Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Philippians 4

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Philippians 4


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Philippians 4

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Exhortations Be United, Joyful and in Prayer Final Appeals Instructions Last Advice PHILIPPIANS (3:17-4:1) PHILIPPIANS (3:17-4:1) PHILIPPIANS (3:17-4:1) Php_4:1 PHILIPPIANS (3:17-4:1) Php_4:2-7 Php_4:2-7 Php_4:2-3 Php_4:2-3 Php_4:2-3 Php_4:4-7 Php_4:4 Php_4:4-9 Php_4:5-7 Php_4:8-9 Php_4:8-9 Php_4:8-9 Php_4:8-9 Acknowledgment of the Philippian Gift Philippian Generosity Thanks for the Gift Thanks for Help Received Php_4:10-14 Php_4:10-20 Php_4:10-14 Php_4:10-13 Php_4:10-20 Php_4:14-20 Php_4:15-20 Php_4:15-20 Final Greetings Greetings and Blessing Final Greetings Greetings and Final Wish Php_4:21-23 Php_4:21-23 Php_4:21-22 Php_4:21-22 Php_4:21-22 Php_4:23 Php_4:23 Php_4:23 READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

NASB (UPDATED TEXT: Php_4:1

 1Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Php_4:1 "my beloved brothers" Paul combined two of the typical NT terms for believers: "beloved" [twice] and "brothers." This affectionate combination showed his great love for this church as is seen in the next phrase and the parallel in Php_1:8.

▣ "whom I long to see" This same strong term (epipotheô) is also used in Php_1:8; Php_2:26; 2Co_9:14.

▣ "my joy and crown" The term "crown" (stephanos) meant a victor's crown in an athletic contest. This same exuberance can be seen in Paul's comments to another Macedonian church (cf. 1Th_2:19-20; 1Th_3:9). This church was the proof of Paul's effective apostleship (cf. 1Co_9:2; 1Th_2:19).

▣ "stand firm" This is a Present active imperative. This military metaphor refers to the Christian's ability to remain faithful amidst problems (cf. Php_1:27; 1Co_16:13; Eph_6:11-14). It also relates to perseverance (see Special Topic at Php_1:9-11), which is only possible "in the Lord" (cf. Gal_6:9; Rev_2:7; Rev_2:11; Rev_2:17; Rev_2:26; Rev_3:5; Rev_3:12; Rev_3:21).

This is another biblical paradox in the relationship between God's sovereignty and humanity's free will (compare Eze_18:31 with Eze_36:26-27). In this verse believers are commanded to "stand firm," while in Jud_1:24 it is God who keeps them standing. Somehow, both are true.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. What is the key phrase of this chapter?

2. What does it mean "to stand firm"?

3. What are the principles for solving disunity in a local church?

4. Give the aspects of prayer that Paul mentions in Php_4:4-7.

5. Describe in your own words the significance of Php_4:8-9 to our day.

6. Is Php_4:10 a negative statement by Paul to chide the Philippians for not helping him?

7. What is the true secret of happiness expressed in Php_4:11-13?

8. List and explain the three commercial terms found in Php_4:15; Php_4:17-18.

9. Explain how the context affects the proper interpretation of Php_4:19 a.