Bible Study: Philippians 1:27-2:18

Lesson 1 -- 1:1-26 -- Put the Gospel First

Philippians 1:27-2:18 -- Let the Gospel Shape Your Life

We interpret letters contextually, by looking at them paragraph-by-paragraph. Usually, as we are used to, a paragraph begins with a leading thought and then the rest of the paragraph expands on that thought. Each paragraph typically builds on what comes before. In this lesson, we'll see a lot of overlap with the rest of chapter 1.

We are called not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him (1:27-30)

• Christian conduct is a natural outflow of putting the gospel first because that outlook overcomes whatever obstacles may be in front of us ("whatever happens")
• This is an encouragement to live up to the calling we are called to in the gospel (the exhortations to put the gospel first in chapter 1)
• The goal is to stand firm in the Spirit and strive together for the gospel without being afraid of the opposition (cf. 1:14; continue living this way!)
• The opposition will be real, and they will have to suffer, like Christ (cf. 2:5-8), while being obedient and advancing the gospel
• Notice that the call to suffer has been "granted" to the believers! Suffering for Christ is a honorable thing
• Salvation has been gained by Jesus' suffering on our behalf; our discipleship is demonstrated by our suffering on his behalf (Carson)

We are called to not only experience the gospel but also to live it out (2:1-11)

• If you have experienced these things in the gospel, then you must live out the implications of this experience; if we have experienced these things from others, we must share them with others in turn (not takers only, but also givers)
• This also includes what it means to live in a manner worthy of the gospel
• This includes more practical implications for how to live a self-denying life for others (2:3-4; cf. 1:18b-26)
• We are called to have the attitude of Christ in our relationships with others (2:5ff; cf. 2:3-4)
• Christ's self-denial, humility, and obedience are the examples for us, leading up to the exaltation, which is the goal for us--the promise of eternal life that makes sense of suffering for Christ

We are called to not only begin the life of faith but also to finish it (2:12-18)

• Christianity is not something that happens one time (baptism) and then we sit back and wait for the reward (cf. connection between 2:9-11 and the obedience mandated)
• Obedience is expected, but our obedience combines with God's work within us to accomplish his purpose (2:12-13)
• Keep that purpose firmly in view, so that how you live, and your steadfastness to the end, will mean something and might even be convicting (2:14-16)
• Living in this way is another way that we live a life worthy of the gospel (cf. 2:16); the perseverance of obedience is characterized by contentment (14-15); by the validation of the work of mature Christian leaders (16); and by the recognition of that work of discipleship that mature Christian leaders have poured into you, and that you begin to pour into others (17-18; Paul's sacrifice is his work among them, and as they grow spiritually they reflect the character of his work among them)