A Study of the Letters Paul Wrote While Imprisoned in Rome The Prison Epistles A Study of the Letters Paul Wrote While Imprisoned in Rome Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, & Philemon

Themes of Philippians Major Theme: Joy in the Lord. “Joy” found five times. “Rejoice” found eleven. Despite being in custody awaiting trial, Paul found reason to rejoice in this good church. Outline of Major Themes. Chapter 1: Paul’s Present Circumstances. Chapter 2: Have the Mind, Attitude of Christ. Chapter 3: Have the Knowledge of Christ. Chapter 4: Have the Peace of Christ.

Themes of Philippians Major Theme: Joy in the Lord. Paul’s Imprisonment (Acts 28:30-31): (1:7,13,14,16) “bonds” (1:13) “praetorian guard” (NASV) (4:22) “Caesar’s household” Major Theme: Joy in the Lord. “Joy” found five times. “Rejoice” found eleven. Despite being in custody awaiting trial, Paul found reason to rejoice in this good church. Outline of Major Themes. Chapter 1: Paul’s Present Circumstances. Chapter 2: Have the Mind, Attitude of Christ. Chapter 3: Have the Knowledge of Christ. Chapter 4: Have the Peace of Christ.

Philippians 1:19 – 2:11 1:19-30 To live is Christ, to die is gain (win / win situation) 1:19-26 To remain in the flesh was more needful for the brethren at Philippi Whether Paul lived or died, he wanted the Lord to be exalted, magnified, glorified (John 15:8, Gal 1:23-24, I Peter 4:14, I Cor 10:31 / Rom 14:8) He did not want to be ashamed, but with boldness to magnify Jesus in his life (Eph 6:19). Dying was better for him, but living was more needful for them. Paul himself is an example of Philippians 2:3-4. 1:27-30 Paul wanted to hear good things of the brethren (III Jn 3-4) Live in a way that is worthy of the gospel (Eph 4:1, Col 1:10, I Thess 2:12, Eph 5:1-8), not in a way that is worthy of shame (Phil 3:18-19). Strive for the faith of the gospel (Jude 3) Suffering for Christ is inevitable for a faithful child of God (II Tim 3:12)

Philippians 1:19 – 2:11 2:1-11 Let this mind be in you that was in Christ 2:1-2 Be like-minded, have the same love, be of one accord, of one mind. Think of like-mindedness with the illustration of the body. Should not be division in a body (I Cor 12:20-27). For example, Phil 4:2-3 One accord in matters of indifference (I Cor 8:8, 10-13) One accord in any matter (I Cor 1:10) Acts 15:6 came together to consider But like-mindedness does not mean supporting immorality or false doctrine (sweep sins under rug with guise of like-mindedness). Like-mindedness would include: I Cor 5 withdrawing company from brethren living in fornication (man had his father’s wife) Gal 1:6-9, 2:5, 3:1 convicting others of false teaching

Philippians 1:19 – 2:11 2:1-11 Let this mind be in you that was in Christ 2:3-4 Consider others. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory. (1:15) Esteem others better than yourself. Don’t just look out for yourself, look out for others. Examples (besides Jesus in 2:5-8): Paul (1:24) Timothy (2:19-23) Epaphroditus (2:25-30)

Philippians 1:19 – 2:11 2:1-11 Let this mind be in you that was in Christ 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Took on the form of a servant Made in the likeness of men Humbled himself – became obedient to death Even the death of the cross (Matt 27:38-39 hung as a criminal, made a spectacle)