Coachlight Bible Study – Genesis Lesson 45
Peace Throughout Tribulations – Genesis Chapter 41
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
II Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
II Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
I Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We have already learned that our tribulations are not much at all compared to the trials that Joseph endured. Throughout Joseph’s time in prison, and even after the cup bearer forgot about Joseph, Joseph kept his mind on God and didn’t let the circumstances that surrounded and trapped him get him self-centered and depressed. We can know this with absolute certainty because of his words each time he is asked for an interpretation, and by what he named his children. In other words, Joseph did not let an attitude of “poor me” or worry overcome him, as is the natural thing to do in tuff circumstances, but fully put his mindset and trust in the Lord. This trust gave Joseph the perfect peace he needed, and, as we will learn in the next few lessons, prepared Joseph for the ministry that God had in store for him – namely the very salvation of his family. You know, the very brothers that shamefully treated him and sold him into slavery in the first place.
This story has a great lesson for us today. As Joseph was imitating Christ before the event of Christ’s birth, so we are admonished to have the same mindset that Christ entertained while He was on earth. The Bible instructs us to have fellowship in the suffering or passion of Christ. This can only be accomplished the same way Christ accomplished it – by humility. In so many places the Bible admonishes us to humble ourselves, and He will later exalt us, but we can have the peace of God in all circumstances.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
If we do entertain the same mindset that Christ entertained, our reward is not only afterwards, but a part of it cane be experienced right now – namely God’s Perfect Peace.
Part I – Genesis 41 – Joseph Humbles Himself And Is Exalted
I. Pharaoh’s Dream
Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.
Genesis 41:3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.
Genesis 41:4 And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
Genesis 41:5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
Genesis 41:6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
Genesis 41:7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
II. Pharaoh Calls His Magicians
Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
III. The Chief Butler Finally Remembers Joseph – Tells Pharaoh
Genesis 41:9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
Genesis 41:10 Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker:
Genesis 41:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
Genesis 41:12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
Genesis 41:13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.
IV. God Shall Give Pharaoh An Answer Of Peace
Genesis 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
Genesis 41:15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.
Genesis 41:16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
V. Joseph Is Told Pharaoh’s Dream
Genesis 41:17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:
Genesis 41:18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:
Genesis 41:19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:
Genesis 41:20 And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:
Genesis 41:21 And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
Genesis 41:22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:
Genesis 41:23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:
Genesis 41:24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.
VI. Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dream
Genesis 41:25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.
Genesis 41:26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
Genesis 41:27 And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.
Genesis 41:28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.
Genesis 41:29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:
Genesis 41:30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;
Genesis 41:31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.
Genesis 41:32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
VII. Joseph Instructs Pharaoh
Genesis 41:33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
Genesis 41:35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
Genesis 41:36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.
VIII. Joseph Is Made Second In The Kingdom
Genesis 41:37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
Genesis 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
Genesis 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
Genesis 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
Genesis 41:41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
IX. Joseph Fills The Barns During The Seven Plenteous Years
Genesis 41:47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.
Genesis 41:48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.
Genesis 41:49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.
Genesis 41:47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.
Genesis 41:48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.
Genesis 41:49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.
X. Joseph Names His Two Sons
Genesis 41:50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.
Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
Genesis 41:52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
XI. Joseph Feeds The World
Genesis 41:53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
Genesis 41:54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
Genesis 41:55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
Genesis 41:56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Part II – Peace In Suffering – Philippians – Paul Also Suffered
I. Having Fellowship In The Gospel
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Philippians 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: {perform: or, finish}
Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. {I have…: or, ye have me in your heart} Philippians 1:8 For God is my record<3144>, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels<4698> of Jesus Christ.
A. The Philippian Assembly from the 1st day had the same mind with Paul (3-5)
1. Acts 16:14-15 – Lydia, when saved opened her house to Paul and his team.
2. Acts 16:40 - Her house later became a church
3. Acts 16:19-34 - Jailer, after repentance, washed Paul’s wounds and fed him
4. Philippian Assembly three times sent Paul money
a. When Paul was in Thessalonica – Philippians 4:16
b. When Paul was in Corinth – II Corinthians 11:9
c. When hearing of Paul’s imprisonment sent Ephhroditus – Philippians 4:18
B. Paul was confident and will continue to be confident (6)
1. Paul knew it was Christ Who began the work in the Philippians
2. Paul knew Christ would continue doing the work in the Philippians
3. Paul knew that Christ would completely finish the work when He returned
C. It was fit (dikaios – “righteous”) for Paul to be confident in the Philippians
1. When Paul was defending the Gospel, the Philippians had the same mind
2. Now Paul is in prison defending the Gospel, the Philippians are helping
D. Paul had true love for the group at Philippi (7-8)
1. God is Paul’s record (martus) – literally witness
3144 martuv martus mar’-toos - of uncertain affinity; n m
witness 29, martyr 3, record 2; 34
1) a witness
1a) in a legal sense
1b) an historical sense
1b1) one who is a spectator of anything, e.g. of a contest
1c) in an ethical sense
2. Paul longed after the Philippians in the bowls of Jesus Christ
4698 splagcnon splagchnon splangkh’-non - probably strengthened from splen (the "spleen"); TDNT-7:548,1067; n n
bowels 9, inward affection 1, tender mercy + 1656 1; 11
1) bowels, intestines, (the heart, lungs, liver, etc.)
1a) bowels
1b) the bowels were regarded as the seat of the more violent passions, such as anger and love; but by the Hebrews as the seat of the tenderer affections, esp. kindness, benevolence, compassion; hence our heart (tender mercies, affections)
II. Paul’s Prayer For The Philippian Assembly
Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge<1922> and in all judgment<144>; {judgment: or, sense}
Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent<1308>; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; {approve: or, try} {are…: or, differ}
Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
A. Paul prays that their love (Agape) would grow in two specific places (9)
1. Knowledge (Epignosis)
1922 epignwsiv epignosis ep-ig’-no-sis - from 1921; TDNT-1:689,119; n f
knowledge 16, acknowledging 3, acknowledgement 1; 20
1) Precise and correct knowledge - recognition
1a) used in the NT of the knowledge of things ethical and divine
2. Judgment (Aisthesis)
144 aisyhsiv aisthesis ah’-ee-sthay-sis - from 143; TDNT-1:187,29; n f
judgment 1; 1
1) perception, not only by the senses but by the intellect
2) cognition, discernment - 2a) of moral discernment in ethical matters
B. As love grows can approve things that are excellent– (diaphero) “really matter”(10)
1308 diaferw diaphero dee-af-er’-o - from 1223 and 5342; TDNT-9:62,1252
be better 3, be of more value 2, differ from 2, should carry 1, publish 1, drive up and down 1, misc 3; 13
1) to bear or carry through any place
2) to carry different ways
2a) to carry in different directions, to different places
2a1) of people who are carried hither and thither in a ship, driven to and fro
2b) to differ, to test, prove, the good things that differ,
C. Paul Prays For Two Results from knowing things that really matter (10-11)
1. You may be sincere (pure) and without offense until the Day of Christ
1506 eilikrinhv heilikrines i-lik-ree-nace’ - from heile (the sun’s ray); adj
sincere 1, pure 1; 2
1) pure, sincere, unsullied
2) found pure when unfolded and examined by the sun’s light
2. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness
III. Paul’s Sufferings Promote The Gospel
Philippians 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out<2064> rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
Philippians 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; {in Christ: or, for Christ} {the palace: or, Caesar’s court} {in all other…: or, to all others}
Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Philippians 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention<2052>, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
Philippians 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Philippians 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
A. Paul’s Bad Experiences Is Resulting In The Gospel Being Advanced (12)
2064 ercomai erchomai er’-khom-ahee - ; v
come 616, go 13, misc 13, vr come 1; 643
1) to come
1a) of persons
1a1) to come from one place to another, used of persons arriving & returning
1a2) to appear, make one’s appearance, come before the public
2) metaphorically.
2a) to come into being, arise, come forth, show itself, find place or influence
2b) be established, become known, to come (fall) into or unto
3) to go, to follow one
B. Paul’s In Prison for Christ Is Apparent – He is an example even in prison (13-14)
1. Not only in Creaser’s palace where Paul is chained to a Roman soldier
2. But throughout the area
3. And now many are able to teach about Christ without fear
C. There Are Two Types Of Teachers – Two different Motives (15-17)
1. Those that teach with envy and strife
a. Teach with contention – Self Ambition
2052 eriyeia eritheia er-ith-i’-ah - perhaps as the same as 2042; n f
strife 5, contention 1, contentious + 1537 1; 7
1) Electioneering or intriguing for office
1a) apparently, in the NT a courting distinction, a desire to put one’s self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts
1b) partisanship, fractiousness
This word is found before NT times only in Aristotle where it denotes a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means. Paul exhorts to be one in the mind of Christ not putting self forward or being selfish (Philippians 2:3). James 3:14 speaks against having selfishness or self-promoting in your heart.
b. Teach not out of sincerity – (pureness)
c. They seek to add to Paul’s afflictions
2. Those that teach with goodwill
a. Their motive is love
b. They know that Paul is “set” or appointed for the defense of the Gospel
D. Paul rejoices anyway because Christ is being taught (18)
1. No where does Paul condone twisting The Scripture – That is devils desire
2. Paul condones preaching with the wrong motives, for the furtherance of the Gospel
IV. Paul’s Life is Christ – For Paul To Die Is Gain
Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Philippians 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
Philippians 1:26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
A. To Live Is Christ – To Die Is Gain (21)
1. For most to live is pleasure, wealth, power, etc.
2. Paul’s desire is to do the will of God – not his own will
B. Paul Knows The Visibility Of His Bonds Will Result In His Deliverance (19)
1. Through the prayers of the Philippians
2. By the supply of Christ
C. Christ Will Be Magnified in Paul’s Life or his Death (20-25)
1. If Paul lives – His labor (maturing of the Philippians)will be blessed by Christ
2. When Paul dies he will be with Christ forever – has all of Christ
D. Paul Is Torn Between The Two Desires (23-25)
1. To be with the Lord is much better
2. But Paul will do God’s will not his own
3. The Philippians’ joy will increase when Paul visits them again
V. Exhortation To Live The Gospel?
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation<4176> be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together<4866> for the faith of the gospel;
Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
A. Let your conversation (citizenship) as becometh the Gospel of Christ
4176 politeuomai politeuomai pol-it-yoo’-om-ahee - v
live 1, let (one’s) conversation be 1; 2
1) to be a citizen
2) to administer civil affairs, manage the state
3) to make or create a citizen
3a) to be a citizen
B. Let’s Go Forward to Philippians 3:20
Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: {conversation…: or, we live or conduct ourselves as citizens of heaven, or, for obtaining heaven}
VI. How Does One Suffer For Christ?
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer<3958> for his sake;
Philippians 1:30 Having the same conflict<73> which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
A. To Suffer For Christ Is To:
1. All Have The Same Spirit
2. All Have The Same Mindset
3. All Working Together Like Athletes Striving For The Finish Line
4866 sunaylew sunathleo soon-ath-leh’-o -; v
strive together for 1, labour with 1; 2
1) to strive at the same time with another
B. What Does The Word “Suffering” Mean?
3. Pascho is a form of patho – our word pathology
3958 pascw pascho pas’-kho including the forms payw (path’-o); v
suffer 39, be vexed 1, passion + 3588 1, feel 1; 42
1) to be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience, to undergo
1a) in a good sense, to be well off, in good case
1b) in a bad sense, to suffer sadly, be in a bad plight
C. Those Afflicted are to have the same perseverance (agony) as Paul (30)
73 agwn agon ag-one’ - from 71; TDNT-1:135,20; n m
conflict 2, fight 2, contention 1, race 1; 6
1) an assembly,
1a) a place of assembly: especially an assembly met to see games
1b) the place of contest, the arena or stadium
2) the assembly of the Greeks at their national games
2a) hence the contest for a prize at their games
Suffering for Christ is described as Athletes working together (visibly seeing veins popping in the legs) with the same mind set of defense and advancing the Word of God whether good things happen or bad things happen to the athletes.
VI. Exhortation To Others Esteem
Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded<5426>, having the same love, being of one accord<4861>, of one mind<5426>.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife<2052> or vainglory<2754>; but in lowliness of mind<5012> let each esteem other better than themselves.
Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
A. Verse one is conditional in English – In Greek it is conditional but stating as a fact
1. Since there is consolation in Christ
2. Since there is comfort of love (agape- “unselfish love”)
3. Since there is fellowship in the Spirit
4. Since there is compassionate motives and actions
B. The Ten Ways The Philippians Could Fill Up Paul’s Joy By: (2-4)
1. If they all keep on thinking the same thing
2. If they are all bound together with love
3. If they are all bound “as souls together” or the same desires
4. If they all think (phroneo- mind) the same thing
5. If nothing is done with strife (erithia – promoting self)
6. If nothing is done with vain glory (kenodoxia – void or emptying of glory)
7. If everyone of them have a humble opinion of themselves – (tapeinophrosune)
8. If everyone of them esteem others better than themselves
9. If everyone of them doesn’t only look at the interests that concern himself
10. If everyone of them tends to the interests of others
C. Notice That This Important Unity Did Not Involve Things Such As:
1. Unity in consent to a creed or doctrine
2. Unity in the form of worship
3. Unity in participation in a church function or fund
D. Note that Phoneo is used twice in verse 2 – Also in verse 5
5426 fronew phroneo fron-eh’-o - from 5424; TDNT-9:220,1277; v
think 5, regard 4, mind 3, be minded 3, savour 2, be of the same mind + 846 2, be like minded + 846 2, misc 8; 29
1) to have understanding, be wise
2) to feel, to think
2a) to have an opinion of one’s self, think of one’s self, to be modest, not let one’s opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty
2b) to think or judge what one’s opinion is
2c) to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious
3) to direct one’s mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for 3a) to seek one’s interest or advantage 3b) to be of one’s party, side with him (in public affairs)
4861 sumqucov sumpsuchos soom’-psoo-khos - from 4862 and 5590; ; adj
of one accord 1; 1
1) of one mind, of one accord
This word is made up of two words "sun" (together with) and psuchos (soul, self, inner life, or the seat of the feelings, desires, affections). So the word refers to being united in spirit or harmonious (A&G). Paul desired the Philippians to be united in their affections-one in Christ in all desires! Used only here in the NT. (Wayne Steury)
2052 eriyeia eritheia er-ith-i’-ah - perhaps as the same as 2042; n f
strife 5, contention 1, contentious + 1537 1; 7
1) electioneering or intriguing for office
1a) apparently, in the NT a courting distinction, a desire to put one’s self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts
1b) partisanship, fractiousness
This word is found before NT times only in Aristotle where it denotes a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means. (A&G) Paul exhorts to be one in the mind of Christ not putting self forward or being selfish (#Php 2:3). #Jas 3:14 speaks against having selfishness or self-promoting in your heart. (Wayne Steury)
2754 kenodoxia kenodoxia ken-od-ox-ee’-ah - from 2755; TDNT-3:662,426; n f
vainglory 1; 1
1) vain glory, groundless, self esteem, empty pride
2) a vain opinion, error
5012 tapeinofrosunh tapeinophrosune tap-i-nof-ros-oo’-nay - ; n f
humility 3, humbleness of mind 1, humility of mind 1, lowliness 1, lowliness of mind 1; 7
1) the having a humble opinion of one’s self
2) a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness
3) modesty, humility, lowliness of mind
VII. How To Accomplish Others Esteem
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you<5426>, which was also in Christ Jesus:
From Robertson’s Word Pictures:
Let this mind be in you. "Keep on thinking this in you which was also in Christ Jesus". What is that? Humility. Paul presents Jesus as the supreme example of humility. He urges humility on the Philippians as the only way to secure unity.
A. The Philippians were to have the same “mind set” Christ had while on earth
B. That mind set was one of humility – others interests more important than His own
C. That Mind Set Was To Be Allowed To Control Their Actions
VIII. The Mindset Of Christ On Earth – Kenosis of Christ
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form<3444> of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation<2758>, and took upon him the form<3444> of a servant<1401>, and was made in the likeness of men:
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. {fashion: or habit}
A. Christ Always Existed as God (John 1;1; Colossians 1:17)
B. Christ Always Existed as the form (morphe – “True form that expresses God”)
C. Thought It Not Robbery (harpogmos – “treasure to be kept”)
1. Equal with God – All God’s characteristics
2. Christ waived His rights to:
a. Express His deity
b. Display His divine attributes, but the anointing of Holy Spirit He displayed
c. Demonstrate His equality with God
d. Limited His power to the Holy Spirit through Him (Isaiah 42:1-7; 61:1-2)
e. Would have to grow in wisdom & knowledge (Isaiah 50:4-11)
D. Made Himself of no reputation – (kenoo – “emptied Himself of some attributes”)
E. Took upon Him the form (morphe – “exact form”) of a servant (dolos – “slave”)
F. Being found in the fashion as a man He became obedient to death
1. God’s will
2. Not His own self will as a man
3444 morfh morphe mor-fay’ - perhaps from the base of 3313; n f
form 3; 3
1) the form by which a person or thing strikes the vision
2) external appearance
725 arpagmov harpagmos har-pag-mos’ - from 726; TDNT-1:473,80; n m
robbery 1; 1
1) the act of seizing, robbery
2) a thing seized or to be seized – A treasure to be kept
2a) booty to deem anything a prize
2b) a thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained
2758 kenow kenoo ken-o’-o - from 2756; TDNT-3:661,426; v
make void 2, make of none effect 1, make of no reputation 1, be in vain 1; 5
1) to empty, make empty
1a) of Christ, he laid aside equality with or the form of God
2) to make void
2a) deprive of force, render vain, useless, of no effect 3) to make void
1401 doulov doulos doo’-los - from 1210; TDNT-2:261,182; n
servant 120, bond 6, bondman 1; 127
1) a slave, bondman, man of servile condition
1a) a slave
1b) metaph., one who gives himself up to another’s will those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men
1c) devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests
2) a servant, attendant
IX. Result Of The Kenosis Of Christ
Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A. God Highly Exalted Christ
B. God Gave Him A Name Above Every Other Name
C. All Beings Will Bow Their Knees To Christ
1. Those in heaven
2. Those on earth
3. Those under the earth
D. Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord
E. This glorifies the father
X. Having The Peace Of God – Skipping To Chapter 4 – Verse 4
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. {honest: or, venerable}
Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
A. 4 Steps To The Peace of God Guarding – phroreo - your hearts and Minds
1. The 1st step to the Peace of God – rejoice
a. Not just sometimes, but
b. All the time
2. 2nd Step – Let your moderation (fair & Gentleness)– epieikes - be known to all
3. 3rd Step – Don’t worry about anything – Trust in the Lord
4. 4th Step – Go to God with your requests – prayer with thanksgiving
B. 2 Steps To Have The God Of Peace With You
1. Think or Recon – logizomai (Our word “logistics”) - on these things
a. The true things - b. The honest things - c. The just things - d. The pure things
e. The lovely things - f. The good reports - g. The virtuous things - h. The things that praise God
2. Do these things
a. The things you have learned from Paul
b. The things you have received from Paul
c. The things you have heard from Paul
d. The things you have seen Paul do
1933 epieikhv epieikes ep-ee-i-kace’ - from 1909 and 1503; TDNT-2:588,243; adj
gentle 3, patient 1, moderation 1; 5
1) seeming, suitable
2) equitable, fair, mild, gentle
5432 frourew phroureo froo-reh’-o - from a compound of 4253 and 3708; ; v
keep 3, keep with a garrison 1; 4
1) to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight
2) metaph.
2a) under the control of the Mosaic law, that he might not escape from its power
2b) to protect by guarding, to keep
2c) by watching and guarding to preserve one for the attainment of something
3049 logizomai logizomai log-id’-zom-ahee - from 3056; TDNT-4:284,536; v
think 9, impute 8, reckon 6, count 5, account 4, suppose 2, reason 1, number 1, misc 5; 41
1) to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over
1a) to take into account, to make an account of
1a1) metaph. to pass to one’s account, to impute
1a2) a thing is reckoned as or to be something, i.e. as availing for or equivalent to something, as having the like force and weight
1b) to number among, reckon with
1c) to reckon or account
2) to reckon inward, count up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate
3) by reckoning up all the reasons, to gather or infer
3a) to consider, take into account, weigh, meditate on
3b) to suppose, deem, judge
3c) to determine, purpose, decide
++++
This word deals with reality. If I "logizomai" or reckon that my bank book has $25 in it, it has $25 in it. Otherwise I am deceiving myself. This word refers to facts not suppositions.
XI. Having Peace In All Circumstances – Good or Bad
Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
Philippians 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Philippians 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. {I have all: or, I have received all}
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
A. Paul has learned to have peace no matter what the present circumstance is
1. Remember when Paul and Silas were in prison in Philippi? What did they do?
2. Paul is rejoicing even now – He is in prison in Rome
B. Paul is content and at peace when:
1. He has good times or bad times
2. He is rich or poor
3. He is full or hungry
C. Paul is at peace because Christ gives him strength
1. In good times or bad times
2. Whether he is rich or poor
3. Whether he is full or hungry
D. The Philippians were also an example of others-esteem
1. They were not consumed with their present circumstances
2. They sent Epaphorus to Rome with a gift for Paul
3. They knew that the Lord was their supply, not present circumstances
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
I Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: