7. That I May Know Him (Philippians 3:1-11) -- Inductive Bible Study Questions

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

7. That I May Know Him (Philippians 3:1-11)
Inductive Bible Study Questions

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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What it means to "know" God

Level 1: What Does the Text Say?

Comment: There is another threat to the Church at Philippi which is revealed in this passage. You have to read between the lines a bit, but not much.

1.1 Paul warns the church in vss. 2-3 against what group of people?

1.2 What group of people would be most impressed by Paul's spiritual pedigree in vss. 5-6?

Level 2: What Does the Text Mean?

Comment: The word "flesh" (Greek sarx) can be used in several senses: "1. Literally, of the material that covers the bones of a body. 6. The external or outward side of life, as it appears to the eye of an unregenerate person, that which is natural or earthly. 7. In Paul's thought especially, the flesh is the willing instrument of sin, and is subject to sin to such a degree that wherever flesh is, all forms of sin are likewise present, and no good thing can live in the flesh." (BAG 743-744)

2.1 (vs. 2) What did he mean by "those mutilators of the flesh"? (KJV "the concision"; Gk. katatome "mutilation, cutting in pieces", BAG 419) In what sense is "flesh" used in vs. 2? In what sense is it used in vs. 3?

2.2 (vs. 3) Paul contrasts Christians as the "true circumcision" (RSV). What three characteristics set them off from Paul's opponents?

2.3 (vs. 4-6) Why do you think Paul cites his religious pedigree? Isn't this being boastful? With whom does it give him credibility?

2.4 (vss. 7-8) He calls these elements of his religious pedigree "loss" and "rubbish". How can his righteous upbringing be considered "loss" rather than just "rubbish"? How did it hinder him?

2.5 (vs. 9) Paul is stirred up as he writes this part of the letter. We are at the very core of his belief system. Paul contrasts two kinds of righteousness. Describe how each type of righteousness is obtained.

2.6 (vss. 10-11) Paul lists four intense desires in vss. 10-11. What are they? How are they obtained?

2.7 Paul desired to become like Jesus in his death (vs. 10). How does this desire affect his obedience to Christ what he is facing in prison at Rome?

Level 3: What Does the Text Mean to Me?

3.1 How can legalists in your congregation have the same deadly effect on the Christian faith as the "circumcision party" threatened to have at the Church in Philippi? Why are these kind of people such difficult opponents?

3.2 Paul speaks of "the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things" (vs. 8) What had Paul lost? What have you lost in order to follow Christ?

3.3 What might you have to leave behind in order to love Jesus and desire him with the same intensity as Paul? What keeps you from full obedience?

Disciple Lessons from Philippians

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