This 7-part Home Bible Study has been prepared by Fred Ash.
Part 7
The Letter So FarPhilippi to know first-hand of the progress of the gospel there. He warns them of the Judaizers who preach righteousness through the law, something he had rejected in favour of righteousness by faith. He warns them also of the Libertines who reject all law and order and indulge in sensual pleasures, a lifestyle that leads to destruction. Paul instructs the Philippians to follow his example and stand firm in the gospel he gave them.
This 7-part Home Bible Study has been prepared by Fred Ash.
Feel free to copy and use it in your group
Philippians
Part 7
Exhortation and Thanksgiving
4:2-23
The Letter So Far
Philippians is a personal letter of Paul to the church at Philippi which he, assisted by Timothy, had founded some years earlier (as recorded in Acts 16). Paul remembers the Philippians with joy and is filled with thanksgiving for those whom he calls his partners in the gospel. Writing from prison, Paul talks about how his imprisonment has led to the advance of the gospel. Paul addresses the Philippians on the topics of Christian conduct and Christian attitude, exhorting them to stand firm, to be united, and to be courageous in the face of persecution, all the while praising God for the privileges of living and suffering for Christ. Paul addresses an underlying problem of disunity that is developing among the congregation by urging them to have the same attitude of mind as that of Christ. Paul tells them of he plans to travel to Philippi to know first-hand of the progress of the gospel there. He warns them of the Judaizers who preach righteousness through the law, something he had rejected in favour of righteousness by faith. He warns them also of the Libertines who reject all law and order and indulge in sensual pleasures, a lifestyle that leads to destruction. Paul instructs the Philippians to follow his example and stand firm in the gospel he gave them.
Introduction
This last section is a kind of summary of what has gone before.
One of the major themes of Philippians is unity among the members. We saw this in 1:27 and 2:2. Paul returns to it again before he concludes his letter.
Another theme is the problem of false teachers coming to the church from outside (chapter 3). Paul alludes to this again as he sums up his letter.
Paul earlier told them to follow his example (3:17). He will tell them again before he finishes.
Paul spoke of his appreciation for the work of Epaphroditus (chapter 2). He mentions him again, and again shows his appreciation for the help the Philippians gave him over the years.
Exhortations (4:2-11)
Unity (4:2-3) This letter is to be read before all the congregation. The people mentioned are likely church leaders. Paul mentions them by name because he wants the church to help with the healing.
What commendation does Paul give these two women?
Paul also refers to them as “my fellow workers.”
What key word from 1:27 is repeated in 4:3? contended
The final reason for maintaining unity is that the names of all these people are written in the book of life.
Discuss: How good are we at managing conflict in the church?
Peace (4:4-7) The Judaizers and the Libertines were threats to the peace of the congregation. So, too were the tensions between the members. Paul reminds the Philippians not to allow these things to disrupt their ministry or to get them down.
Rather than be discouraged the Philippians are to rejoice!
Don’t turn against each other and get angry. Rather, let your gentleness be evident to all.
Don’t turn inward and get depressed. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (4:6)
The result will be that the peace of God will guard your hearts (feelings) and minds (thoughts) in Christ Jesus.
Discuss: What can we do to maintain peace in the church?
Christian Example (4:8-9) Paul sets himself up again as the example of how a Christian is to live. In doing this, Paul is demanding a lot from himself. He has to be careful that he does not disappoint those who are looking to him for inspiration.
Someone has said that we are what we think. There is a tremendous challenge here for us to think right thoughts and to embrace the highest virtues. The path to peace is by meditating on and practising the virtues associated with whatever is true_, _noble_, _right___, _pure___, _lovely_, _admirable_, and excellent or praiseworthy_.
Discuss: How does one’s though life affect one’s feelings?(remember 2:5)
Thanksgiving (4:10-23)
At the beginning of this letter Paul referred to the relationship between the Philippian Church
On several occasions Paul used the word “fellow” to indicate his closeness to individual members of the church.
2:25 fellow _worker _ and fellow _soldier__
4:2 _yokefellow.
These and other phrases indicate that Paul had a very close relationship with the people of this church.
Thanks for recent help (4:10-13)
Paul is grateful for the concern expressed by the Philippians but he shows hesitancy because he does not want to appear to be asking for more help. He is content in any and every situation. Also Paul’s does not want to appear to be accepting remuneration for his ministry (1 Cor. 9:3-18).
Thanks for past help (4:14-20)
Paul recalls the help the Philippians gave him in the past when he was in Thessalonica (v.16). He seems to be saying enough is enough (v.18). It was getting somewhat embarrassing!
Paul says their giving is like a fragrant offering, pleasing to God (v.18). In return, Paul says, God will meet all their spiritual needs (v.19).
What are some of the things for which you are thankful?
How important is it to express gratitude to those who help us?
Conclusion
Paul concludes his letter with personal greetings.
Philippians
Part 6
Stand Firm Against All Opposition
3:4b-4:1
The Letter So Far
Philippians is a personal letter of Paul to the church at Philippi which he, assisted by Timothy, had founded some years earlier (as recorded in Acts 16). Paul remembers the Philippians with joy and is filled with thanksgiving for those whom he calls his partners in the gospel. Writing from prison, Paul talks about how his imprisonment has led to the advance of the gospel. Paul addresses the Philippians on the topics of Christian conduct and Christian attitude, exhorting them to stand firm, to be united, and to be courageous in the face of persecution, all the while praising God for the privileges of living and suffering for Christ. Paul addresses an underlying problem of disunity that is developing among the congregation by appealing to their relationship with Christ and urging them to have the same attitude of mind as that of Christ who became as nothing for our sakes. Paul then turns to the mundane matters of travel plans to Philippi because he wants to know first-hand of the progress of the gospel there. He warns them of the Judaizers who may come their way before he gets there. These people preach a gospel of law, not grace, so Paul tells the Philippians to ignore them.
Introduction
Paul was concerned about the progress of the gospel in Philippi because he saw that there were two groups who opposed true Christian faith and practice. Last week we introduced the first group, the Judaizers. This week we will look at Paul’s response to that group and then look at the second group along with Paul’s response to them.
Paul’s Response to the Judaizers (3:4b-16)
The Judaizers, you will recall, were members of the Jewish synagogue who believed that faith in Jesus alone was not enough for salvation, but that Christians needed to be circumcised and come under the Law of Moses to be fully accepted by God.
Paul had encountered these people before (Gal. 5:12; 2 Cor. 11:13-15, 23; Romans 2:28-29)
Paul is more qualified than the Judaizers (4b-6)
From Paul’s response it seems likely that this particular group of Judaizers were Gentile converts to Judaism who were trying to win over the Gentile Christians in Philippi .
The word “flesh” has two meanings in this context: 1. circumcision; 2. human effort. Paul says if anyone thinks he qualifies for salvation through the “flesh,” then he (Paul) qualifies even more:
-He was a Jew by birth, implying that the Judaizers were not.
-He was a Pharisee, implying that the Judaizers were not.
-He was so zealous that he persecuted the Church; the Judaizers
merely try to persuade Christians to join them.
-As to legalistic righteousness he was faultless; the Judaizers
were adult converts to Judaism and could make no such boast.
Paul considers his gains as losses (7-9)
Paul does not say here that his Jewish heritage was of no value. Paul always held Judaism in high respect. Paul did not give up that which was valueless in order to gain Christ. He gave up that which “was to my profit” in order to gain Christ. In his new way of reckoning, profit was considered loss in order to gain Christ. (Remember Jesus’ parables of the pearl and of the buried treasure) When it came to choosing between righteousness by the Law and righteousness by faith, Paul considered the latter to be infinitely more valuable than the former. What the Judaizers are touting as something better, Paul gave up as something of less value.
Paul Presses On (10-16)
The Judaizers preached that the Christians needed do only one more thing to be perfected: they needed to be circumcised. That, they said, would guarantee their salvation.
Paul, on the other hand, says that our faith is only a beginning. We must now “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus too hold of me” (v.12). Now that he had begun a life of faith in Jesus, Paul sought:
1. to know Christ
2. to know the power of Christ’s Resurrection
3. to know the fellowship of sharing in Christ’s suffering
4. to become like Christ in his death
5. to attain to the resurrection of the dead
6. to be made perfect
Paul takes imagery from the races. Salvation is described as pressing toward the goal, straining toward what is ahead, taking hold, winning the prize.
Above all, for Paul, the end of salvation is conformity to Christ. This is the mature view of things.
Discuss: Have you encountered any thinking like that of the Judaizers?
How does Paul’s thinking relate to the idea of Christian perfection?
Paul Responds to the Libertines (3:17-21)
Another group that was emerging in the Church were the libertines. These people believed that salvation was a purely spiritual issue so it did not matter what you did in or to the body. You had freedom to do what you like because the body was not important. Paul describes these people thus:
Their god is their stomach
Their glory is in their shame (sexuality)
Their mind is on earthly things
Their destiny is destruction”
In contrast to them, Paul says
-follow my example
-take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you
-our citizenship is in heaven
-the Lord Jesus…will transform our lowly bodies so that they
will be like his glorious body
Discuss: What do you consider to be a healthy attitude towards the body?
Conclusion (4:1)
Paul concludes his exhortation with words of encouragement, echoing 1:27b-28a to stand firm. The issues at stake here are Christian faith and practice. Do not be led astray in your beliefs or in your conduct. Believe Paul’s message and follow Paul’s example.
Discuss: How comfortable are you with the idea of being an example for others to follow?
Philippians
Part 5
Progress in the Gospel
2:19-3:4a
The Letter So Far
Philippians is a personal letter of Paul to the church at Philippi which he, assisted by Timothy, had founded some years earlier (as recorded in Acts 16). Paul remembers the Philippians with joy and is filled with thanksgiving for those whom he calls his partners in the gospel and for whom he prays often. Writing from prison, Paul talks about how his imprisonment has led to the advance of the gospel. After bringing the Philippians up to date on what has happened to him in the jail, Paul addresses the Philippians on the topics of Christian conduct and Christian attitude, exhorting them to stand firm, to be united, and to be courageous in the face of persecution. In the midst of it all they are to praise God for the privilege of not only living for Christ but also of suffering for Christ. Paul addresses an underlying problem of disunity that is developing among the congregation by appealing to their relationship with Christ and urging them to have the same attitude of mind as that of Christ who lived on earth as a servant and died like a common criminal, but who was exalted above all creation by God, His Father.
Introduction
In the first part of Chapter 2, Paul took us to the mountaintop in his great ode to Christ (vv.6-11). This was followed by a beautiful metaphor in vv. 17-18 of the Philippians as priests of God offering up their sacrifice of service and Paul as the drink offering poured out upon their sacrifice. In 2:19 Paul brings us abruptly down to earth as he begins a section talking about his travelling plans.
Plans (2:19-30)
Paul’s chief concern in this letter is the of the gospel, particularly at Philippi .
In 1:5 Paul refers to the Philippians as his in the gospel. As chief partner in the gospel, Paul tells them in 1:12 that the gospel is advancing where he is.
In 1:27 Paul encourages the Philippians to advance the gospel in Philippi . Paul wants to know how things are going for the gospel in Philippi, so he makes the following plans.
Timothy’s Travel Plans (19-23)
In 2:19 Paul says he is going to send Timothy to bring back __________ from Philippi .
Because Timothy is (2:20) in the welfare of the Philippians it can be assumed that he will encourage them.
Timothy is not going to Philippi until Paul sees how things are going to turn out for him (2:23), then Timothy will take news to Philippi of Paul’s situation.
Notice the commendation which Paul gives concerning Timothy in vv.20-22.
Paul’s Travel Plans (v.24)
In 2:24 Paul says that after Timothy returns from Philippi he hopes that he, himself, will go there too.
Epaphroditus’s Travel Plans (25-30)
Before Timothy or Paul go to Philippi , Epaphroditus will go first. In fact it is he who will take this letter to Philippi .
From these verses what can you learn about this Epaphroditus?
Where was he from? Who sent him?
Why was he with Paul? What happen to him there?
Notice the commendation which Paul gives concerning Epaphroditus in vv. 25, 29.
Have you ever had occasion to praise a brother or sister to someone else?
How does commending others reflect the spirit of 2:4?
This week try to commend a brother or sister to someone else.
Warning (3:1-4a)
Paul’s major concern in this letter is, as we have said, the progress of the gospel. It is one of the reasons for the letter and the planned visits. Now we see one of the stumbling blocks to the progress of the gospel in Philippi – .
These were Christians who belonged to the synagogue and who insisted that gentile Christians should come under Jewish ceremonial law; that Christianity should be a sect within Judaism. They insisted that Christian converts should be circumcised as a sign that they now belonged to God.
Paul believed that we are saved by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone. Nothing got Paul’s anger up more than someone preaching a gospel of Christ plus something else. This is why he said “rejoice in ” (3:1) and “put no confidence in ” (3:3).
There is no evidence that the Judaizers had yet done any harm to the Philippian congregation but Paul knew that sooner or later they would try, so he issues this warning, telling the Philippians to for them (2:2).
This is not the first time Paul discussed this topic. He mentioned it in other letters as well: Gal. 5:12; 2 Cor. 11:13-15, 23; Romans 2:28-29
Discussion
What things have you observed that hinder people’s progress in the gospel?
To what extent can Christian ceremonies be compared to Jewish rituals?
To what extent does Paul’s argument against circumcision support the Army’s non-sacramental stand?
How would you describe a healthy balance between faith and works?
How do you measure progress?
Conclusion
Paul delighted in the advancement of the gospel. He planned for progress. He loved to hear news of the gospel progressing in other areas. Let us pray for the progress of the gospel world-wide.
Philippians
Part 4
Christian Attitude
2:1-11
The Letter So Far
Philippians is a personal letter of Paul to the church at Philippi which he, assisted by Timothy, had founded some years earlier (as recorded in Acts 16). Paul remembers the Philippians with joy and is filled with thanksgiving for those whom he calls his partners in the gospel and for whom he prays often. Writing from prison, Paul talks about how his imprisonment has led to the advance of the gospel. Paul is so happy about this that he doesn’t know which is better, to live for Christ or to die for Christ. After bringing the Philippians up to date on what has happened to him in the jail, Paul addresses the Philippians on the topics of Christian conduct and Christian attitude, which, he says ought not to depend on whether he is present with them or absent from them. He exhorts them to stand firm, to be united, and to be courageous in the face of the same kind of persecution he himself is facing. In the midst of it all they are to praise God for the privilege of not only living for Christ but also of suffering for Christ.
An underlying problem
Since human nature is the same the world over, it is safe to assume that not even the Christians at Philippi were perfect. Although this letter is filled with praise and encouragement, there is also the hint of a problem. It may be a problem in its very early stages, but one which Paul feels compelled to address before it progresses. It is the problem of disunity.
Paul hints at this in 1:27 when he encourages the Philippians to stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man.
Paul alludes to it in 2:14 when he urges the Philippians to “Do everything without complaining or arguing.”
More evidence that disunity may exist is Paul’s frequent use of the phrase “all of you”
1:1 1:4 1:7 (twice) 1:8 1:25 2:26
In 4:2 Paul identifies two members who are in disagreement.
Causes and Cure of Disunity (2:1-4)
The commentator William Barclay sees in verses 3 and 4 “three great causes of discord and disunity:”
1. Selfish ambition. This is working with the motive of advancing oneself rather than advancing the kingdom.
2. Personal prestige. This is the desire to be admired, to be respected, to have a platform seat, to be known by name etc.
3. Concentration on self. This is to put one’s own interests ahead of the interests and needs of others.
In 1:15-17 Paul referred to people who preached the gospel out of such motives. Here in 2:3-4 he tells the Philippians that that is not to be their motivation.
Paul appeals for unity on the basis of their relationship to Christ:
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,
If you have any comfort from his love,
If you have any fellowship with the Spirit,
If you have any tenderness and compassion
Then make my joy complete by
being like-minded,
having the same love,
being one in spirit and purpose. (2:1-2)
Paul sums up his message in 2:5 by saying:______________________________ _________________________________________________________________
The Mind of Christ (2:6-11)
Paul’s remedy for disunity, discord and disharmony is to point to the example of Christ. Be like Christ Jesus in your attitude, in your thinking, in your way of outlook and you will be as one.
The Story of Christ
v.6: His Pre-Existence
Christ is by nature God. In His pre-existence He “was with God” and he “was God” (John 1:1). The next part of the sentence can be interpreted two ways: Christ did not need to grasp after divinity because He was divine by nature or Christ did not hold on to equality with God but gave it up. Either interpretation is acceptable.
v.7: His Incarnation
In coming into our world, Christ emptied Himself. The word is used to describe pouring something out of a container until there is nothing left. He emptied Himself of His glory. He became in nature a human slave, living among us “as one who serves.”
v.8: His Sacrificial Death
The greatest characteristic of a slave is obedience. A slave has no will but his master’s. He makes no choices, no decisions. He lives to do his master’s will. So Jesus was obedient unto death.
v.9: His Resurrection and Ascension
Christ placed Himself into His Heavenly Father’s hands. Christ had given up His divine power. He could not even raise Himself back to life. God the Father raised Christ to life and restored to Him all He had given up and gave Him the new name Lord.
v.10-11: His Exaltation
In the ages to come everyone will acknowledge the Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus did not glorify Himself. Even in the age to come, in the eternity yet to be, it will be the Father who will receive the glory.
This is how you are to live, Paul says to the Philippians. You are to empty yourself, become a slave to all, live and die in obedience. By so doing you will earn the accolades of Heaven and the Father’s “well done, good and faithful servant.” That is your reward. The glory will never be yours; it will be the Father’s.
Discussion
What things do we like to hold on to?
What would it be like for us to give these up?
What would it be like for us to have the nature of a slave?
Philippians
Part 3
Christian Conduct
1:27-30, 2:12-18
The Letter So Far
Philippians is a personal letter of Paul to the church at Philippi which he, assisted by Timothy, had founded some years earlier. In the first section of the letter, Paul remembers the Philippians with joy. Those memories are no doubt associated with Acts 16 where the story of the church’s founding is recorded and where we meet two members of the congregation – Lydia
Introduction
Paul is a preacher first and foremost. He cannot keep from preaching very long, so after bringing the Philippians up to date on what has happened to him in the palace jail, he then begins to turn his attention to the Philippians. 1:27-2:18 is largely an exhortation in which Paul addresses the Philippians on the topics of Christian conduct and Christian attitude.
Key verses
1:27 ____conduct_______ yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
2:5 Your ____attitude___ should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Present or Absent
Paul concluded 1:26 on the affirmation that he would live and visit the Philippians. In 1:27 he seems not to be so sure. What Paul is doing here is trying to teach the Philippians to stand on their own. Their faith should not depend on his being present with them. This present-absent motif is seen again in 2:12.
How important is it for leaders to prevent others from being dependent on them? What can leaders do to discourage this? Can you relate anything like this from your own experiences?
Standing Firm (1:27-30)
Paul wants the Philippians to stand and not to lean.
The images in 1:27b-28 are from the arena, possible the gladiatorial games. Paul says:
stand firm in one spirit,
contend as one man for the faith of the gospel
don’t be frightened by your opponents
Their unity, courage and faith will be a sign to those who oppose the gospel that those opponents will be destroyed and that the believers will be saved.
It is noteworthy that the gospel has two opposite affects on people. Some are saved by the gospel, and some are destroyed by it. (see Luke 2:34, 2 Cor. 2:15-16)
Discuss: To what extend does unity exist in the Church today? Is society more aware or less aware of the gospel today than 25 years ago? What evidence is there of this?
Paul said (1:29) that the Philippians were granted (graced) two things on behalf of Christ:
1. to believe on Him
2. to suffer for Him (see also 3:10)
What was Paul’s attitude towards persecution?
According to 1:30 what kind of situation were the Philippians in? (see 1 Thess. 2:2, remember Acts 16)
Paul wants them to understand their suffering through his suffering and to see it as a Christ experience.
Working Out (2:12-16)
Paul says that while he was among them the Philippians obeyed his instructions. It is even more important, he says, that they obey in his absence. There is a sense of Paul’s impending death. If that should happen, then this letter would have even more significance for the Philippians because it would be the last word of their founder to them.
Notice the action words in this passage as Paul calls upon the Philippians to be diligent:
v.12 work out your salvation (i.e. in society around you)
v.14 Do everything without complaining or arguing
v.15 shine like stars
v.16 hold out the word of life
v.13 Paul says the Philippians are to work because God works.
v.16 Paul uses images from the arena and work as he says that his reward is to boast about the Philippians in the Judgement Day. (see also 1 Cor. 9:24-27)
Discuss: What “work” are we going to be able to brag about on the Judgement Day?
Praising God (2:17-18)
Paul concludes this section with a unique, and beautiful, picture in which he pictures the Philippians as priests standing at the altar offering up to God the sacrifice of service, and Paul’s life is the drink offering (of blood) poured over that sacrifice. Together they serve God and suffer for Him. Their sacrifice becomes a sacrifice of praise as Paul invites them to “rejoice with me.”
Discuss: How are we to work out our salvation in the context of our culture and our society?
Philippians
Part 2
The Happy Prisoner
1: 12-26
The Letter So Far
Philippians is a personal letter of Paul to the church at Philippi which he, assisted by Timothy, had founded some years earlier. In the first section of the letter, Paul remembers the Philippians with joy. Those memories are no doubt associated with Acts 16 where the story of the church’s founding is recorded and where we meet two members of the congregation – Lydia
Introduction
One of the key words in Philippians is joy. Look for it and similar words in every chapter. When Paul writes this letter, he is doing so from prison (1:13, 17). Yet, even as a prisoner he has cause to rejoice (1:18). Paul is, indeed, the happy prisoner!
Verses12-26 form an identifiable unit in which Paul talks about the implications of his imprisonment. A literary device employed by Paul to mark the beginning and ending of this section is his use of an “inclusion” i.e. the same word repeated near the beginning and the end. That word is translated “advance” (v.12) and “progress” (v.25).
The Advance of the Gospel (1:12-18)
The beginning words “I want you to know” suggest that Paul may be writing in response to some inquires from the Philippian church, whose members may have been worried about the news that Paul was in Prison. Paul replies, in effect, “I want you to know there is nothing to worry about. What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
How do you interpret bad things that happen to good people? How do you react when God’s people who are faithful to their Lord have to endure injustice, suffering and death?
How did Paul interpret such things? How did he react?
As Paul sees it, his imprisonment has advanced the gospel in at least three ways:
1. Unbelievers are hearing the gospel. (v.13)
2. Believers are gaining new courage (v.14)
3. More people are preaching the gospel (v.18)
One commentator, Fred B. Craddock, wrote: “There is no pain so sharp as an uninterpreted pain, no tragedy so heavy as one without meaning.” Paul could rejoice in his imprisonment because he found a meaning for it. He was able to interpret it in the light of the gospel. He was able to point to the good that was coming from it. That made him a happy prisoner.
The Preacher’s Motives (15-18)
While many were getting involved in preaching the gospel, they were not all doing so out of pure motives. There was envy and rivalry (v.15) among the preachers. There are several things to be said about this passage:
1. They were all preaching Christ.
2. Paul approved their message but not their motives.
3. The power of the gospel is within the gospel, not within the preacher.
How do you account for the fact that some preachers have great evangelistic success while their own spiritual lives are in shambles? What would you say about such preachers?
The Exaltation of Christ (1:19-26)
Paul expresses two overwhelming desires: that the gospel would be advanced, and that Christ would be exalted.
This passage shows the mind of a Christian facing martyrdom. Paul is awaiting the judgement of the Roman government. He does not know whether he will live or die. His prayer is that “Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (v.20) Paul can rejoice because in his mind he has embraced both possibilities. Paul shares his feelings with his friends at Philippi, partly to help himself and partly to help them because he knows that they, too, will face similar trials.
Paul feels the need to talk about life and death.
v.19 Paul says he knows that whatever happens will result in his deliverance. This may be a reference to Job 13:15-16. In the same breath both men talk about dying and deliverance. Deliverance is not a reference to release from prison.
v.20 Paul expects to face the verdict and the judgement bravely. Through prayer and the Spirit, Paul expects not to be ashamed but to have courage.
v.21 If to live is Christ, what is to be gained by dying?
vv22-23 Paul talks as if he has a choice. In reality the choice is not his. His life is in the hands of Rome
v.24 It will be more beneficial for the Philippians for Paul to remain alive. The word translated “necessary” is the same word translated “compelled” in 1Cor.9:16. It refers to one’s fate or destiny.
v.25-26 Paul is convinced that his destiny is to remain alive a little longer for the sake of the Philippians so that he may bring them joy. (However, in the next passage, he is not so sure of this.)
Conclusion
Paul is happy that the gospel is being advanced through his imprisonment and that Christ is being exalted in his life. He is happy about the future, because whether he lives or dies he comes out a winner.
How do you face uncertain days? How realistic is it for us to have the attitude expressed here by Paul?
Philippians
Part 1
Partners in the Gospel
Philippians 1: 1-11
Introduction
The Bible contains a number of literary genres such as history, psalms, gospel, and epistles. Knowing what kind of writing you are reading will help you to understand and interpret it.
An epistle is a __letter__. Thousands of letters from the Greco-Roman period have been discovered. Some are business letters, some are love letters, some contain directions for military leaders – the content was a varied as the lives of the senders and the recipients. They generally fell into two categories: the formal essay and the personal letter.
Paul’s letters were a variation on the letter-writing style of his day because while his letters were personal (they were from Paul personally), they were not private (he wrote them to churches or to groups of identifiable people).
e.g. Ph. 1:1, from Paul and Timothy
to the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi
Eph. 1:1 from Paul to the saints in Ephesus
Col. 1:1 from Paul and Timothy
to the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse
Paul meant these leters to be read aloud and to be circulated among various congregations. (Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27)
Paul never intended any of these letters to be read privately or to be interpreted privately without the Church’s involvement. The letters were an extension of his ministry The longest he ever stayed with one congregation was two years, three months. The letters were his way of ministering to the people in absentia.
Most of Paul’s letters contained the following elements
Salutation
Thanksgiving
Body (theological and church issues, and travel plans)
Moral/Ethical Instruction (“paraenesis”)
Closing
Paul did not know he was writing Scripture. However, very early in the Church’s history, Paul’s writings were recognized as Scripture and collected and preserved (2 Peter 3:15-16)
So let's have a close look at this letter of Paul to the church at Philippi .
Salutation (1:1-2)
Signature: Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus
Timothy was with Paul when the Philippian church was founded (Acts 16) and he had visited there (Acts 19:22).
Paul uses the word “servants” because he is later going to call upon them to serve one another (ch. 2).
Address: To the saints (i.e. holy ones). Paul has two addresses for them: a spiritual address, "in Christ Jesus," and a geographical address, "in Philippi ." They are God’s people in that time and place.
Greeting: Grace and peace. The first word, "grace," reminds us of the gospel of God’s unmerited favour which He extended to us in Christ. The second word, "peace," shalom, reminds us of Paul’s Jewish roots.
Thanksgiving (1:3-11)
Thanks for things in the Past (3-6)
Paul remembers the Philippians with joy because of their ___partnership__ in the gospel since day one.
Some of Paul’s experiences when founding the church at Philippi were far from joyful: Acts 16:19-24, 37. What part of those founding days might he have remembered with joy?
Two members of the Philippian church who likely heard this letter read to them were Lydia
Discuss: How is it possible to remember difficult times joyfully?
Thanks for things in the Present (7-8)
Paul’s great affection for the members of this congregation has not waned. In verse 7 Paul says, “I have you in my heart.” In verse 8 Paul compares his love for them to Christ’s love for them. Paul has an emotional attachment to these people, as we can see by his use of the word “feel” (v.7). Paul loves them as much today as he did in the past.
Paul’s first days in Philippi were partly spent in jail because of the gospel. According to vv.7b and 13 what is his present situation? Even now the Philippians share in God’s grace with Paul.
Discuss: How can we share each others joys and sorrows?
Thanks for things to come in the Future (9-11)
As Paul looks to the future, he has a special prayer for these people with whom he shares a loving relationship. His prayer is simply this: that their love will continue to grow.
As their love grows, so too will their
knowledge
insight
discernment
purity
blamelessness
In fact, Paul says, I pray that you will be filled with the ___ ___fruit____ of __righteousness___.
Paul encourages the Philippians to continue in this path until the _day_____ of __Christ______.
Discuss: Have you ever written to or received from a fellow Christian a letter of encouragement? Share your experience.
Have you ever considered letter-writing as a ministry?
Something to do: Send a letter or card of encouragement to someone this week.
