Kress Biblical Resources :: Overview Outline

Overview Outline of Philippians

Living as Citizens of Heaven brings Unity and Joy, No Matter the Circumstances

1. Introduction (Phl 1:1-2)
   1. The writer (Phl 1:1a)
   2. The recipients (Phl 1:1b)
   3. The reasons (see The Aim in the Introductory Matters)
   4. The requisite greeting (Phl 1:2)
2. Praying for fellow participants in the gospel of grace (Phl 1:3-11)
   1. The practice and perspective of intercessory prayer (Phl 1:3-8)
   2. The petition of intercessory prayer (Phl 1:9-11)
3. Promoting Christ’s exaltation no matter the circumstances, whether by life or by death (Phl 1:12-26)
   1. Joy in the painful circumstances (Phl 1:12-18b)
   2. Joy in the prospects of the future (Phl 1:18c-26)
4. Practically living out humility, love, and obedience in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phl 1:27-30; Phl 2)
   1. Keep on conducting yourselves as citizens worthy of the gospel (Phl 1:27-30)
   2. Keep on considering one another as more important than yourselves (Phl 2:1-11)
   3. Keep on conforming to the Word of God, as children of God (Phl 2:12-18)
   4. Keep on cherishing fellowship relationships, and those who model humility, love, and submission to God’s will (Phl 2:19-30)
5. Pressing on in faith toward the goal of Christlikeness (Phl 3; Phl 4:1)
   1. Living by faith as opposed to putting confidence in the flesh [You must avoid the error of the legalists] (Phl 3:1-16)
   2. Living by faith as opposed to pursuing earthly satisfaction [You must avoid the error of the earthly-minded] (Phl 3:17-21; Phl 4:1)
6. Pursuing unity and peace within the fellowship (Phl 4:2-9)
   1. The call to be of the same mind (Phl 4:2-3)
   2. The command to rejoice in the Lord (Phl 4:4)
   3. The command to reveal kindness/gentleness to all men (Phl 4:5a)
   4. The comfort that the Lord is near (Phl 4:5b)
   5. The command to stop worrying and start praying (Phl 4:6-7)
   6. The command to dwell on that which reflects the character of God (Phl 4:8)
   7. The command to practice/obey the truth of God (Phl 4:9)
7. Praising God for His provision through His people (Phl 4:10-20)
   1. Rejoicing in the perfect provision of God (Phl 4:10-13)
   2. Rejoicing in the partnership that believers have in the gospel and the worship of God (Phl 4:14-18)
   3. Reaffirming the promised provision and pre-eminent glory of God (Phl 4:19-20)
8. Conclusion (Phl 4:21-23)
   1. Greetings—fellowship of the saints [a reminder of unity] (Phl 4:21-22)
   2. Grace—favor from the Lord Jesus Christ [a request for undeserved favor] (Phl 4:23)

Alternate Macro-Structure

• Intro (Phl 1:1-2)
  • Prayer (Phl 1:2-11)
    • Personal circumstances (Phl 1:12-26)
      • Plea for a worthy walk and unity (Phl 1:27-2:18)
        • Partners who seek Christ’s interests above all else (Phl 2:19-30)
        • Pursuing Christ above all else (Phl 3; 4:1)
      • Pursuing Peace (Phl 4:2-9)
    • Personal provisions (Phl 4:10-19)
  • Prayer (Phl 4:20)
• Conclusion (Phl 4:21-23)