1. Paul's Letter
to the
Philippians

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.