 Lesson # Philippians Introduction, Outline Study Material - Philippians, book introduction and outline You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth. Philippians Introduction Philippians is a book of inspiration. One of Paul's prison epistles and written in Rome, it is a letter of appreciation and rejoicing despite suffering. I'll draw on some of the history of the USA, from its revolution of over 200 years ago. Most people, I'm sure, are aware of the fight between the US and the British. The comments below have nothing to do with these respective countries, but deal with the attitudes of the people here fighting for their freedom at that time in our distant past. The same attitude has occurred throughout history in other countries, and should be your attitude in your Bible study. This was borrowed from an article my wife read to me from the newspaper. Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, 24 were lawyers, 11 were merchants, 9 were plantation owners, and 12 were from various vocations. They were all soft spoken men of means and education. They had comforts and security in their lives, yet knowing their signing of the Declaration of Independence would bring them execution if caught, they valued liberty more. Five were captured and executed. Twelve had their homes and property burned. Two lost their sons in the war. Another lost two sons in the war. Nine fought and died from wounds received in battle. Braxton lost his merchant ships to British naval gunfire. He died in poverty. McKean was forced into hiding and moved constantly as the British hunted him down. He too died in poverty. Ellery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnet, Heyward, Rutledge, and Middleton, saw their properties taken and destroyed. Nelson discovered an enemy headquarters set up in his home, and directed cannon fire on his own home to destroy it. The wife of Lewis was jailed and there she died. Hart lost his wife and 13 children. He himself died poor. Some of these stories are incredible as to the hardships endured by these people, but they trusted in God and survived to better things in heaven. So, you say, what does this have to do with us? Reality, sooner or later, will strike home. Decisions sooner or later will have to be made. We might not have to fight for our independence as they did in the revolution, or even in WW-II, but commitment and integrity are demanded by the scriptures with respect to your attitude toward God, your attitude toward your Bible study, and your attitude toward your application of doctrine to your life. Too often people get offended and too easily. They disagree mostly out of ignorance as the Pharisees did when they argued with Christ. But here we have Paul in prison, and most consider people in prison as low life's, but Paul is the writer of most of our New Testament scripture, and he himself is heading for his own execution. Paul is at peace with himself. He could have stayed in Jerusalem and the easy life. These men of the revolution could have compromised their ideals and kept their easy life and homes. But they all were men of doctrine and were ready to give up all they had for God and country. We should all be loyal to our respective countries, but God comes first always. True freedom comes from doctrine and resides in the soul. God leads us on the path He chooses for each of us, whether to riches or poverty. Our circumstances are not our priorities, but our spiritual growth is. Reading the Bible alone is not enough. You must believe what you read and commit it to your life. Philippians Outline I. Salutation. 1:1-2. II. Thanksgiving and prayer. 1:3-11. III. The unconquerable Gospel. 1:12-14. IV. Unprincipled preaching. 1:15-18. V. Life or death? 1:19-26. VI. Exhortation to steadfastness. 1:27-30. VII. An appeal to Christian experience. 2:1-4. VIII.The supreme example of self-renunciation. 2:5-11. IX. Continued exhortation. 2:12-18. X. Plans for reunion. 2:19-30. XI. An interrupted conclusion. 3:1-11. XII. The homestretch. 3:12-16. XIII.A Christian commonwealth. 3:17-21. XIV. Apostolic advice. 4:1-9. XV. Appreciation for the gift. 4:10-20. XVI. Greetings and conclusion. 4:21-23.
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