PHILIPPIANS
Introduction
Philippi is in Northern Greece. This place was once called the Krenides, which means “little fountains” as there were several springs that would flow into marsh land
It was led by an exiled Greek family and later taken over by Philip of Macedon – Alexander the Great’s father. Around 360 BC
It later became a Roman province called Achaia in 146 BC. It was then taken over by Rome and made a Roman Colony after the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. A Roman colony was a miniature Rome using roman coin, laws and customs and speaking Latin. It was heavily populated by Romans – possibly veterans from the Roman army.
During Paul’s time the entire area including Thessalonica and Philippi was called Macedonia and Philippi was the leading city.
In 52 AD Paul makes his first visit with Silas, Timothy, and Luke (Acts 15:40-16:12)
He converts Lydia (Acts 16:14-15), casts a demon out of slave girl (Acts 16:16-18), is imprisoned and converts jailor (Acts 16:19-34). The gospel is for all walks of life and all classes of people. It is the power of God unto salvation!
He takes a second trip to Philippi (Acts 20:1-6)
The Church of Christ at Philippi loves Paul and supplies him with financial support continually... even in much poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 11:9)
The Philippian letter was written by Paul from prison in Rome about 62/63 AD.
PHILIPPIANS 1
INTRODUCTION
Paul and Timothy write this letter to all the saints in Philippi including the overseers (elders) and deacons.
The things that he writes are for all Christians not just those with specific offices.
GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU
Encouragement is important to Christians and in every New Testament letter, with the exclusion of Hebrews, James, 1 John, 3 John, and Jude, include the words “grace and peace to you from God the Father and/or the Lord Jesus Christ” in the greeting.
How often do we remind each other of the grace and peace we have in the Lord Jesus?
Paul is often in prayer for the saints. In thanksgiving and with joy “in view of” or for, because etc. of their participation in the gospel.
PARTICIPATION IN THE GOSPEL – v5
Paul speaks of their participation “from the first day until now.” It may seem far fetched to us that a new born Christian would be participating [koinonia usually rendered “fellowship”] in the furthering of the gospel; however this was exactly the case with these individuals.
If we truly “make disciples” then “baptize them” as in Matthew 28:18-20, then those new born Christians have already been witnessing learners (disciples, students, pupils) of the Jesus. They who knew Jesus were willing and able to participate or have fellowship in the gospel message. There becomes a problem when we are too eager to baptize people and we neglect teaching them and in turn neglect making quality disciples. A person cannot become a Christian without first becoming a disciple (see Matt 28:19, John 4:1)
How were they sharing in the gospel? (see 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 11:9)
When was “the first day”? (see Acts 16)
GOOD WORK WILL BE PERFECTED – v6
Paul was confident that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Who started a good work in them? (Ephesians 2:8-10) What was that good work? We are His workmanship, the good work started in us was grace through faith and God will perfect it until the last day.
Perfect = [epiteleo meaning to complete or finish or accomplish to the end]. Calvinists use this verse to prove the doctrine of once saved always saved saying that God started a work in you there is no way He will not finish it. He does everything and man does nothing. He alone is responsible for your salvation and you have no choice or decision in the matter. Man is totally depraved, unconditionally elected, there is only limited atonement, grace is irresistible, and the saints WILL persevere. They cannot fall away because God will cause them to remain – if they fall away, then they never were saved.
This is the work of the Holy Spirit (to make us holy). He is at work in the Christian and will be until the end of time. See Romans 8:29, 2 Cor. 3:18
FELLOW PARTAKERS – v7-11 – partakers (sugkoinonos same root word as fellowship)
He is confident in them being perfected because he has them in his heart (bowels)
Paul longs for the Church – 2 Corinthians 11:22-29, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (Macedonia)
Partakers in his imprisonment – whether they visited him or felt for him or were being imprisoned like him
Partakers in his defense of the gospel – they too were defending the gospel and being persecuted for it as any Christian will who speaks truth – Phil 1:28-30
Partakers in his confirmation of the gospel – they worked alongside of Paul preaching and teaching and supporting him and the gospel was confirmed in them.
Paul prays that their love may abound (overflow) in real knowledge and discernment. Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), love conquers all, love is patient, kind and not quickly provoked, love does not take into account a wrong suffered (1 Corinthians 13), love is sacrificial, Christians ought to be known not by their dress, their language, or their appearance but by the love they have one for another (John 13:35)
THE PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL – v12-18
No matter where we are the gospel can and will progress. Teach and preach to those in your world. This is encouraging to the Church, it is encouraging to me, the sad thing is that often times we do not have stories like this to tell because we are being slothful or timid or simply do not care. Participation in the gospel is not just teaching and preaching (see III above)
Some were preaching out of envy and strife and Paul was just happy that the gospel was being proclaimed whether in pretense or in truth. Paul rejoices in all situations.
TO LIVE IS CHRIST – v19-26
Through prayers, provision of the spirit of Jesus Christ, according to his earnest expectation and hope – he will not be put to shame!!!
Christ is always to be exalted in the life of a Christian (Matthew 5:14-16) As we are being conformed to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29) and were predestined to this end (Ephesians 1:3-6) that we would be like Him, holy and blameless. This is the will of God for you, your sanctification. That we would be like Jesus so that God would get the glory (vs 11). How could we be more like Jesus then by being conformed to his death for the cause of Christ! (Philippians 3:10)
The world and the Church needs each and every one of us. Do not forsake your own assembling together as is the habit of some. If Paul lived on he longed to see them again (vs 26) If we live we are to participate in fruitful labor for Jesus and if we die – hallelujah!
HOLY CONDUCT – v27-30
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called (Ephesians 4:1)
Live in such a way that your faithfulness is heard throughout the community and Church. Be united and of one mind
Stand firm and do not be alarmed when persecuted. He who is with you is greater than he who is in the world or with them (2 Kings 6:17).
We have been granted not only to believe but to suffer for the cause of Christ – how glorious
PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11
UNITY – verse 2 – “...by being of the same mind maintaining the same love united in spirit intent on one purpose.” NASB
Be of the same mind (Acts 2:46)
Maintain the same love (John 3:16, John 13:35, Acts 2:44-45) If you love you give!
Be united in spirit
Be intent on one purpose (Acts 2:47)
REASONS FOR UNITY – verse 1 – “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete...” NASB
A. “Encouragement” – (paraklesis – summonsing, calling on for help, as on Jesus for salvation see Luke 2:25 rendered consolation)
B. “Consolation” – (paramuthion – persuasive address, only time used)
C. Fellowship of the Spirit - (1 Corinthians 12:13)
D. Affection and compassion - (Nehemiah 9:17,19,27,28,31; Matthew 9:13; 12:7)
E. Make Paul’s joy complete
HOW TO HAVE UNITY – verse 3 - “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”
A. Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit (Boastful pride of life - 1 John 2:16)
B. Regard one another as more important than yourselves (serve! John 13:12-17)
C. Look out for others’ interests (the church’s: 2 Corinthians 11:28-29, God’s: Matthew 16:23)
D. Have an attitude of humility
HOW HUMILITY UNITES THE CHURCH – verse 5-11
A. Jesus didn’t regard equality with God a thing to be grasped
“Grasped” – (harpagmos – robbery, seized, stolen)
Satan tried to steal equality with God (Ezekiel 28:1-2)
The man of lawlessness displays himself as God (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
Adam and Eve were tricked into wanting to be like God (Genesis 3:5)
Jesus took on the form of a servant (he came to serve)
B. He took upon the form of a bond servant
“emptied” (kenoo – to lay aside)
“form” (morphe – external appearance)
He left heaven to serve men and die for them.
C. He was obedient to death on a cross and reconciled the world to himself (brought unity)
The cross is the tool to unite every man with God and the church unites around it
“No one takes my life from me, I lay it down on my own accord” (John 10:17-18)
The world is drawn near, reconciled, united by the cross of Christ (John 12:32)
D. For this reason he was exalted
Every knee will bow at the name of Lord Jesus
Every tongue will confess Him as Lord
God will receive the glory
E. HAVE THIS ATTITUDE IN YOURSELVES WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS!
PHILIPPIANS 2:12-30
Obedience (12-13)
As Christ was obedient
Obedient always
Work out your salvation
To will and to work for His good pleasure
Sanctification (14-18)
Be set apart
Prove yourselves
Blameless
Innocent
Children of God
Above reproach
Lights in midst of crooked and perverse generation
Don’t make his toil in vain
Offering on the sacrifice (Drink offering)
Sacrifice and service was the Philippians faith
Paul’s own life and blood is the drink offering - 2 Timothy 4:6
Old Testament Sacrifices - Numbers 15:4-5; Numbers 28:6-7
Paul’s offering - Romans 15:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
Devotion (19-30)
Timothy
Epaphroditus
PHILIPPIANS 3
I. BEWARE OF THE DOGS
A. Not “man’s best friend” but this was derogatory.
1. Male prostitutes were referred to as dogs (Deuteronomy 23:18).
2. Gentiles were called dogs (Matthew 15:27).
B. They are evil workers and the false circumcision (NASB) or concision (KJV).
1. Because of God’s covenant with Abraham, the Jews were referred to as “the circumcision” (see below).
2. False circumcision or concision in the Greek is katatome and refers to mutilation whereas circumcision in verse 3 is peritome. Paul uses these very similar words to show the difference in the two. The prophets of Baal mutilated themselves in order to get Baal to here them or pay attention to them or even to rouse him (1 Kings 18:27-29)
C. Paul goes on to say that the circumcision puts no confidence in the flesh. But some were preaching that Christians had to keep the Law of Moses and even be circumcised before they could become Christians. Meaning one had to be a Jew first (Acts 15:1-12). These individuals are sometimes called Judaizers.
1. The circumcision of a male eight days old was a term to the covenant God made with Abraham and to not be circumcised was to break covenant with God. (Genesis 17:9-14)
2. However, the confidence was still not to be put in the flesh it was to be a circumcision of the heart and God’s people were always to live by faith!
a) A heart not obedient to God is “uncircumcised” Deuteronomy 10:6; 30:6
b) Uncircumcised ear – Jeremiah 6:10
c) Uncircumcised lips – Exodus 6:20
d) Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness before his circumcision! Genesis 15:6; 17:11 and Romans 4:9-11.
3. The true circumcision is the Church, those in covenant w/ God
a) Circumcision made without hands – Colossians 2:11-15
b) Circumcision was a seal (Romans 4:11)
c) The Holy Spirit is the new covenant seal (Ephesians 1:13-14)
4. The true circumcision worships in the spirit of God (John 4:23; Romans 12:1)
5. The true circumcision glories in God rather than the flesh (Galatians 6:13-14)
COUNTING ALL THINGS AS LOSS
If anyone could have confidence in righteousness according to the Law it was Paul! Look at his resume:
1. Circumcised on the eighth day
2. Of the nation of Israel
3. Of the tribe of Benjamin
4. A Hebrew of Hebrews
5. A Pharisee of the Law
6. A zealous persecutor
But those things that were once considered gain to him, he now considers as loss! In fact he counts all things as loss in view of (because of)...The surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord
In another verse speaking of the things he suffered Paul said he was not ashamed because “I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12). He knew Jesus but in this letter he says he counts all things as rubbish (dung) that he may know Him and gain Him and be found in Him. (He reminds us once again that righteousness is not to be derived from the Law but through faith in Christ.)
1. Paul wants to know the power of His resurrection
2. Paul wants to know the fellowship (koinonia – participation) of His sufferings – being conformed to His death! Paul wants to vicariously suffer for other people and for the cause of Christ. He wants to pick up his cross.
In order that he may attain (katantao – arrive at) to the resurrection from the dead – which hasn’t happened yet. He was raised in the newness of life at his baptism but hasn’t yet undergone the resurrection to eternal life. Verse 12 says “Not that I have already obtained (lambano – lay hold of) or have already become perfect (telioo – complete, mature) but I press on”
PRESS ON
A. Paul had not yet obtained the resurrection of the dead or had already become perfect.
B. But he presses on to lay hold of that because he was also laid hold of by Christ
On the road to Damascus Jesus laid hold of or apprehended Paul. He knocked him off of his horse, He brought him to his knees, He blinded him who thought he saw so clearly and He bought him with His blood. He laid hold of him. And Paul wants to lay hold of Jesus in the same way – intimately, personally. Paul wants to arrive at the resurrection of the dead to be with Jesus. And he is pressing on or following after or pursuing that goal.
As many as are mature must not think of themselves as having already arrived at perfection but must have the same attitude or God will reveal that to you. Pride comes before the fall.
Whatever we know or whatever righteousness we have is good and we should continue on and grow in knowing Jesus. The apostle whom knew Jesus so well said the he wanted to – KNOW HIM. Never be satisfied with your knowledge of our Lord and Savior. Get into the scriptures and into the way of Jesus and intimately know Him.
C. The Church is to follow Paul’s example
Observe those who walk according to the pattern in Paul (Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 1:27)
Walk opposite those who walk according to worldly things – those who boast in the flesh and possibly count spiritual things as rubbish. These individuals are enemies of the cross and Paul does not laugh at or mock or ridicule them but he weeps for them.
Their end is destruction
Their boasting is to their shame
Their minds are set on earthly things
Our citizenship is in heaven and we have reason to boast in a hope in conformity with a glorious body to dwell with Him in heaven.
PHILIPPIANS 4
Paul’s joy and crown of exultation is those beloved brethren whom he betrothed to Christ v1
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
3 John 1:4
Maybe if we don’t have joy it is because we do not win people to Jesus!
Paul gives instructions to Christian living vs 2-8
Help each other live in harmony and live for Jesus. Some think “companion” (suzugos) is the name of a specific man, possibly the evangelist. No one knows.
Rejoice always. Rejoice always. Rejoice. Have joy in the Lord. Be joyful!!!
Be gentle (forbearing, yielding) not quick to punish or condemn. The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing but instead pray for everything and have peace. Similar to Matthew 6:25-34
Dwell on the “whatsoevers.” Address the bad things but dwell on the good things.
Discipleship principal: ...practice these things vs 9
What you learned from him – Jesus said take my yoke upon you and learn from me, Matthew 11:29
What you received from him – teaching, training, time
What you have heard from him – among other things they received the word of God from Paul – 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Romans 10:14
What you have seen in him – the example
Are you watching and learning from anyone? Is anyone discipling you? Are you discipling anyone?
Encouragement for the preacher vs 10
It was the church’s concern for him that encouraged him
Is the church today concerned about the well being of the preacher? The elders? Each other? How much time is spent praying for them?
The secret to being content in all circumstances vs 11-14
Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13)
This does not mean I can score lots of points in basketball, it means I can press on and have peace in rough times and prosperous times.
The Church’s provision for Paul pleasing to God vs 15-19
He did not seek it but was grateful because they were being faithful and godly. He didn’t desire a big paycheck but he did desire that the church serve those who provide for them spiritually
On the contrary he would not have been offended or upset because they did not send him money; he would have been concerned for their salvation and love and faithfulness to God.
It was concerned an offering, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God!!!
And God supplies the needs of those who seek first the Kingdom! Matthew 6:33