Philippians

Author: Paul

Period: c.61 A.D.

Summary: The tone of this letter is more personal in nature than most of Paul’s letters. Paul outlines his own beliefs and explains that believers must not be self-centred in their own lives. Each believer must look to Christ for an example of self-sacrifice and unity in purpose. Paul further contrasts enemies of the cross with those who are friends of the Lord Jesus and the cross. It is thought that Paul wrote this epistle while he was in prison at Rome.

CHRIST: THE SUFFICIENCY OF GOD TO US

Key Verses: “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ . . .” Philippians 3:7-8

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Breakdown:

Christ our life: Chapter 1:1-30

Christ our mind: Chapter 2:1-30

Christ our goal: Chapter 3:1 – 4:1

Christ our strength: Chapter 4:2-23