What insights about Philippi and the
Macedonian culture generally from the following Scriptures?
Acts 16:9-10, 35-39, 17:4-7; and 2 Thessalonians 2:2--
As he does in his other epistles (church letters) the Apostle Paul concludes
his salutation in the name of “the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:2b)
Given your insights about Macedonian (Roman) culture above, why is this
so significant? (By contrast Paul addresses his personal letters to Timothy
and Titus using the salutation in the name of “Christ Jesus our Lord” or
“our Savior.” (1 & 2 Timothy 1:2 and Titus 1:4)
The three recurring themes of Philippians: our partnership in the gospel,
our passionate confidence for the affects of the gospel and our purposeful
living out of the gospel provide the basis of our fight for joy.
How are
these themes developed in the following verses?
Partnership in the gospel: Philippians 1:5, 7, 30; 2:25; 4:10, 13, 15-18--
Passionate confidence for the affects of the gospel: Philippians 1:4, 18, 25;
2:2, 17-19; 28-29; 3:1; 4:1, 4-6, 10-13, 19--
Purposeful living out of the gospel: Philippians 1:6, 27; 2:1-4, 12-15; 3:7-
16; 3:20-21; 4:4-9, 13, 19--
Philippians is addressed to “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in
Philippi” (Philippians 1:1). “Saints” (Greek-- hagios) means “holy” or “set
apart” ones. How ought being called a “saint” (a holy one) influence your
behavior?
Two specific ways Paul and the Philippians partnered in the Gospel was
through prayer and financial generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). How is the
Holy Spirit leading you to greater partnership in the Gospel?
