1. Approve What Is Excellent (Philippians 1:1-11)-- Inductive Bible Study Questions

Disciple Lessons from Philippians, Paul's Letter to the Church at Philippi

1. Approve What Is Excellent (Philippians 1:1-11)
Inductive Bible Study Questions

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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Level 1: What Does the Text Say

1.1 What do you learn about Paul from vss. 1-11? Read between the lines a bit here. For example, Paul prays often for the Philippians. What else?

1.2 What do you learn about the Philippian church members from vss. 1-11? (Hint: read between the lines.) (If you can�t get started this fast, skip , and get started with �s questions. I got the questions out late. Please forgive.)

Level 2: What Does the Text Mean?

2.1 Why are the Philippian church members called "saints" (1:1). Were they all perfect? Were they all holy?

2.2 Paul speaks of a "partnership in the gospel" (vs. 5; KJV "fellowship," Greek koinonia - "association, communion, fellowship, close relationship"). In what ways do you think the Philippians acted out this partnership while Paul was on his missionary journeys? (see 4:10, 15). What are the benefits which "partners" receive? (see 1:7b)

2.3 What confidence does vs. 1:6 inspire in us? Let's stick to the text, and not expound doctrines here.

2.4 What words or phrases in vss. 1-11 indicate the mutual affection between Paul and the Philippian believers?

2.5 If you were to divide Paul's prayer for the Philippians (9-11) into four parts, what would those parts be?

2.6 How are "knowledge and depth of insight" (KJV "knowledge and in all judgment") important to love? (vs. 9)

2.8 How is the ability "to discern what is best" (KJV "approve things that are excellent") vital to Christian growth? (vs. 10) What happens when one fails to discern what is best?

2.9 How is discernment related to purity (KJV "sincere")? (vs. 10) Gk. eilikrines - "unmixed," then "pure" in a moral sense. "sincere". (BDB 222d)

Level 3: What Does the Text Mean to Me?

3.1 In what ways in your life do you act out your "partnership" in the gospel? How can you improve in this?

3.2 In which areas do you need better discernment of what is "best" or "excellent," from what is merely "good"?

Disciple Lessons from Philippians

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