Dr. John Oakes Pedro Figueroa Spring, 2017 Philippians and Colossians

Philippians and Colossians In common: Prison letters yet… Paul is greatly rejoicing and his hopefulness is not at all forced. Why? Because Christ is in him, and he is in Christ. In Christ, In Him, In the Lord 164 times in Paul alone.

What do we have in Christ? Coll 1:14, Eph 1:7 Redemption Coll 2:11-12 Put off the flesh Colossians 2:10 fullness Philippians 4:19 all your needs met Ephesians 1:3 every spiritual blessing Phil 4:7 peace of God Philippians 1:1 Saints in Christ Jesus Philippians 3:1 Called of God in Christ Jesus Philippians2:1 Encouragement in Christ.

We Have Everything in Christ! Ephesians 1:4, 11 chosen 1 Corinthians 15:22 we will be made alive/resurrected 2 Corinthians 5:21 we become the righteousness of God Romans 6:23 have eternal life Romans 8:38-39 secure love of God 2 Timothy 1:9 grace 2 Corinthians 5:17 a new creation 2 Corinthians 1:20 all God’s promises fulfilled

Philippians: To Live is Christ Theme: Life in Christ Theme verse: Phil 1:21 For me, to live is Chist and to die is gain.

Outline of Philippians Phil 1:1-30 To Live is Christ Phil 2:1-18 Living Like Christ Phil 3:1-21 Put Your Confidence in Christ Phil 4:1-23 Practical Living in Christ

Background: Acts 6-16 Paul Hemmed in by the Holy Spirit

Paul’s First Mission in Europe A Roman colony No synagogue A completely new ministry for Paul

Fond Memories…. Lydia Partnership with Silas Philippian Jailer Q: What do you do in your darkest moments? Q: Would you be willing to be publicly flogged and thrown into the darkest prison to help others to be saved?

Points of Emphasis in Philippians Life in Christ Unity Philippians 1:27, 2:2, 4:2 The immanence of the return of Christ Philippians 1:6, 10, 2:16, 3:20-21, 4:5

I. Philippians 1 To Live is Christ Phil 1:1 To all the saints in Christ Jesus Saints haggios called-out, separate, different, a holy person. Saints are like God Isaiah 6:3 Throughout the book, Paul describes us as we are in Christ. Who are we? We are Holy in Christ Jesus

Philippian 1:2 Grace and Peace. All who are in Christ receive grace and peace. Peace (according to H. A. Kent): “the inner assurance and tranquility that God ministers to the hearts of believers and that keeps them spiritually confident and content even in the midst of turmoil.”

Philippians 1:3-8 Assurance in Christ Q: How does Paul feel about the Philippians? 1:6 God began a good work in us. 1:5 …from the first day until now. He is still working in us… 1:6 God will carry his work in us on to completion. 1:6 God sees in us that which will be fully realized in heaven. In Christ the outcome is guaranteed.

Paul and the Philippians 1. Phil 1:5 Partners in the gospel. 2. Phil 1:7 I have you on my heart. 3. Phil 1:8 I yearn for you. Epipotheo deep longing, homesickness

Q: What is Paul’s deep desire for the Philippians? Phil 1:9-11 Paul’s Prayer Q: What is Paul’s deep desire for the Philippians?

Phil 4:9-11 Paul’s prayer: Knowledge and Discernment Knowledge of what is right. Discernment about how to best carry it out. Discernment: The ability which makes us able to make a wise, moral decision. To decide between good, better and best.

Phil 4:9-11 Q: Do you settle for what is good or even better, or do you earnestly seek what is best? Don’t forget, however, that with knowledge and discernment comes the need to do those things you discern need to be done.

Result: Pure and Blameless v. 10 pure = sincere = without wax—a reference to delicate porcelain which often had small cracks repaired by filling them with wax. v. 10 “blameless” refers to our motivation, not our actions. 1. love for God the seed 2. knowledge and discernment the plant 3. pure and blameless the flower 4. fruit from God the fruit The result: We give glory to God.

Philippians 1:12-20 Q: What is on Paul’s heart (despite the fact that he is in chains for Christ)?

Paul’s Testimony: Proclaiming the Gospel v. 12-13 What has happened has served to advance the gospel. v. 14-18 What is happening now is serving to spread the gospel. v. 19-26 What will happen in the future will also help to spread the gospel. Paul believes Philippians 1:6 applies to him.

Phil 1:12-13 1:12 What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. Phil 4:22 Many in Caesar’s household had come to believe in Christ

Philippians 1:14-18 The current situation is also helping to advance the gospel. v. 14 What will people be encouraged to do “Because of your chains”? Fruitful suffering. v. 15-18 Paul refuses to let people with insincere motives rob his joy at the advancement of the gospel. v. 18 “What does it matter?” Could you say this if people were undermining you and your ministry?

Philippians 1:19-26 Paul is confident that the future situation will work to advance the gospel as well. Note: Paul is certain of the outcome, but uncertain about the path by which he will reach that outcome. That is faith! Faith is belief in things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1)

Phil 1:19-20 Paul’s Confidence v. 19 Paul: I KNOW Through your prayers and through the encouragement of the Holy Spirit… that I will be delivered/saved. I EXPECT I will have sufficient courage. God will be exalted…. Whether by my life or by my death. (uncertain about the path) Q: What is your attitude about your life? What is your attitude about your death?

Philippians 1:21 Theme verse of Philippians For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. Q: Is this how you feel about your life? For me to live is ______________________

Phil 1:22-23 v. 22 For Paul, staying and continuing in fruitful labor is sweet. v. 23 But departing is even sweeter. Depart: Pull up tent stakes. Figuratively, Paul has been living in a tent. If he departs, he goes home. Q: Do you think of dying as going home? v. 23 Paul’s description of heaven: being with Christ.

Philippians 1:24-26 Paul: I am pretty sure I am staying…. Why? v. 22 fruitful labor. v. 24 for your sake…. v. 25 for your progress… Again, Paul is not sure about the path v. 25 convinced that I will be delivered and remain. v. 27 but whatever happens…. But he is sure of the ultimate result. The gospel will be preached, God will be glorified, and Paul will make it home.

Phil 1:27-30 Paul’s Vision for the Church Q: How would you describe Paul’s vision for the church?

Phil 1:27-30 Paul’s Vision 1. Us living a life worthy of the gospel. 2. Us contending as one person for the gospel. Worthy of the gospel: 1. By our defense of the gospel (v. 7) 2. By our proclamation of the gospel (v. 13-18) 3. By our living worthily (v. 27) Worthy: Living a life that would make our Father proud.

Paul’s Vision for Unity 1. In one spirit. Fellowship in the Holy Spirit. 2. With one mind (NIV contending as one man). Psyche connotes one heart and mind. Q: Are you humble enough to submit your heart and mind to the group? 3. Working side by side. Unity of action. Each disciple is in the battle. Q: Are you fully engaged in the battle?