“To you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Phil. 1:29).
Philippians 1:12-30
Paul was in prison for preaching Christ when he wrote this letter to the Philippian church. He was a bond-servant of Jesus, owned and directed by Him; he could not have done otherwise. The matter was settled with him. “Christ will be honored in my body,” he says, “whether by life or by death.” In this way he could “advance the gospel,” which was all that mattered to him.
1. For the sake of Christ we must endure circumstances (2-14). “My circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known…and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Endure circumstances.
2. For the sake of Christ we must have pure motives (15-18). “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice…” Have pure motives.
3. For the sake of Christ we must be bold (19-21). “For I know this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the Spirit of Jesus Christ according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.. Be bold, live or die.
4. For the sake of Christ we must “live Christ” (22-26) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if it I am to live on in the flesh, that will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. I am hard- pressed from both directions. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” Live the Christ life.
5. For the sake of Christ we must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (27-30). “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come to see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel… for to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Maintain Christ -like conduct.
When I was young I lived for my sake. When I became a Christian I lived for our sake (our church, our theology, our traditions and taboos). Now that I am older, my passion is to live for Christ’s sake. My circumstances, motives, attitudes, life and conduct have no meaning unless they are experienced “for Christ’s sake.” I pray that all who read this article will learn sooner and submit to Christ more completely that I did. Considering what He has done for you, isn’t it reasonable that He should ask this of you—for His sake?
_________________
Note: I made a mistake in numbering my essays; this one should have gone our before last week’s questions.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Questions from Philippians One
You may not be able to answer these questions from memory after reading this chapter, but you can use them as study questions to aid in the understanding of what Paul is saying. If you have a study partner, one of you could read the questions and the other could read the answers.
1. Who was with Paul in Rome when he wrote the Philippian letter? V. 1
2. What three titles did Paul give his Christian friends at Philippi? V. 1
3. What two blessings from God and Jesus did Paul pronounce upon them? V. 2
4. For what was Paul thankful as he prayed with joy for these Christians? V. 5
5. What one thing was Paul sure of? V. 6
6. What do Christians who participate in the gospel share in common? V. 7
7. In what three Christian virtues did Paul pray that these Christians would abound? V. 9
8. What three things would they gain by growth in these virtues? Vs. 10, 11
9. What would be the end result of their gain? V. 11b
10. What had Paul been able to accomplish by his suffering? V. 12
11. What two groups of people were the beneficiaries of this advancement of the gospel? Vs. 13,
12. What two motives caused people to preach Christ? V. 15
13. Two other words that describe these motives. Vs. 16, 17
14. What was Paul’s reaction to their preaching, regardless of their motives? V. 18
15. What would aid in Paul's deliverance from prison? V. 19
16. Who would Paul honor, whether living or dying? V. 20
17. What was Paul’s desire? V. 23
18. What was more necessary than his desire? V. 24
19. What would result from Paul’s remaining in the flesh rather than departing to be with the Lord? V. 25
20. What would inspire the Philippians to “glory in Christ Jesus?” V. 26
21. Of what must the Christians life be worthy? V. 27
22. What two things would result from the Philippians’ lack of alarm under persecution? V. 28
23. What purpose would these actions of the Philippians serve for their opponents? What purpose for themselves? V. 28
24. What had been granted to these Christians? V. 29
25. What did these Christians, who served Christ as Paul did, share in common with him? V. 30
1. Who was with Paul in Rome when he wrote the Philippian letter? V. 1
2. What three titles did Paul give his Christian friends at Philippi? V. 1
3. What two blessings from God and Jesus did Paul pronounce upon them? V. 2
4. For what was Paul thankful as he prayed with joy for these Christians? V. 5
5. What one thing was Paul sure of? V. 6
6. What do Christians who participate in the gospel share in common? V. 7
7. In what three Christian virtues did Paul pray that these Christians would abound? V. 9
8. What three things would they gain by growth in these virtues? Vs. 10, 11
9. What would be the end result of their gain? V. 11b
10. What had Paul been able to accomplish by his suffering? V. 12
11. What two groups of people were the beneficiaries of this advancement of the gospel? Vs. 13,
12. What two motives caused people to preach Christ? V. 15
13. Two other words that describe these motives. Vs. 16, 17
14. What was Paul’s reaction to their preaching, regardless of their motives? V. 18
15. What would aid in Paul's deliverance from prison? V. 19
16. Who would Paul honor, whether living or dying? V. 20
17. What was Paul’s desire? V. 23
18. What was more necessary than his desire? V. 24
19. What would result from Paul’s remaining in the flesh rather than departing to be with the Lord? V. 25
20. What would inspire the Philippians to “glory in Christ Jesus?” V. 26
21. Of what must the Christians life be worthy? V. 27
22. What two things would result from the Philippians’ lack of alarm under persecution? V. 28
23. What purpose would these actions of the Philippians serve for their opponents? What purpose for themselves? V. 28
24. What had been granted to these Christians? V. 29
25. What did these Christians, who served Christ as Paul did, share in common with him? V. 30
Friday, November 14, 2008
God's Faithful Work
Paul and Silas established the church in Philippi around 51AD with the conversion of Lydia and the Jailor, who was holding them prisoners. Ten years later we see Paul imprisoned again in Rome, separated from the church he loved and in great need. This church had sent him assistance “time and again,” as he planted churches across Asia; now they assist him again by sending him a gift by his good brother Epaphroditus. This outpouring of love, coupled with the realization that Christ also loved him, filled Paul's heart with joy and motivated him to write Philippians—the “Epistle of Joy.”
CHAPTER ONE Continued
1:1-11: In this second look at chapter one, we see Paul praying for his people and encouraging them. Perhaps his most encouraging statement is, “I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6). From this verse we learn that God is completing the work He began in us and that His progressive work will be finished when Jesus comes. We also learn that a great part of God’s perfecting plan is our fellowship.
First, God has placed us together that we may be participants in the gospel (V. 5). As we enjoy participating in these blessings, we want to share them with others. As true believers, everything we say and do should bear witness to our faith for the benefit of others. Can’t we do something more or something better that will encourage others to come to Christ? Let’s pray about this.
Secondly, God has placed us together that we may be perfected for Christ when he comes (V.6). Our motivation is “the affection of Christ,” our love is abounding, our knowledge is increasing, our discernment is improving, our fullness is the “fruits of righteousness,” our condition is “pure and blameless” and our lives are lived for the “glory and praise of God.” Won’t it be wonderful to share such glory with others? Just think of the lives we can change and the souls we can save for our Lord!
Thirdly, God has places us together that we may be “partakers of grace (V. 7)...” The Philippian church was in Asia and Paul was in Europe, but they were partakers of grace. The church was able to share with Paul in his need and he was pleased to pray for the church in its trouble. It is inconceivable that Christians should ever oppose and hinder one another, considering how loving people work so well together. With our knowledge and experience in the gospel, isn’t there something more we can do to encourage others to share God’s grace with us? Think with me! Can’t we be more concerned and attentive? If we think and pray about this, can’t we be better brothers or sisters to those we have neglected? And can’t we win others to Christ by our love? We have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Let’s do it!
We have all seen the little plaque which says, “I’m not perfect; God hasn’t finished with me yet.”
But He is finishing His work in us, which will be complete when Jesus comes. We must help and never hinder Him in His work. This means yielding to him and doing his will. What God is doing in us is very positive and wonderful; He is filling us with the “fruits of righteousness” and preparing us to offer Him “glory and praise.” He is making us “pure and blameless.” When we become what God is making us to be, He will have brought his work to completion and prepared us for “the day of Christ.” Praise His glorious grace!”
Life is like a strange dream in which one is trying to accomplish a task or repair something that has been broken, but with all his struggling he cannot succeed. How hopeless and frustrating! Are you among those insecure people who are struggling to finish yourself? Do you really believe you can do it? “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them” (Jer. 45:5). You may be reading self-help books and going to motivational seminars for help, not knowing that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ.” Clay doesn’t make vessels of itself; it yields to the potter who makes them. Let us get out of God’s way and let Him finish His work!
CHAPTER ONE Continued
1:1-11: In this second look at chapter one, we see Paul praying for his people and encouraging them. Perhaps his most encouraging statement is, “I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6). From this verse we learn that God is completing the work He began in us and that His progressive work will be finished when Jesus comes. We also learn that a great part of God’s perfecting plan is our fellowship.
First, God has placed us together that we may be participants in the gospel (V. 5). As we enjoy participating in these blessings, we want to share them with others. As true believers, everything we say and do should bear witness to our faith for the benefit of others. Can’t we do something more or something better that will encourage others to come to Christ? Let’s pray about this.
Secondly, God has placed us together that we may be perfected for Christ when he comes (V.6). Our motivation is “the affection of Christ,” our love is abounding, our knowledge is increasing, our discernment is improving, our fullness is the “fruits of righteousness,” our condition is “pure and blameless” and our lives are lived for the “glory and praise of God.” Won’t it be wonderful to share such glory with others? Just think of the lives we can change and the souls we can save for our Lord!
Thirdly, God has places us together that we may be “partakers of grace (V. 7)...” The Philippian church was in Asia and Paul was in Europe, but they were partakers of grace. The church was able to share with Paul in his need and he was pleased to pray for the church in its trouble. It is inconceivable that Christians should ever oppose and hinder one another, considering how loving people work so well together. With our knowledge and experience in the gospel, isn’t there something more we can do to encourage others to share God’s grace with us? Think with me! Can’t we be more concerned and attentive? If we think and pray about this, can’t we be better brothers or sisters to those we have neglected? And can’t we win others to Christ by our love? We have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Let’s do it!
We have all seen the little plaque which says, “I’m not perfect; God hasn’t finished with me yet.”
But He is finishing His work in us, which will be complete when Jesus comes. We must help and never hinder Him in His work. This means yielding to him and doing his will. What God is doing in us is very positive and wonderful; He is filling us with the “fruits of righteousness” and preparing us to offer Him “glory and praise.” He is making us “pure and blameless.” When we become what God is making us to be, He will have brought his work to completion and prepared us for “the day of Christ.” Praise His glorious grace!”
Life is like a strange dream in which one is trying to accomplish a task or repair something that has been broken, but with all his struggling he cannot succeed. How hopeless and frustrating! Are you among those insecure people who are struggling to finish yourself? Do you really believe you can do it? “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them” (Jer. 45:5). You may be reading self-help books and going to motivational seminars for help, not knowing that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ.” Clay doesn’t make vessels of itself; it yields to the potter who makes them. Let us get out of God’s way and let Him finish His work!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Philippians, The Epistle of Joy
“Joy: The mood of one who is pleased or delighted.” C. S. Lewis wrote his autobiography, which he called “Surprised by Joy.” In it he says that joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness may be a prolonged state of well being brought on and maintained by one's fortunate circumstances. Joy is more like a surprise, not necessarily resulting from one’s circumstance, but appearing suddenly, and bringing great delight. Wordsworth expressed the same feeling when he wrote, “My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky.” When Paul wrote this letter he was in prison, not in a place that would be conducive to a delightful mood, or could it provide a state of sustained happiness. Lewis understood what Paul meant by “joy.” Paul’s dear work fellow, Ephroditus had just arrived from the church at Philippi with a gift for him. He had been in need, and, not free to make and market tents as he had been doing for years; he needed help. Just imagine that day when Paul was weary with his plight and suddenly a guard announced, “Paul, someone is here to see you.” What a surprise! What joy! This love and the thought of Christ’s love for him filled his heart with joy. This joy was Paul’s motivation for writing this Epistle of Joy to his beloved church at Philippi.
When Paul was at Troas in Asia, he saw a vision of a man from Macedonia in Europe saying, “Come over and help us.” He responded by going to Philippi, converting Lydia and the jailor with his family. With there in 51AD, he established the Philippian church, which sent aid to him several times when he was away on mission. Now, years have passed and he is in prison at Rome. But his beloved church remembers him and sent aid to him by Epaphroditus, who took this letter from Paul back to his beloved brothers and sisters at Philippi. This church was one of the purest and most faithful of all the churches. For this reason this letter is called, “The Epistle of Joy.” Silas had helped Paul establish this church and Timothy was with him in Rome. But in this dark cell he is alone, except that Christ lived in him mightily. He had been in jail at Philippi and now his church is being persecuted while he is imprisoned in Rome. He had no reason to scold them; he wanted only to encourage them. This letter is his encouragement.
CHAPTER ONE
Verses 1 and 2 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. Instead of declaring his apostleship, as Paul sometimes does, he declared himself a bond-servant of Christ instead. All true believers are bond-servants of Christ, having been purchased by his blood. And all true believers are saints because they are holy. The church at Philippi, along with all the other congregations, was independent and autonomous, having its own “bishops (elders) and deacons.” Paul planted many independent churches and returned to ordain men who had become qualified to fill these offices. There was no hierarchy, diocese, synod, etc. in those days. All such governing entities, along with their traditions and creeds, evolved over a long period of time, changing the original church into something far different from what it was originally. “Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace were what this persecuted church needed. You who take this letter seriously will also find grace and peace in this “epistle of joy.”
We need to study and learn this letter well. Better yet, we need to live it well. Paul wrote it while rejoicing; it will fill our hearts with the same joy. Read it thoroughly and prayerfully; understand and appreciate what you are reading. Then share it with others. We need to study with both our minds and our hearts, with understanding and deep feelings about what we have come to understand.
3-11 “I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and conferment of the gospel , you are all partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
From these verses learn:
· True believers pray for one another.
· Prayer is a privilege and a joy.
· Each believer is a partner in the gospel.
· Whatever good work God has begun in our lives, he will complete.
· Our united witness defends and confirms the gospel.
· We should “yearn” to be together because Christ’s affection is in our hearts.
· Our love should “abound more and more” as we gain greater knowledge and discernment.
· With this growth we will “approve what is excellent” and be keep pure and blameless – pure because our sins are forgiven and blameless because there are no charges against us.
· As God is now filling us, we shall then be “filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Praise God for His glorious grace.
When Paul was at Troas in Asia, he saw a vision of a man from Macedonia in Europe saying, “Come over and help us.” He responded by going to Philippi, converting Lydia and the jailor with his family. With there in 51AD, he established the Philippian church, which sent aid to him several times when he was away on mission. Now, years have passed and he is in prison at Rome. But his beloved church remembers him and sent aid to him by Epaphroditus, who took this letter from Paul back to his beloved brothers and sisters at Philippi. This church was one of the purest and most faithful of all the churches. For this reason this letter is called, “The Epistle of Joy.” Silas had helped Paul establish this church and Timothy was with him in Rome. But in this dark cell he is alone, except that Christ lived in him mightily. He had been in jail at Philippi and now his church is being persecuted while he is imprisoned in Rome. He had no reason to scold them; he wanted only to encourage them. This letter is his encouragement.
CHAPTER ONE
Verses 1 and 2 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. Instead of declaring his apostleship, as Paul sometimes does, he declared himself a bond-servant of Christ instead. All true believers are bond-servants of Christ, having been purchased by his blood. And all true believers are saints because they are holy. The church at Philippi, along with all the other congregations, was independent and autonomous, having its own “bishops (elders) and deacons.” Paul planted many independent churches and returned to ordain men who had become qualified to fill these offices. There was no hierarchy, diocese, synod, etc. in those days. All such governing entities, along with their traditions and creeds, evolved over a long period of time, changing the original church into something far different from what it was originally. “Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace were what this persecuted church needed. You who take this letter seriously will also find grace and peace in this “epistle of joy.”
We need to study and learn this letter well. Better yet, we need to live it well. Paul wrote it while rejoicing; it will fill our hearts with the same joy. Read it thoroughly and prayerfully; understand and appreciate what you are reading. Then share it with others. We need to study with both our minds and our hearts, with understanding and deep feelings about what we have come to understand.
3-11 “I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and conferment of the gospel , you are all partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
From these verses learn:
· True believers pray for one another.
· Prayer is a privilege and a joy.
· Each believer is a partner in the gospel.
· Whatever good work God has begun in our lives, he will complete.
· Our united witness defends and confirms the gospel.
· We should “yearn” to be together because Christ’s affection is in our hearts.
· Our love should “abound more and more” as we gain greater knowledge and discernment.
· With this growth we will “approve what is excellent” and be keep pure and blameless – pure because our sins are forgiven and blameless because there are no charges against us.
· As God is now filling us, we shall then be “filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Praise God for His glorious grace.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
One Nation Under God
Just in case you haven't read this Paul Harvey prayer I thought perhaaps you may like to.
PAUL HARVEY'S ON- AIR PRAYER
>
> 'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and
> to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to
> those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We
> have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have
> exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded
> laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called
> it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We
> have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self
> esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted
> our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted
> the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of
> expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our
> forefathers and called it enlightenment.
> Search us, Oh God , and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every
> sin and set us free. Amen!'
PAUL HARVEY'S ON- AIR PRAYER
>
> 'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and
> to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to
> those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We
> have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have
> exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded
> laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called
> it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We
> have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self
> esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted
> our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted
> the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of
> expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our
> forefathers and called it enlightenment.
> Search us, Oh God , and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every
> sin and set us free. Amen!'
Friday, November 7, 2008
Philippians--The Epistle of Joy
“Joy: The mood of one who is pleased or delighted.” C. S. Lewis wrote his autobiography which he called, Surprised by Joy. In it he says that joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness may be a prolonged state of well being brought on and maintained by one's fortunate circumstances. Joy is more like a surprise, not necessarily resulting from one’s circumstance, but appearing suddenly, and bringing great delight. Wordsworth expressed the same feeling when he wrote, “My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky.” When Paul wrote this letter he was in prison, not in a place that would be conducive to a delightful mood, or could it provide a state of sustained happiness. Lewis understood what Paul meant by “joy.” Paul’s dear work fellow, Ephroditus had just arrived from the church at Philippi with a gift for him. He had been in need, and, not free to make and market tents as he had been doing for years; he needed help. Just imagine that day when Paul was weary with his plight and suddenly a guard announced, “Paul, someone is here to see you.” What a surprise! What joy! This love and the thought of Christ’s love for him filled his heart with joy. This joy was Paul’s motivation for writing this Epistle of Joy to his beloved church at Philippi.
When Paul was at Troas in Asia, he saw a vision of a man from Macedonia in Europe saying, “Come over and help us.” He responded by going to Philippi, converting Lydia and the jailor with his family. With there in 51AD, he established the Philippian church, which sent aid to him several times when he was away on mission. Now, years have passed and he is in prison at Rome. But his beloved church remembers him and sent aid to him by Epaphroditus, who took this letter from Paul back to his beloved brothers and sisters at Philippi. This church was one of the purest and most faithful of all the churches. For this reason this letter is called, “The Epistle of Joy.” Silas had helped Paul establish this church and Timothy was with him in Rome. But in this dark cell he is alone, except that Christ lived in him mightily. He had been in jail at Philippi and now his church is being persecuted while he is imprisoned in Rome. He had no reason to scold them; he wanted only to encourage them. This letter is his encouragement.
Chapter 1
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1, 2). Instead of declaring his apostleship, Paul declared himself a bond-servant of Christ. All true believers are bond-servants of Christ, having been purchased by his blood. And all true believers are saints because they are holy. The church at Philippi, along with all the other congregations, was independent and autonomous, having its own “bishops (elders) and deacons.” Paul planted many independent churches and returned to ordain men who had become qualified to fill these offices. There was no hierarchy, diocese, synod, etc. in those days. All such governing entities, along with their traditions and creeds, evolved over a long period of time, changing the original church into something far different from what it was originally.
“Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace were what the persecuted church needed. You who take this letter seriously will also find grace and peace in this “epistle of joy.”
“I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and conferment of the gospel , you are all partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (3-11).
From chapter one, learn:
· True believers pray for one another.
· Prayer is a privilege and a joy.
· Each believer is a partner in the gospel.
· Whatever God has begun in our lives, he will complete.
· Our united witness defends and confirms the gospel.
· We should “yearn” to be together because Christ’s affection is in our hearts.
· Our love should “abound more and more” as we gain greater knowledge and discernment.
· With this growth we will “approve what is excellent” and keep ourselves pure and blameless –pure because our sins are forgiven and blameless because there are no charges against us.
What marvelous lives we will live if we indentify with Paul in these matters. We too will be “filled with the fruits of righteousness” by Christ working in us. And our lives will bring “glory and praise to God.”
We need to study and learn this letter well. Better yet, we need to live it well. Paul wrote it while rejoicing; it will fill our hearts with the same joy. Read it thoroughly and prayerfully; understand and appreciate what you are reading. Then share it with others. We need to study with both our minds and our hearts, with understanding and deep feelings about what we have come to understand.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
When Paul was at Troas in Asia, he saw a vision of a man from Macedonia in Europe saying, “Come over and help us.” He responded by going to Philippi, converting Lydia and the jailor with his family. With there in 51AD, he established the Philippian church, which sent aid to him several times when he was away on mission. Now, years have passed and he is in prison at Rome. But his beloved church remembers him and sent aid to him by Epaphroditus, who took this letter from Paul back to his beloved brothers and sisters at Philippi. This church was one of the purest and most faithful of all the churches. For this reason this letter is called, “The Epistle of Joy.” Silas had helped Paul establish this church and Timothy was with him in Rome. But in this dark cell he is alone, except that Christ lived in him mightily. He had been in jail at Philippi and now his church is being persecuted while he is imprisoned in Rome. He had no reason to scold them; he wanted only to encourage them. This letter is his encouragement.
Chapter 1
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1, 2). Instead of declaring his apostleship, Paul declared himself a bond-servant of Christ. All true believers are bond-servants of Christ, having been purchased by his blood. And all true believers are saints because they are holy. The church at Philippi, along with all the other congregations, was independent and autonomous, having its own “bishops (elders) and deacons.” Paul planted many independent churches and returned to ordain men who had become qualified to fill these offices. There was no hierarchy, diocese, synod, etc. in those days. All such governing entities, along with their traditions and creeds, evolved over a long period of time, changing the original church into something far different from what it was originally.
“Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace were what the persecuted church needed. You who take this letter seriously will also find grace and peace in this “epistle of joy.”
“I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and conferment of the gospel , you are all partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (3-11).
From chapter one, learn:
· True believers pray for one another.
· Prayer is a privilege and a joy.
· Each believer is a partner in the gospel.
· Whatever God has begun in our lives, he will complete.
· Our united witness defends and confirms the gospel.
· We should “yearn” to be together because Christ’s affection is in our hearts.
· Our love should “abound more and more” as we gain greater knowledge and discernment.
· With this growth we will “approve what is excellent” and keep ourselves pure and blameless –pure because our sins are forgiven and blameless because there are no charges against us.
What marvelous lives we will live if we indentify with Paul in these matters. We too will be “filled with the fruits of righteousness” by Christ working in us. And our lives will bring “glory and praise to God.”
We need to study and learn this letter well. Better yet, we need to live it well. Paul wrote it while rejoicing; it will fill our hearts with the same joy. Read it thoroughly and prayerfully; understand and appreciate what you are reading. Then share it with others. We need to study with both our minds and our hearts, with understanding and deep feelings about what we have come to understand.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
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