Paul’s Lifesong of Joy and Unity

Paul’s Lifesong of Joy and Unity: A Commentary-Workbook - A Study of the Epistle to the Philippians is a Bible study on one hand and a commentary for personal and academic study on the other. This study has been used by individuals. Seminaries, Bible schools, and discipleship ministries in other countries are using it as a textbook.

The workbook gives assignments and the commentary discusses the historical, cultural, and biblical backgrounds of Philippians. The approach is a verse-by-verse examination of the letter. After assessing the Greek and Hebrew for better interpretation, Mrs. Gresham brings application to the study. She incorporates other scholars’ academic interpretations for further understanding.

Chapter divisions correspond to the biblical text more like a commentary and do not suggest a week-by-week time frame for the examination of the letter. The time for the study is left to the discretion of individuals or groups to delve into Philippians as much as they want.

In chapter one, The Song of Freedom; introduces the letter and gives the assignment:

Let’s begin by looking at the background of this letter, in other words the letter in its historical context.

In one sitting, completely read Acts 16 and the letter to the Philippians before going further into this study.

What attitude and actions can we see in Acts 16:11-15, 23-34?

Although Paul and Silas were prisoners and although they were in bonds, they were not in bondage. Even after being beaten severely, thrown into an inner prison, and their feet placed in stocks - seemingly with no chance of escape - they burst into songs of praise. They prayed to the Lord whom they trusted to set them free. If they stayed imprisoned, faced death, or suffered more, they believed God would take care of them.

God heard the songs of Paul and Silas and chose to intervene. He set them free. But then, they already were free in Christ - that may be what had them singing!

However, the people imprisoning Paul were the ones in bondage: to financial and political gain, and to sin. Still, in verse 1 Paul says he is a slave. Let’s look at the bonds Paul, Silas, and Timothy chose to accept.

Singing a Servant Song

Philippians 1:1a. Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints (believers,

Christians) in Christ Jesus

Paul usually begins his letters by stating the names of the people with him. Timothy is with him when he writes this letter. Timothy is not necessarily writing with Paul, but he is sending his greetings. As Paul identifies himself, he declares his authority to write the letter.

In the first verse, we might wonder about that authority. Paul says he is a servant. Servants do not usually have authority. As we will see, the issue of servanthood is predominant in this letter, even for those in authority. We will see as we go further that Paul points to Christ Jesus as the ultimate example of being a servant and He certainly has authority. First, let’s see what Paul means by being a servant. Paul shares that he and Timothy are a type of slave: a voluntary bond-servant of Jesus.

Chapter two, Paul’s song of encouragement for joy, unity, and humility, discusses the Christ Hymn from two perspectives: a typical interpretation comparing Adam/Eve to Jesus, and a more detailed contextual comparison from Philippians 1:27-2:11.

At Philippians 2:12, the study provides an excursus on obedience, looking in depth at the Double Love command - the two greatest commandments - as the basis for obedience. Paul’s reference in 2:1-5 and the Christ Hymn point to the kind of love and obedience Jesus exemplified and Paul desired. The excursus embraces two parts—Love for God and Love for People.

An Excursus on Obedience: Loving as God Expects -

The Shema, Decalogue, and Double Love Command

Before we look at the rest of verse 12, let’s delve further into the concept of obedience. Often when we think of obedience, we think immediately of the Ten Commandments. We also call those commands The Decalogue Decalogue means Ten Words or Ten Sayings. Considering obedience to God in this way is not entirely wrong, but we should remember two things the Lord taught us about those Commandments.

We see how Jesus treated the Commandments in the Gospels and Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7). He dealt with the spirit of the commands. We also find Christ’s declaration of the Greatest Commandments or the Double Love Command in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus said all the commands are summed up into those two great commandments and that the entire OT hangs on those two as the greatest commandments. In other words, the underlying emphasis of the OT comes in our loving God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths, and in loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Chapter three presents Paul singing in a minor key when he warns readers about wrong theology and false teachers. Paul does not boast in his past accomplishments, accolades, or titles like the false teachers do. He demonstrates his passion is to know the Lord Jesus intimately. The discussion includes the following section:

Philippians 3:4-6. Paul says not to put confidence in the flesh. Then he delineates why he can. List all the things about which Paul could boast as the Judaizers did.

Paul uses himself as an example of someone who could boast in outward signs. He says,”I am . . . “ He has done everything well according to the Law. Even though the Judaizers dismiss Paul as a false teacher, he shows the Philippians that he is someone who could stand alongside the Judaizers in fulfilling the law.

Chapter four is a song about standing firm and singing together in harmony. Paul discourages the problem of envy in the Philippian church. Later in the chapter he offers encouragement of how to rejoice regardless of circumstances.

Praising in Every Circumstance, Enjoying the Fruit of Peace (4:4-9)

Philippians 4:4-7. To what theme does Paul return in 4:4-7 (See 3:1)?

Paul sandwiches or includes (an inclusio) 3:2-4:3 between 3:1 and 4:4-7. He has to demonstrate the ill effects of false teaching, inappropriate views of suffering, and internal disharmony. The worrisome nature of what is happening in 3:2-4:3 would keep the people from taking care of others’ welfare or rejoicing in the Lord.

Read Philippians 4:8-9. What does Paul say to do with these things?

Paul says to dwell on -to think carefully or deeply on these virtues - and practice them. Thinking carefully means to ponder them, to meditate on them. We love the Lord with our minds when we let our minds dwell on the virtues of 4:8. These items should fill our minds so no room exists for the wrong kinds of thoughts

Go back to the situation you mentioned on the last page. Answer each question below according to the virtues of 4:8; meditate on your circumstance with each virtue:

What is true about or within it?

What is honorable?

What is right?

What is pure?

What is lovely?

What is worthy of praise?

Is there any excellence?

Is there anything worthy of commendation?

The conclusion states, “Paul provides the example of what to do in trials, the right attitude when things go wrong, and the pattern for how to live in unity. His song-filled life offers assurance that people can sing in every way every day about everything . . . The message Paul gave the Philippians he would give us today. He delights when people live together in harmony.”