Philippians 4:10-23

Day One Study

1. Read Philippians 4:10-23. Slowly re-read Philippians 4:10-13. What caused Paul to rejoice?

2. Describe the overall tone of this passage.

3. In verse 12 Paul uses several pairs of opposites to describe what he has learned. List the pairs here.

Scriptural Insight: Paul makes an interesting comment in verse 12 about living in prosperity. How can he say this? Paul knew firsthand about wealth and privileges that come with being a prominent Pharisee in the Jewish community and also of being a Roman citizen (Acts 22:3-5; 25-29; 26:4-5).

4. What secret had Paul learned and how had he learned it?

Focus on the Meaning: The word content in Greek means “self-sufficient” and independent of others. Paul used this term to indicate his independence of everything but Christ, since Christ was the sole source of Paul’s life (Philippians 1:21; 4:13). This contrasted with the Stoic philosophy (of the day) that used the word “content” to describe a person who impassively accepted whatever came. A Stoic view fostered self-sufficiency to the point that all the resources for coping with life came from within oneself. Paul explained that his sufficiency was in Christ alone, who provides strength to cope with all circumstances. (Life Application Commentary, Philippians, p. 121)

5. What do Paul’s words teach you about contentment?

6. The Greek term for “learned” is used only here in the New Testament. It was an expression used to describe an initiation by experience. What kind of experiences had Paul had? Read the following passages and record your findings.

·         1 Corinthians 4:11-13—

·         2 Corinthians 11:23-29—

7. How could Paul, a prisoner and one who had experienced so many difficulties, possibly be content? See the following passages for hints.

·         2 Corinthians 4:7-10—

·         2 Corinthians 4:16-18—

·         2 Corinthians 12:8-10—

8. Your Joy Journey: In what circumstances do you struggle with being content? Why do you suppose it is such a struggle?

9. Read Habakkuk 3:17-18. What decision did Habakkuk make?

10. Your Joy Journey: What decisions can you make now so that you are prepared to endure those times of struggle?

Day Two Study

11. Read Philippians 4:10-23. Re-read vv.14-19. What do we learn about the Philippian church, and what characteristics do its members demonstrate in this passage?

Scriptural Insight: Paul didn’t always accept aid. In 1 Corinthians 9:11-19 Paul wrote that he had not accepted money from the Corinthian church in order to avoid being accused of preaching only to get money (preaching for the wrong reasons). In fact, while he was in Corinth, the Philippian believers helped him (2 Corinthians 11:9). He accepted their offering because they gave it willingly in order to help Paul.

12. In Philippians 4:17 Paul writes that he is not looking for more “gifts” from the Philippians. Instead he likens their gifts to investments credited to an account. What does he mean by this metaphor? See the following verses for help with your answer.

·         Matthew 6:19-21—

·         Hebrews 6:10—

·         Revelation 22:12—

13. Paul calls their gifts a “sacrifice…to God” (verse 18). In what sense was their gift an offering to God? (See also Hosea 6:6, Hebrews 13:15-16, Ephesians 5:2 for hints.)             

Scriptural Insight: The priest in the Old Testament went into the holy place to put incense on the altar and it ascended with a sweet smell. A Christian in his giving is like a priest making an offering to God. (See Leviticus 7:12-15.) (J. Vernon McGee, Through the Bible Commentary, Philippians, p. 105)

14. The Philippian church was not wealthy (see 2 Corinthians 8:1-4), though they gave with a heart of generosity. What does Paul tell them in Philippians 4:19?

Think About It: All of nature depends on hidden resources. The great trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. Rivers have their sources in the snow-capped mountains. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God sees. Unless we draw upon the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life. “I can through Christ!” was Paul’s motto, and it can be our motto, too. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Joyful, p. 137)

15. What is the connection between the first part of today’s passage on contentment with the last part regarding giving?

16. Your Joy Journey: From your study of this passage and the entire letter to the Philippians:

·         What interferes with your believing that God will meet all of your needs? (List them here and replace them!)

·         What helps you believe that God will meet all of your needs? (List them here and refer to them when you need help!)

Picture this. Enemy soldiers surround the city. The young king and his officials inside the city walls stubbornly refuse to leave, saying, “We won’t lose. We won’t give up our special city.” One voice, however, kept giving them the real news. “You won’t win. God has given this city to Nebuchadnezzar. The people will die of starvation and disease. The city will be burned. Your family will be destroyed unless you surrender.” The king is Zedekiah; the lone voice is God’s prophet, Jeremiah. The rest of the story is in Jeremiah 38:14-28. Zedekiah’s response was not to accept God’s mercy and grace through obeying Him, doing it His way. Instead, Zedekiah chose to protect himself and listen to his peers, to ignore the conflict and hope it goes away. It didn’t. Zedekiah’s entire family was killed; he was blinded and held in chains.

Conflict Is Normal

Conflict. The word has a distasteful overtone. But, because we are human and sin still dwells within us, because we still live in this fallen world, conflict is an everyday part of life. Having or not having conflict isn’t the issue. For believers, it’s what we do when we are faced with conflict. That’s the issue.

Having enemies surrounding your city wall is outside pressure. In the scriptures, Paul referred to those outside pressures that affect us individually and our church—persecutions, enemies, false teachers, and the Roman authorities. He addressed those pressures. Stand firm in one spirit. Do not be afraid. But, those outside pressures often cause friction to develop within. You know that pressure on your husband from his job will affect your relationship as a couple. Soon you have your own interpersonal conflict. That’s what appears to be going on in Philippi.

In our previous study of Philippians 2:1-11, we saw Jesus, fully God and fully man, as the ultimate servant and our example for service. We are to serve Jesus through serving one another as He did. I shared with you four aspects of being a joyful servant:

·         Thinking of others before yourself.

·         Serving wholeheartedly.

·         Sacrificing willingly without whining.

·         Glorifying God as walking, talking visible representatives of the invisible God.

We serve Jesus together, and we serve one another individually. Part of Serving Jesus through serving one another is resolving interpersonal conflict within the Body. Conflict wounds His body and minimizes the effectiveness of the church to advance the gospel. It’s hard to preach Christ and make disciples when we are spending emotional energy on internal conflict. Right? Interpersonal conflict can take many forms from simple behavior clashes (two women who just don’t blend well together) to open defiance of one another. Regardless of the form, a conflict presents opportunity for growth. In fact, some people don’t pay attention to their needs for growth in an area of their lives until conflict occurs.

Resolving Interpersonal Conflict God’s Way

In today’s passage, Philippians 4:3-4, we don’t know anything about these women. Perhaps they were two of the women at the river who first received the gospel from Paul. Maybe they were deaconesses in the church. It is sad that these two women have become the brunt of jokes. Paul calls them fellow workers for the gospel. They weren’t bimbos. They weren’t insignificant troublemakers. They were laborers in the spread of the gospel at Philippi. These were probably mature women, well known by the recipients of the letter. For our purposes today, we will call them Elizabeth and Cindy.

We don’t know what their conflict was. One commentator said, “It may have been accidental friction between two energetic Christian women.” Perhaps they took turns having the church at each other’s home. Elizabeth may have criticized what Cindy did when she hosted everybody. Not enough food. The chairs were too close together. Perhaps Cindy dared to discipline Elizabeth’s child. That’s all it takes. Whatever happened affected the unity of the congregation. It was brought to Paul’s attention. This was a wound in the Philippians body. Apparently ineffective means had been used to stop the bleeding. Paul speaks directly to this situation in his letter, and from his wise advice, we can draw three principles regarding conflict resolution.

The Principles

Principle #1: “In the Lord”

The church is a living organism, not an organization. An organism made of individual parts. Just as our human bodies respond immediately to repair a wound whether minor or major, so should the body of Christ. Suppose you cut your finger. What happens? The body does whatever it takes to enable the healing process to take place. The closest cells start working to clot the blood, close the wound with a scab, and fight invading germs. It is the responsibility of those cells closest to the wound to get there first and stop the bleeding. Then, others step in to help repair the damage and make the body stronger. So also within the body of Christ. The cells within our physical body know what to do. The members of Christ’s body don’t always know what to do. But, the Word gives us direction and guidance so that we can be obedient.

I don’t seek opportunities to resolve conflicts. Most of the time, my response is to ignore the seeds of conflict, hoping that by ignoring it, the tension will be smoothed over and just go away. I want everyone to be part of a team and to get along as a team. Another excuse of mine: I don’t think quickly on my feet. So, how can the Lord use me to manage any kind of crisis between two people when I can’t think straight? Actually, He doesn’t want me to manage it at all. He wants me to allow Him to do His work through me. I have to be weak so He can be strong through me. He wants my obedience. The cells in the elbow have to be just as ready to repair a wound as the cells in the finger or the heart. Ready to function as designed, dependent on the lifeblood to bring the ingredients necessary to heal the wound. The purpose of the action is to promote healing.

Principle #2: Agree with each other (or, live in harmony).

This is one-on-one. As soon as you recognize that you are in a conflict with a sister, then you are responsible to do something. Agree to work on it. That’s Obedience. Give up your rights to be right. That’s humility. The reason is for the good of the relationship and for the church family. This is another aspect of serving one another as Jesus did.

Speaking of Jesus, what did He teach about this?

·         Matthew 5:23-24—You know your sister has something against you; you have offended her, go to her and be reconciled to her.

·         Matthew 18:15-17—Your sister has offended you, go to her alone, tell her what she has done. If she listens, you will be reconciled.

Paul gives us more info on how to be reconciled.

·         Ephesians 4:15-16—speak truth in love for the building up and growing of the body, out of love for her and the Body. That’s your motivation.

·         Ephesians 4:32—heart attitude

Did you notice Jesus’ emphasis on confidentiality and trust? First, go alone. Go directly to the person with whom you are in conflict. Then, go to just a few carefully selected individuals, and then the one in authority over that person. Notice, Jesus did not say to talk about it to anyone who’ll listen. Sometimes you can seek counsel from a trusted friend on how to proceed. However, it’s easy to cross the line to complaining and gossiping. I call it sharing sensitive information in inappropriate settings. It’s sensitive because anything negative said about a person or a ministry plants seeds of doubt in the other woman’s mind about that person or the ministry as a whole. That is not beneficial to the body. Someone always gets hurt. It’s an inappropriate setting when that person you are telling has no oversight or authority to do something about the situation.

For a ministry, go to the person involved in the decision-making process for that ministry. Chances are she is fully aware of the challenge. Your solution may have already been tried. Or, the timing isn’t right yet. Whatever, the hardest part is leaving it there. Isn’t it? Trust. That’s what is involved in being humble. Serving Jesus through serving one another in love, not hurting anyone or the Body as a whole.

Principle #3: Help them— Intervention.

Paul urges others around the two women to help them come together. That is our responsibility. Why? A body works to repair itself so it can function effectively. What do you do when two of your friends are bickering with each other? For our purposes, let’s talk about two stages of conflict: 1) Developing and 2) Situational.

Developing means that over a period of time, the relationship between two women is gradually creating more friction. Their friends may recognize clues that this is happening, and someone who cares speaks the truth in love to both parties in hopes of heading off an explosion perhaps by way of a phone call or a chat over lunch. Ideally, this is the most fruitful stage to help two women become reconciled. It’s like a paper cut that hurts but heals quickly.

Ignoring those opportunities usually brings about an emotional crisis situation. That’s called a situational conflict. What has built up is now brought to a head by a wrong word, look, or a sudden change of plans. A crisis exists. Something has to be done to help them immediately. Women in crisis conflict have suddenly lost perspective; they feel like they have been turned upside down. That’s why it presents a tremendous opportunity for personal growth. But, they need an unbiased third party who loves them enough to intercede and help them talk it out. This is called Crisis Intervention.

Okay, when do you intervene?

·         When the two women have not been able to resolve their differences on their own. Jesus said, “You are responsible to go to the one who offended you or the one you offended and be reconciled to her.” If that hasn’t been tried, suggest it. If it has been tried but hasn’t worked, then outside help is needed.

·         When the conflict endangers the safety or welfare of the body of Christ. You can give them perspective and help them to focus on the greater good. That’s what Paul did.

·         When there is an emotional explosion, help immediately.

What Are the A-B-Cs of Conflict Resolution?

A = Achieve Trusting Contact with each Conflicting Party.

In other words, get their attention. Ideally, this should be separately with each one. First talk to the one most agitated then to the calmest. Don’t let them vent on each other or on you. You are the unbiased party. How do you achieve trusting contact? Through a setting that is private and undisturbed where confidentiality can be preserved. Be relaxed and genuinely kind and concerned. Listen carefully but objectively by asking questions such as “What happened?” Collect the facts. Let the pauses come. It’s not your time to talk. Listen carefully.

B = Boil Down What the Presenting Problems Are (Simplify the Issue).

To do this, use reflective listening skills. Concentrate on responding and focusing. Responding is to feed back her own words but in the form of clarifying questions such as “Are you telling me…?”, “Did I hear you say…?”, “What I am hearing you say is…?” This guarantees to the person that you understand. Focusing means to help the women make conclusions as to the real presenting problems that they face. Collect the facts related to the crisis only. Not every problem she has experienced over the past year. Separate the issues. What actually caused the conflict—THIS TIME. Key on one or two actual things that are causing the immediate conflict.

C = Cope Actively (Make A Way Out, A Plan).

Help by providing a way out of the conflict. Establish goals that are possible, measurable, and short-term. Tactfully suggest some non-threatening options:

·         What do you want to see happen?

·         What can I do to help you out?

·         How would you see the plan carried out? “What will you do? How will you do it? By when will you do this?”

·         How are we going to evaluate this later on? Be willing to follow-up and ask, “How is it working?” “What do you need to change in the plan if anything?”

You might have them pray for each other’s needs. Perhaps arrange short, periodic meetings between them for sharing. If they are co-workers, develop clear job descriptions so that each will know what she is to do and not do. Talk about how to warn each other about possible conflict in a non-explosive way.

Conclusion

We are one in the Lord who has one Body. Any cut, tear, or break causes the Body pain and negatively affects the advance of the gospel. We are Christ’s, not the world’s. We are to behave differently because we think differently about one another. We are to be obedient. Not like Zedekiah who could have saved his family and the city had he obeyed. God’s ways are not our ways. They are tons better.

Think About It: Oh, beloved, pray! Pray that you may not be the cause of any disruptions in your church, that you may not be a part of hindering the work of the church for the cause of Christ! And pray to follow in Paul’s wise footsteps if you must ever be a part of helping to solve a dispute between others. (Elizabeth George, Experiencing God’s Peace, page 111)

Philippians 3:12-21

Day One Study

1. Read Philippians 3:12-21. The Greek word “perfect” in verse 12 implies a “state of completion, no more development needed.” In these verses, Paul makes two admissions that he has not attained perfection. What have we already learned about this in Philippians 1:6 and 2:13?

2. For what purpose did Christ “take or lay hold” of Paul?

3. What was Paul’s response to God’s call, even though he knew he was imperfect? Refer also to Romans 7:15-8:2.

4. Look at Philippians 3:13-14. What “one thing” did Paul say is his goal? See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 as well.

5. Forgetting in this context does not mean losing all memory of his sinful past but leaving it behind him as done with and settled. What did Paul need to “forget”?

6. Your Joy Journey: What do you need to “forget”?

Think About It: “But one thing I do…”How would you finish this statement, dear friend? The famous preacher D. L. Moody wrote these words from a scholar named Gannett in the margin of his Bible beside Philippians 3:13: “Men may be divided into two classes—those who have a ‘one thing’ and those who have no ‘one thing’ to do; those with aim, and those without aim in their lives… The aim in life is what the backbone is to the body: without it we are invertebrate.” How frightening it would be to be “invertebrate”—to be spineless, weak, and weak-willed—especially in the Christian life! But thanks be to God for these cherished-yet-instructive verses about the process whereby you and I may know and accomplish our “one thing”—attaining the great prize of the Christian race. (Elizabeth George, Experiencing God’s Peace, p. 95)

Day Two Study

7. Read Philippians 3:12-21. In Philippians 3:15, Paul uses another Greek form of the word “perfect” meaning: relative development, maturity. What do you think are some of the characteristics of a maturing Christian? (See also Hebrews 5:13-14.)

8. What part do you think perseverance plays in Christian maturity? (See also Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4.)

9. How would you advise another believer to press on to Christian maturity?

10. Your Joy Journey: Do you think you are following your own advice? Explain.

11. Paul says in Philippians 3:17 to follow his example as he follows Christ. From the following verses, what are the advantages to those who pattern their lives after wise counselors and persevering believers?

·         Proverbs 19:20—

·         John 13:13-17—

12. Your Joy Journey: Now consider taking the challenge to be one who models Christlikeness to others. What would Christlikeness uniquely look like in you?

13. Your Joy Journey: Have you discovered an area of passionate interest in God’s service yet? Explain your answer.

14. Read and re-read Philippians 3:20-21. Don’t miss a thing!! Summarize these verses in your own words.

15. Your Joy Journey: Paul can rejoice in all things, see death as gain, press on to maturity, and stand firm because of the truth of these two verses. How do these verses motivate you to persevere and mature (and even have joy) in your walk with Christ?

Philippians 2:19-30

Day One Study

1. Read Philippians 2:19-30. Describe Paul’s relationship with the following two men:

·         Timothy (See also Acts 16:1-3; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2-5; and 1 Corinthians 4:17.)

·         Epaphroditus

2. Re-read Philippians 2:1-8. How did Timothy and Epaphroditus exhibit the attitude and mind of Christ?

3. According to Philippians 2:21, what concerns Paul about Christian believers?

4. Why do you think this is so?

5. Your Joy Journey: Do you think your schedule and concerns tend to crowd out your Christian interest in and service to others? Explain your answer. What steps do you think you can take to remain focused on the interests of Jesus Christ?

Day Two Study

6. Read Philippians 2:19-30. Looking specifically at vv. 25-30, list Paul’s reasons for sending Epaphroditus back to the Philippians.

7. According to verse 29, what kind of people should the church honor?

Scriptural Insight: Paul admonishes the church to honor him [Epaphroditus] because of his sacrifice and service. Christ gets the glory, but there is nothing wrong with the servant receiving honor. (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.) There is no contradiction between Philippians 2:7 (“made Himself of no reputation”) and 2:29 (“hold such in reputation”). Epaphroditus was a blessing to Paul and to his own church, and he is also a blessing to us today! He proves to us that the joyful life is the life of sacrifice and service…He and Timothy together encourage us to submit ourselves to the Lord, and to one another, in the Spirit of Christ. Christ is the Pattern we follow. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Joyful, p. 87)

8. How does this compare to the kind of people the world honors?

9. Your Joy Journey: Do you personally know someone who, according to Paul’s standards, is worthy of honor? Share with your group, and spend some time praying for these servants of God.

10. Philippians 2:19-30 gives us insight into mentoring. In Paul’s case, his mentoring of younger, less experienced men resulted in the blessing of sharing the workload of ministry and growing closer to the Lord together. Using any sources available to you, define the word “mentor.”

11. Describe how Paul was mentoring Timothy and/or Epaphroditus.

12. Your Joy Journey: Answer the following questions about mentoring. Also, read “Tips for Mentoring as Jesus Did” that follows for more application to this lesson.

·         Do you have a spiritual mentor in your life right now? Or, have you had in the past? Describe the impact this person has had on your life.

·         Are you currently mentoring anyone in the spiritual sense? Describe what this “mentoring” looks like?

Tips for Mentoring as Jesus Did

Adapted from Becoming A Woman of Influence by Carol Kent

What would happen if you decided to influence lives on purpose? (The challenge is to become) more intentional about how we influence others, not because we have to, but because we want to. Not because it is our Christian obligation, but because it brings great meaning and joy to our lives. Not because of duty, but because of love. Let’s be like Jesus. Let’s be women of conviction and passion. Let’s intentionally influence other women because it is a high calling and a part of our predesigned purpose.

Elisabeth Elliot said, “If we demand perfect role models, we will have, except for the Son of Man Himself, none at all.” We need to give up our perfectionist expectations – we will never be a perfect reflection of Jesus Christ. The truth is, when we follow Christ’s example, we will admit our failures, talk through the growth they produced in our lives, and keep pointing people to Jesus. Understanding who Jesus was and how He influenced others during His lifetime can help us learn how we, too, can influence other people on purpose. Jesus’ life gives us an example of how to live. His principles for influencing lives are timeless and, more than that, they are available for us to use today.

Accentuate your strengths and minimize your liabilities. Impacting lives as Jesus did doesn’t require perfection. It requires the availability of a more spiritually mature woman who is willing to walk beside a younger woman and be a friend. Too many women feel they can’t be a positive influence if they have not “arrived” spiritually. But the best mentor is one who admits failure and allows a younger woman to watch her deal with the effects of failure (or sin) and learn from the process. The only perfect mentor who ever lived was Jesus. If you are waiting for that level of perfection before you make yourself available, it won’t happen. Be “on purpose” Christian women who realize every encounter we have has the potential of becoming an impact moment for the person who crosses our path today.

If we want to impact lives as Jesus did, we will give people opportunities to grow, and then encourage them if they fail. It means taking the time to pray with them, train them, and encourage them. Sometimes it means watching them fail the first time they try a new task…Let’s not let fear hold us back. Let’s be more like Jesus. Let’s see people as He saw them – people with great potential.