Paul's Letter to the Philippians

Introduction In affliction Paul writes—1:7, 16 A prayer of thanksgiving—1:1-11 His circumstance promotes Gospel 1:12-18 His affliction Exalts the Lord—1:19-26 An exhortation to those afflicted—1:27-30 Paul writes from first Roman imprisonment Thankful for their support Love abound in knowledge, discernment Approve the things that are excellent Remain sincere without offence Gospel furthered by his circumstances Palace guard aware, all knew that he was appointed to the defense of the Gospel 1:17 His life or his death will magnify Christ 1:20 Death would be his gain, but life more needful for them Their conduct would determine if they were of the same mind as Christ and as Paul

Appeal to the Philippians Have the mind of Christ—2:5 Love—2:2 One accord, one mind—2:2 Own interests and interests of others—2:3-4 Have the Humility of Christ—2:8 Obedience—2:8, Luke 22:42 The result of His obedience—2:9-11 Exhorts them—2:12-18 What was the mind of Christ? Love, it took him to the cross Of one accord with God Has at its core the best interests of others Its origin is humility, the kind that produces obedience Obedience results in being exalted How can we have the mind of Christ Obedience 2:12 Do all things without complaining and disputing 2:14 Hold fast the word of life 2:16

Two Examples Timothy—2:19-24 Epaphroditus--Phil 2:25-30 Sincerely cares for your state—2:20 Epaphroditus--Phil 2:25-30 From them—2:25 Came close to death—2:30 Timothy is given as an example Paul’s opinion was that Timothy had a sincere concern for their spiritual state. Epaphroditus was an example of holding fast to the word and risking all for the cause of Christ.

Goal—3:11, 20-21 Paul’s 2nd Appeal Beware—3:2, 17-19 Have excellence of the knowledge—3:8 Have no confidence in the flesh—3:3 Have no confidence in “genealogy”—3:5-6 Goal—3:11, 20-21 Have maturity—3:15 In this second appeal, Paul gives warning, there are dogs, evil workers and some called the “mutilation”. These are those who so walk as the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things. In contrast, they are to count these things as rubbish and seek the excellence of the knowledge of Christ. No confidence in the flesh, desires and wants No confidence in Genealogy. The goal is eternal life and citizenship in heaven This requires maturity Maturity is having a goal and pressing to it Appealing to the revelation of God Walking by the same rule, being of the same mind. That is seeking the mind of Christ

Paul’s 3rd Appeal Euodia, Syntyche—4:2 Think on these things, God will be with you—4:8-9 Christ is strength—4:13 Share with others—4:14 There is a personal appeal for two to be at peace with each other. The peace that is from God originates in your thoughts. Evil thoughts are afflicting! With or without the help of others all things can be accomplished with the help of Christ, from verse 13, when we meditate on his word. The better path is sharing with others, bearing one another’s burdens.

Application Do not allow affliction to deter you-- Have the mind of Christ Humility, obey even unto death Love for others—Jno 3:16 Same mind Maintain the confidence in the knowledge Keep thoughts on the good Do not allow afflictions to deter you, use your circumstances to further the Gospel. Let Christ be your strength Have the mind of Christ First and foremost the humility to obey H B R C B and— Maintain your love for others Maintain your confidence in the Knowledge of Christ Keep your thoughts on the Goal and the good things.