Philippians1 Philippians Unity and Service to Others Lesson Two: The Salutation

Philippians2 The Mind of Christ Regarding Brethren Regarding Adversity Regarding Life and Death EXEMPLIFIED Regarding Obedience Toward Self Regarding Righteousness Regarding Maturity Regarding Peace Concerning Contentment

Philippians3 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

Philippians4 “ 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?

Philippians5 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?

Philippians6 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.

Philippians7 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

Philippians8 Intensely Personal and Christ-centered Perhaps a father to his spiritually-begotten children Perhaps a big brother or uncle to younger family members At the least, a Christian friend to his fellow Christians of like faith and experience 100 uses of first person pronoun Christ or equivalent used some 58 times

Philippians9 “Paul often uses the self-designation “an apostle of Christ Jesus” in the salutations of his letters to indicate the capacity in which he writes. But evidently this note of authority was not thought necessary in this warm and friendly letter to such close friends.” – L. A. Mott, Christianity Magazine, January 1985

Philippians10 Servants of Jesus Christ From “doulos”, indicating spiritual, moral, & ethical subjection (maybe even bondage) A relatively unique phrase usage by Paul that sets the tone for the rest of letter Quite possibly meant to imply a shared relationship with the Philippian Christians Most certainly sets up Timothy for his planned visit (s)

Philippians11 … to the saints in Christ Jesus From “hagios”, indicating separation from sin and dedication to God Typical phrase Paul used in his salutations With 4:15ff, perhaps indicates Paul’s perception that despite their diverse beginnings, these Christians have come together as a church

Philippians12 … with the bishops and deacons From “episkopos”, meaning overseer as indicated in I Tim 3:2 and Titus 1:7 From “diakonos”, meaning servant as indicated in I Tim 3:8 So the letter was for everybody, both as individuals and as … ONE UNITED CHURCH!

Philippians13 Grace to you and peace … Again, a typical phrase of Paul’s salutations From “chairo”, meaning to rejoice, and considered a typical Greek greeting From “eirene”, indicating a sense of rest and contentment The source of these blessings both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Philippians14 Philippians Unity and Service to Others Lesson Three: The Mind of Christ Regarding Brethren