Further Study

Review Questions

These questions are designed to help you review important material covered in the lecture.

1. Describe Paul’s relationship with the Philippian church.
2. Summarize Paul’s previous and current suffering at the time he wrote this letter.
3. What were the conditions in Philippi when Paul wrote to them?
4. How does knowing the background of Philippians help you understand why Paul wrote what he did?
5. In what areas did Paul persevered? By what means did he persevere?
6. What types of exhortations to persevere did Paul offer to the Philippians?
7. In what ways did Paul affirm the Philippians in their perseverance?
8. Summarize the overall structure and content of Philippians, highlighting the key points within each section.
9. Summarize three aspects of the nature of perseverance mentioned in this lesson.
10. Explain three characteristics of the proper mindset of perseverance.
11. In what ways does the church express the ministry of perseverance?
12. How should the modern church apply Paul’s teachings about perseverance?

Application Questions

Application questions are appropriate for written assignments or as topics for group discussions. For written assignments, it is recommended that answers not exceed one page in length.

1. Paul wrestled between his desire to depart and be with Christ, and his continued usefulness in ministry on this earth. How can knowing that God has a purpose for each of us on this earth help you to persevere?
2. Paul had many friends in Philippi who ministered to him, which brought him great encouragement. Has anyone ministered to you in a time of need? What impact did that have, and how did it help you persevere?
3. How can our salvation be both secure in Christ (John 3:36; John 17:3; Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 3:22-24), yet still depend upon our perseverance in faith?
4. Paul’s optimism in the midst of discouragement and suffering helped him to persevere. How does the cultivation of a thankful heart to God help in perseverance?
5. How can rejoicing in the Lord and praying about our anxieties bring us peace and help us persevere?
6. How can pride hinder our perseverance?
7. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study?

Discussion Video

Additional information concerning the lesson topic is provided in a video presentation of a question and answer session. If you are struggling to understand any portion of the lesson or if you would simply like to deepen your understanding of the subject, this video will be helpful.