Outline of Philippians

    I. The salutation                              1:1-2

    II. Paul prays that the Philippians
        may love with knowledge and
        discernment                                1:3-11

    III. Paul's circumstances are
         providentially ordered for the
         progress of the gospel                    1:12-26
       A. His imprisonment has resulted
          in the gospel being spread               1:12-18
       B. His upcoming release and
          continuing ministry to the
          Philippians will be for their
          spiritual progress                       1:19-26

    IV. The Philippians are urged to
        exhibit exemplary behavior and
        maintain effective ministry for
        the benefit of the gospel                  1:27-2:18
       A. They are summoned to display
          conduct consistent with, and
          for the good of the gospel               1:27-30
       B. The exhortation to commendable
          conduct is expanded and
          illustrated                              2:1-11
       C. Their godly conduct is to be a
          testimony to the unsaved and
          pave the way for ministering to
          them                                     2:12-18

    V. Timothy and Epaphroditus will be
       sent to the Philippians to
       discharge certain duties                    2:19-30
       A. Timothy will genuinely care for
          their needs                              2:19-24
       B. Epaphroditus will relieve their
          anxiety                                  2:25-30

    VI. The Philippians are warned about
        their religious enemies                    3:1-4:1
       A. Prologue                                 3:1
       B. The Judaizers are trying to
          impose needless and spiritually
          dangerous circumcision on them           3:2-11
       C. The perfectionists promote
          spiritual sloth and regard them
          as second class Christians               3:12-16
       D. The antinomians` worldly lifestyle
          can corrupt them                         3:17-21
       E. Epilogue                                 4:1

    VII. God's peace will sustain the
         Philippians                               4:2-20
       A. Peace among the brethren is to
          reign in the congregation                4:2-5
       B. Peace in the midst of problems
          will guard their minds from
          worry                                    4:6-9
       C. Peace in all circumstances will
          give them contentment                    4:10-20

    VIII. Closing comments                         4:21-23