Bible Study on Philippians 2 | May 10, 2020 | Online Bible Class | St. John Lutheran Church

Bible Study on Philippians 2
May 10, 2020 | Online Bible Class | St. John Lutheran Church

Philippians 2:1-11 [NIV]
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

 

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

 

1. “If”: A Powerful Implicative Conditional Contention (Philippians 2:1-4)

Four Conditions

• being united with Christ
• comfort from his love
• common sharing in the Spirit
• tenderness and compassion

 

Implications of these Conditions: then make my [Paul’s] joy complete by

• being like-minded,
• having the same love,
• being one in spirit and of one mind.
• Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
• Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
• not looking to your own interests
• but each of you to the interests of the others.

 

Implications for today’s disciples

• Do you believe in the holy Christian Church; the communion of saints?
• Do you believe in the forgiveness of sins?
• Do you look for the resurrection of the body and the life of the world to come?
• If so, how does that show up in your life?

 

2. The Normative Example of Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11)

Jesus provides not only an example, but a norm for Christian relationships.

• The Foundational Identity of Jesus: in very nature God,
• The Remarkable Humility of Jesus: made himself nothing
• The Powerful example of Jesus: obedient to death – even on a cross

The Encouraging Vindication of Jesus

• Exaltation to the highest place
• The name that is above every name
• Universal acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

 

The Ultimate Outcome of Jesus’ Work: the glory of God the Father. 

Questions for Discussion/Consideration

• What are some common norms for people’s behavior today? How are these norms related to Genesis 2:16-17; 3:6?
• When does a norm become a sin? How do we guard against this on a daily basis?
• Consider this diagram. Notice how it reflects the phrases of Philippians 2 & the Apostle’s Creed. How do you apply this knowledge to your faith? How does it impact your daily life? How should it?
• Reflect on the glory of God in light of Ephesians 1:6. How does God’s grace relate to God’s glory? What do you make of that?