Immediate Observations Template (1)

 Work from your structural diagram.  Note your observations verse by verse.  Focus on what you see in the text words.  Do not ask research questions at this point.  Work at it like a brainstorming session.  Highlight the most fruitful observations. Relationship of Text Ideas Watch for Purpose Results Purpose Contrasts Reasons Correlative Structure Purpose Results Reasons Contrasts Purpose Results Reasons Contrasts Correlative Structure Reasons Correlative Structure Conditional Statements Comparisons Correlative Structure V.1 Paul and Timothy write this letter. Warm greetings and God's favor to the people of Philippi. V.2 God's richest blessings to the readers V. 3-5 In verses three through five, the author expresses gratitude and delight for the gospel's advancement. V. 6 Inspiration that God will continue to change them. God's continued work in them is something to be encouraged by. V. 7. grace-filled companions V. 8-11. He deeply affectionates them and hopes they will deepen their love for one another and God. Paul's prayer for the Philippians in verses 9-11 is that they would grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, becoming more and more holy and righteous. V. 12-13. Paul's imprisonment helped spread the gospel, as it was obvious to all that he was suffering for Christ's sake. Paul's trials and tribulations have served only to advance God's kingdom. V. 14. Paul explains why the gospel positively impacted his family and friends. V.15-18. It is wonderful that the gospel is being taught for whatever reason. V. 15-17. Compare and contrast those who preach out of "envy and rivalry" with those who preach out of "goodwill." V. 18. Insofar as Christ is preached, Paul is happy (and will remain happy) despite the preacher's ambition. V. 19-26. Death would bring Paul closer to the Lord, but life would allow him to continue spreading the gospel to more people. V. 19-20. Paul expresses joy because he is confident that, whether alive or dead, Christ will be exalted. V. 21-24 - Paul's life and death are weighed and compared in verses 21-24. V. 25-26 - Paul's decision to stay in Philippi is motivated by his desire to see the Philippians grow in maturity, happiness, and faith. V. 27 Get in formation, look weird, and preach the gospel 27. V. 28 Have faith; your enemies will one day recognize God's handiwork in you and regret trying to destroy you. V. 27-28 - Because they "stand firm" in their faith in the gospel and others who oppose them will see that they are saved by God, Paul is confident in their perseverance. V. 29-30. They risk their lives to spread the gospel and suffer for Christ. Suffering for Christ is a consequence of faith The Significant Words Watch for  Theological themes  Repetition  Theological themes  Repetition  Theological themes  Repetition  Figurative language  Repetition  Theological themes V. 1. Servant The role of Paul and Timothy as servants of Christ is represented. Repetition is seen in the greeting, which emphasizes their role as a servant. V. 1. You (the holy people of God) The letter is addressed to the recipients, emphasizing their holiness. The repeated use of "you" emphasizes that Paul speaks directly to the Philippians. V. 1,2,8. Christ Jesus The central figure represents the focus of their faith. His frequent mention emphasizes the significance of Christ. V. 3. Thankful Indicates Paul's gratefulness and the depth of his feelings. Pattern-forming repetition is observed in expressions of gratitude. V. 4. Prayers Indicative of Paul's petitioning God on behalf of the Philippians, this image symbolizes communication with God.