Philippians1 Philippians Unity and Service to Others

Philippians2 “I have to keep turning back to this little epistle to correct my wayward mind. It teaches us so much about the mind of the disciple of Jesus.” – L. A. Mott, Christianity Magazine, January 1985

Philippians3 Philippians – Service to Others 1:1-2 – To all the saints in Christ Jesus 1:3-11 – I have you in my heart 1:12-26 – To live is Christ, to die is gain 1:27 – 2:4 – Let your conduct be worthy of the Gospel 2:5-11 – Let this mind be in you 2:12-18 – Work out your own salvation 2:19-30 – Hold such men in esteem 3:1-7 – I have counted loss for Christ 3:8-14 – I press toward the goal 3:15-21 – Let us be of the same mind 4:1-7 – Be anxious for nothing 4:8-13 – Think on these things 4:14-23 – I have all and abound

Philippians4 Purpose for the Letter Thank them for their monetary gifts while he was imprisoned in Rome ( 4:10; 14-18) Reassure Them of His Welfare (1:12, etc) Concerning Epaphroditus (2:25-30) They were concerned about him They might have expected Timothy instead Paul’s Great Concern for their Welfare –External Threats to Unity Pagan Society (1:27-30) Judaizers (3:18; 3:1ff) –Internal Threats to Unity (2:14; 4:2) “one” ; “same” ; “same mind”

Philippians5

6 Striking Passages 1:21-26 – to die is Christ but to live is gain… 1:27 – Stand firm… 2:5-11 – Let this mind be in you which was in Christ 3:7-11 – Things that were gain to me I have counted loss for Christ… 3:12-16 – I press on… 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always 4:8-9 – Think on these things 4:11-13 – Whatever state I am in, I have learned to be content…

Philippians7 Vital Statistics Authorship: Apostle Paul –Paul does not feel the need to mention his Apostleship. Setting: Paul Wrote From Prison in Rome. –Acts 28:30-31; Phil 1:7, 13-16; 4:22 –Important, given the fact of how many times Paul mentions “joy” and “rejoice” while he is in prison Recipients: “To all the Saints in Christ Jesus in Philippi” Date: A.D Key People: Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Luke –Timothy played a large role in helping the Philippians

Philippians8 Background: Acts 16; 20; Paul’s 2nd and 3rd Missionary Journeys Macedonian Province

Philippians9 Philippi Amphipolis Apollonia After Leaving Philippi, Paul visited Amphipolis, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.

Philippians10 Located in Modern GreeceLocated in Modern Greece Original Name: “Crenides” (small fountain) because of the number of springs in the area.Original Name: “Crenides” (small fountain) because of the number of springs in the area. Ancient city named after Philip II, King of Macedon (Alexander the Great’s father) 358 BCAncient city named after Philip II, King of Macedon (Alexander the Great’s father) 358 BC Roman colony since 168 BCRoman colony since 168 BC Battle of Philipi between Mark Antony and Octavian (Augustus) defeated Brutus and Cassius (who killed Julius Caesar) in 42 BC during Rome’s 2 nd Civil War.Battle of Philipi between Mark Antony and Octavian (Augustus) defeated Brutus and Cassius (who killed Julius Caesar) in 42 BC during Rome’s 2 nd Civil War. Wealthy city of Commerce situated near a key highway and the River GangitesWealthy city of Commerce situated near a key highway and the River Gangites Background: History of Philipi Roman Colony – Very Loyal to Rome A Miniature Rome Roman Law Roman Customs Magistrates – Supreme Authority Many Gold and Silver MinesMany Gold and Silver Mines

Philippians11 Paul Visits Philippi (Acts 16) AD 52 on His 2 nd Missionary Journey Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke Paul wanted to go to Asia but was prevented by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6) Paul receives the Macedonian Call (Acts 16:9) Paul finds no Synagogue but joined a group of women gathered for prayer on the Sabbath. Lydia is Converted! (Acts 16:14-15) Paul Performs a Miracle on a Demon Possessed Slave Girl (Acts 16:16-24) –Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown into Jail! The Jailer is Converted (Acts 16:25-34) – Vs –Paul and Silas are “Singing Hymns” in jail after being beaten! –An Earthquake Frees them, but they do not escape –Paul stops the Jailer from Killing Himself The Magistrates Try to Free Paul and Silas (35-40) –Paul Now Reminds them of Roman Law and they Apologize

Philippians12 Background: Acts 16:6-40 Lydia Jailer Images: © Michael Martin, & Bibleplaces.comwww.NTImages.com Gangitis River

Philippians13 Paul’s Contact With Philippi Paul’s 3 rd Missionary Journey AD 57 –On his way back to Jerusalem with an offering to help the poor saints in Judea. –Acts 19:21-22; Acts 20:1-3; 2 Cor 1:15-17; 1 Corinthians 16:5-6 Paul Receives Financial Help From Philippi –Phil 4:15-16 – At least two times they sent help Macedonia Helps the Poor in Judea –2 Corinthians 8:1-5 – Their deep poverty abounded, but they gave beyond their ability, because they first gave themselves to the Lord.

Philippians14 Paul’s relationship to the Philippian church They were in fellowship from the beginning in the furtherance of the gospel 1:5They were in fellowship from the beginning in the furtherance of the gospel 1:5 They were partners in his afflictions; 4:15-16They were partners in his afflictions; 4:15-16 They were the only church helping him financially; 4:15They were the only church helping him financially; 4:15 They had sent Epaphroditus to him as a messenger and helper; 2:25They had sent Epaphroditus to him as a messenger and helper; 2:25

Philippians15 “ Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say, Rejoice!” 4:4 Rejoice: to feel very happy or show great happiness about somethingRejoice: to feel very happy or show great happiness about something The term “joy” and “rejoice” appears 15 times in the letterThe term “joy” and “rejoice” appears 15 times in the letter Do we show the world we rejoice in the Lord always?Do we show the world we rejoice in the Lord always? How?How?

Philippians16 Unity 1:27 – Stand Fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. 2:2-4 – Be like-minded … look out for the interests of others. 4:2 – Be of the same mind

Philippians17 What we can gain from Philippians Our mind as a disciple is the mind of a servant (gr. doulos: “slave”) Only in Christ can we find real joy. Jesus is equal with God but humbled himself, to the point of death, to save men from their sins. There is nothing in this life that should take away a rejoicing spirit. Others?