20 - However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
  • John 16:22 - So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
  • Romans 5:2 - through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
  • Romans 5:3 - Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
  • Romans 5:11 - Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.


DAY FIVE
Questions and Answers


1. Explain in your own words what Paul means when he says in verse 21 of this first Chapter of Philippians – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

ONE MAN'S OPINION:

For Paul living was all about following and serving Jesus And dying is the ultimate destination where we will forever be with Jesus

2. From reading verses 20 through 26 in this first Chapter of Philippians, explain the following:

  • What benefit Paul would have in remaining on earth - -Fruitful labor for me (vs. 22)
  • What benefit Paul would have in dying - Being with Christ (vs. 23)
  • What benefit the Philippians would have in Paul remaining on earth - Their progress and joy in the faith to the point that their joy in Christ will overflow on account of Paul (vss. 25 and 26)

3. Should Christians fear death? Why or why not?

NO

Simple answer: Our life on earth can be full of suffering and pain and sin.

However, our life in heaven is bliss with no more sin, pain or suffering.


DAY SIX
Questions and Answers


1. What is the sign mentioned in verse 28 of this first Chapter of Philippians?

The sign stated in verse 28 to be a clear sign to opponents of Christ followers (verse 27) consists of three parts:

a) that Christ followers are standing firm in one spirit (verse 27)

b) that with one mind are striving side by side for the faith of the gospel (verse 27)  

c) that Christ followers are not frightened in anything by their opponents (verse 28)

Paul says that "this is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God." 

2. What do the following verses tell us about our attitudes towards suffering persecution for Christ?

  • Acts 5:41
  • Romans 5:3
  • Philippians 1:29
  • James 1:2
  • 1 Peter 4:13

That it should be a joyful occasion that you were allowed the priveledge to suffer for the sake of Christ