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Philippians and Philemon: Prison Epistles, Part 2

  1. Lesson One
    Overview of Philippians (Philippians 1–4)
    22 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    Philippians: Suffering and Community (Philippians Review)
    22 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    Overview of Philemon
    22 Activities
  4. Lesson Four
    Paul and Slavery (Philemon, Romans 6 Review)
    17 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Lesson Five
    Social Impact
    9 Activities
    |
    4 Assessments
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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The reason the Philippians should imitate is not really about Paul but about being Christ-like, because Paul is already imitating Christ, as he suggests in the letter:

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. 
Philippians 3:10 NIV

And Paul also insists on them imitating Jesus directly:

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. 
Philippians 2:5 NIV

This goes back to Leviticus and the earliest descriptions of biblical holiness, where God commanded Moses: 

Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” 
Leviticus 19:2 NASB

God’s character became visible in a new way in Jesus. Paul continues to reveal it through the life of the Spirit who dwells in him.