3. For Me to Live Is Christ (Philippians 1:18-30) -- Inductive Bible Study Questions

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

3. For Me to Live Is Christ (Philippians 1:18-30)
Inductive Bible Study Questions

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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Friends, I got a bit carried away with comments. ;-) I think they add to your understanding, but they also add to length. PLEASE delete the comments in your replies out of respect for all our e- mail boxes. Thanks. Pastor Ralph.

Level 1: What Does the Text Say

1.1 Paul is in chains awaiting trial before the Emperor. What words or phrases do you find in 1:18-30 which are evidence of the seriousness of this impending trial? Examples: courage (vs. 20), contending (vs. 27).

1.2 The passage consists of two paragraphs: 1:18b - 1:26 and 1:27-1:30. What would be an appropriate title for each paragraph?

1.3 In his exhortation in vss. 27-28, Paul tells the Philippians WHAT action (verb form) they are to do, and HOW (adverbial function) they are to go about doing it. What are these: THE WHAT: THE HOW:

Level 2: What Does the Text Mean?

2.1 Comment: The Greek word is parresia, "1. Outspokenness, frankness, plainness of speech, that conceals nothing and passes over nothing. 2. Openness to the public. 3. Courage, confidence, boldness, fearlessness, especially in the presence of persons of high rank." (BAG 630) Question: Why is "courage" (KJV "boldness") necessary in Paul's situation so that Christ will be exalted? What would happen if Paul were silent at his trial?

2.2 Paul looks at life and death as two very real, very imminent possibilities in 1:20-26. Each can spell victory for him What is the "fruitful labor" that continuing to live would offer him?

2.3 What is the "gain" that death offers him?

2.4 This verse speaks to a common teaching in our time of "soul sleep." If Paul were to be executed at the Emperor's command, does it look like he expects to sleep until the resurrection of the dead, or immediately be in heaven? (1:23) See also 2 Corinthians 5:8. If your answer is to "sleep until the resurrection," how would this be "better by far"?

2.5 Does God really give Paul an opportunity to "choose" for himself either life or death in this situation (1:22), or is he speaking hypothetically AS IF he were able to choose?

2.6 What convinces Paul that he will be allowed to go on living? (1:15)

2.7 Comment: In 1:27 Paul moves from his own situation to an exhortation to the Philippians about their situation. The verse begins with the Greek word monos, "only", which the NIV translates "Whatever happens...." which suggests that Paul isn't sure whether he will live or die. Comment: "Contend as one man" (NIV) or "striving together" (KJV) is a compound word in Greek: sunathleo. If you look carefully you can see two words: sun which means "together with" and athleo from which we get the English word "athlete." Greek athleo means "to engage in competition or conflict," and was used of athletic games as well as other conflicts. (Ethelbert Stauffer, TDNT 1:167-168) Question: How do you "contend ... for the faith of the gospel" (vs. 27) without being contentious?

2.8 What words does Paul use in vs. 27 to stress unity between the believers? Why do you think he does this? (Hint: see 2:1-4; 4:2; etc.)

2.9 Comment: 1:29-30 also speaks of contending and struggle. The word "struggle" (KJV "conflict") in vs. 30 is Greek agon from which we get our word "agony." It means "struggle, fight" and is sometimes used of athletic contests, as in Hebrews 12:1. Comment: vs. 29 uses the phrase "it has been granted to you" (KJV "unto you it is given"). The verb is charizomai (from which we get our word "charisma") which means to "give freely or graciously as a favor." (BAG 876c) Question: In what way can suffering and struggling on Christ's behalf be considered a gift?

Level 3: What Does the Text Mean to Me?

3.1 Sometimes when a loved one dies we have this same struggle: what would be better for us, or what would be better for our loved one. Have you ever faced this? How can this text help you face it better?

3.2 What can you do to better contend along with others in your church for the faith of the gospel in your community?

3.3 How does it change your attitude when you look at your Christian struggles and sufferings a gift rather than a burden ("my cross to bear....")?

Disciple Lessons from Philippians

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