HOW TO STUDY A BIBLE PASSAGE [BYOB – 3 of 7]

READ: PHILIPPIANS 2

FOUR QUESTIONS FOR EVERY BIBLE STUDY

I. OBSERVATION: What Does It Say?

• Paul intends to send two men to Philippi. 

“I hope to send you Timothy” vs. 19

“It is necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you.” vs. 25

• Paul endorsed these guys as role models.

(Timothy) “I have no one else like him!” vs. 20

(Epaphroditus) “Welcome him…honor men like him.” 

• What are they like? 

“takes a genuine interest” vs. 20-21 

“has proved himself” vs. 22

“my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier” vs. 25

“longs for all of you and is distressed” vs. 26

“almost died for the work of Christ, 

risking his life” vs. 27-30

II. INTERPRETATION: What Does It Mean?

1. Caring.

“I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone else looks out for his own interests…” vs. 21

2. Consistent.

“Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father, he has served with me in the work of the gospel.” vs. 22

3. Cooperative.

“I send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.” vs. 25

“For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.” vs. 26

“Husbands be considerate as you live with your wives…” 1 Peter 3:7

4. Courageous.

“Indeed he was ill, and almost died…he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you couldn’t give me.” vs. 27, 30 

III. CORRELATION: What other verses explain it?

Timothy: 1 & 2 Timothy Epaphroditus Ph. 4:14-18

1. APPLICATION: What am I going to do about it?

“Don’t deceive yourselves. Don’t merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22