A LETTER TO A DISGRUNTLED CHURCH PHILIPPIANS

BACKGROUND Church established on 2nd MJ (Acts 16) Paul, Silas, & Timothy intended to go further northward into Asia, but were “forbidden by the Spirit” Summoned to N. Greece by a vision of “a man of Macedonia” Earliest converts in Philippi: *Lydia & her household *Jailer & family

WHERE WAS PAUL? In prison – but where? (1:7, 12-18) Numerous possibilities, but Rome seems most likely (Acts 28) *Reference to the “imperial guard” (1:13) *Reference to “Caesar’s household” (4:22) If so, written in A.D. 60-62

PURPOSES To encourage the church in face of intimidation by opponents (1:27-30, 3:1-3) To counter the effects of the teachings of “Judaizers” (3:2-11) To address the problem of disunity in the church (probably aggravated by false teachings; also, a dispute between 2 women (4:2-3)

SOLUTION TO DISUNITY: Follow the best examples of selfless behavior: Paul (1:12-26) Timothy (2:29-24) Epaphroditus (2:25-30) Jesus (2:1-11)

WORDS OF BEAUTY & POWER “For me to ______ is Christ, & to die is ______.” “Have this ______ among yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. . . .” “Whatever gain I had, I counted as _____ for the sake of Christ.” “________ in the Lord always. Again I will say, _________!” “___________ on these things.” “I can do ____ things through Him who ____________ me.”

LESSONS FOR TODAY: There are always plenty of ______ examples. We should follow only the ____________ ones. The ______________ provides the pattern for how we should relate to one another. The only ______________ worth having is what comes from God, not our ________. How we choose to _________ about one another affects both our attitudes & our behavior. ________ is a decision.