Some of this lesson came from other web sites. The middle portion is mine.
Philippians was written by Paul, the Apostle
He wrote it while in a prison in Rome about 61-62 AD.
Background
In Paul's day, the city of Philippi, in Macedonia, was a Roman colony.
Paul Came here and preached the gospel during his second missionary journey, accompanied by Silas, Timothy, and Luke. After they had only preached there a few days, Paul cast out the demon from a fortune telling woman slave who kept following them around. As a result, her owner had Paul and Silas illegally thrown in jail and whipped. On the following day, Paul and Silas left Philippi. Even though they had only stayed a few days, several people had come to faith in Christ, and a church was started.(Acts 15:36-16:40)
After this, the church at Philippi communicated with and sent money to Paul to help in his work.
When Paul was shut up as a prisoner in his own house in Rome for two years (Acts28:16), the church of Philippi heard about it an sent a man named Epaphroditus to help him. While helping Paul, he became very sick, and though he nearly died, recovered. After this, Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians and sent it by the hand of Epaphroditus.
Purpose
To reassure the Philippian church about his condition so they would not worry about him.
To encourage them to rejoice, be humble and maintain unity. To teach them about these things.
To notify them that Timothy planned to visit them.
To warn them about legalistic false teachers.(they added keeping the law of Moses to the requirement for salvation)
Peculiarities
The theme of this book is Joy.
The close relationship that Paul had with the Philippians can be seen here.
Christ's example of humility is explained for us here.
Paul shows us his motivation for working here. Philippians 1:21; 3:10,14
Key Verses
21
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Key terms
Joy
Caring
gospel
Christ
Epistle to the Philippians |
Chapter | |
I. |
The Joy of the work of the Gospel |
1 |
II. |
The Joy of Humility |
2 |
III. |
The Righteousness of Christ and Joy |
3 |
IV. |
The Joy of God's peace |
4 |
This page was last updated on Friday, November 14, 1997
Phil 1:1-2 Grace And Peace
I. Paul and Philippi
As noted in describing the book, Paul had a special affection for this church. Other letters deal with Theology or specific problems in a church. This is, instead, "a spiritual love letter to the church filled with warm affection and gratitude." Even though written under hard circumstances while Paul was a prisoner, the letter emphasizes victory and joy."
Paul begins with a twofold prayer - "Grace and Peace." Grace is, as we know, the "unmerited favor of God." Salvation comes to us, not by what we earn but by a free gift given in Christ on the cross. Paul's prayer is that the church experience and demonstrate that grace
He also prays that the church experience peace. Consider the troubles of the world. Narramore's "Encyclopedia of Psychological Problems" has chapters for 65 separate problems. Another book on Counseling lists half the problems and uses twice the pages. In addition to Psychological troubles we face physical illnesses, financial trouble and natural disasters. We can see that many who say that hell is here on earth may have a point.
The question then is, how do we respond to trouble? Many respond by worrying. We brood and stew, but the troubles stay. Jesus asked, Which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span. Worry is wasted effort. Brooding is unproductive. Paul prays that you will know peace.
Some prophets told a people who had turned away from God, "you shall have peace." - Jeremiah called them false prophets. Peace can only be found through faith is Christ. The key word is faith, or perhaps better, TRUST. It is as we place our trust in him, we find our peace growing. He gives us confidence to face the troubles of the world. Jesus gave us a promise, "I am with you always."
Paul found his joy in the work of the Gospel. This phrase, the work o the Gospel must be read two ways. There is the work we do for Christ. But more importantly there is the work of the Gospel in us. Paul saw the Gospel at work in the church at Philippi and this gave him joy. It led him to thanksgiving.
Garrison Keilor tells the story of his uncle's giving thanks for each person present - by name on Thanksgiving. Paul had a habit, whenever possible, of giving thanks for the churches to whom he wrote. In the Philippians he was thankful for, 1) "Your partnership in the gospel. and 2) your Continued Growth.
Jesus said the one mark by which his disciples are recognized is "mutual affection," "That you have love one for another. The Bible says we are to meet together to encourage one another. Such mutual encouragement requires mutual affection. And we can not develop that affection, except as we come together on a regular basis. For the church to be the church we must find our joy in the people we work with. This is why caring is such a part of this letter. Paul knew that we show our Christian love through acts of caring. How do we show care for each other and for the people of God?
One way is prayer. Paul prayed for the church. But they also prayed for Paul. Are we, as a fellowship, praying for one another? I am part of an e-mail list on the Internet. the avowed purpose of the list is humor. But a regular part of the list is requests for prayer. At a time when I went through great stress and trouble. At a time when I was cut off from the local church. I found in these praying people a continued support. David and Arlene Cooney are in North Carolina. Still we are able to keep in touch with them. The last e-mail I got from them included this sentence. "Thanks to you for your continuing love, concern, prayers and generosity." We can read it in Philippians, or we can read it in letters from those doing missions today. Prayer is our bulwark.
Another way is by financial sharing. Paul notes, in Phil 4:15, "not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you only." Again, from the Cooneys, "and to our great surprise and humble thanksgiving, on Monday a generous check from First Christian Church arrived! Thanks to all, especially the Missions Team."
Joy comes through the work of the Gospel. Pastor Ron frequently says, "God isn't finished with you yet." That a way of saying, the gospel is at work in you. Paul was thankful for the continuing growth of the Philippians. How are you growing? Would Paul be thankful for your participation - through affection, through prayer, through giving, through witnessing - in the gospel? Paul says that "He who began a good work will bring it to completion." God began the work - again we speak of grace. So to, he gives us growth. We grow as we allow God to do his work in us. Growth comes as we become more in tune with him. It comes through reading his Word. It comes through spending time in prayer with him. It comes through living for him, lives of obedience. Growth comes through continued contact with God, His word, and his people. Are you growing. Is god doing his work in you. Or have you stopped him. A prayer for you. May you gain more knowledge and insight. Having grown is not enough, we all -as individuals and as a church - need to keep growing. Paul also prays that you might discern what is the best. Satan is often satisfied simply to keep us doing the good, as long as we forget God's call to do the best. Let us pray that we, as a church and as Christians would make the best use of our time, our talent and our resources.
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Introduction (1-11)
- The situation in Rome (12-26)
- Exhortation to stand fast (27-30)
2) Who joins Paul in addressing this epistle? To whom is it sent? (1)
- Timothy
- The saints in Christ Jesus in Philippi, with the bishops and
deacons
3) For what is Paul thankful concerning the Philippians? (5)
- For their fellowship in the gospel
4) What is Paul confident of concerning the Philippians? (6)
- That God will complete the work begun in them until the day of
Jesus Christ
5) Upon what basis did Paul have this confidence concerning the
Philippians? (7)
- Their participation with Paul in both his chains and in the
proclamation of the gospel
6) What four things did Paul pray for in behalf of the Philippians?
(9-11)
- That their love might abound in knowledge and discernment
- That they might approve the things that are excellent
- That they might be sincere and without offense till the day of
Christ
- That they might be filled with the fruits of righteousness which
are by Jesus Christ
7) What was the effect of Paul's imprisonment? (12)
- It actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel
8) What was Paul's attitude about those preaching Christ out of envy
and strife, trying to do him harm? (15-18)
- Christ was still being preached, and in that Paul rejoiced
9) What was Paul's earnest desire and expectation that he could do with
all boldness? (20)
- To magnify Christ in his body, whether by life or by death
10) What was Paul's attitude toward life and death? (21)
- To live is Christ, and to die is gain
11) Between what two things was Paul hard pressed? (23-24)
- A desire to depart and be with Christ
- A realization that to remain in the flesh was more needful for
them
12) What sort of conduct did Paul consider worthy of the gospel of
Christ? (27)
- Standing fast in one spirit, with one mind stringing together for
the faith of the gospel
13) What had been granted to the Philippians on behalf of Christ? (29)
- Not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake
The "Executable Outlines" Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 1997