SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 1
INTRODUCTION:
Paul founded the church at Philippi during his second missionary journey. There was deep love and special relationship between Paul and the Philippian believers. The Philippian believers sent a special love offering to him while he was a prisoner in Rome. He wrote this letter to express his love and affection for their generous support and encourage them in their Christian life.
The key emphasis in Philippian is Joy. Joy is the quiet confident assurance of God’s love. IT comes from knowing christ presence and depending on his strength. Another emphasis is mind. The theme of the book is Christlike mind that brings Christian joy.
BIBLE VERSES:
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 1:4-6)
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)
“And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” (Philippians 1:14)
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” (Ephesians 1:21-24)
THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (vs. 3-11)
Paul loved the saints in Philippi. He remembered them, pray for them and blessed them with the grace and peace of God. He longed to see them and fellowship with them. He was confident that they will carry on the preaching of gospel until the day of Christ Jesus. He prayed that their love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that they could discern what is best, pure and blameless.
PAUL’S CHAINS ADVANCE THE GOSPEL (v.s 12-30)
The chain of Paul encouraged the brothers in the Lord to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly (v. 14). Paul did not mind if people preach the gospel out of envy or rivalry. Whether their motives were selfish and impure, it did not matter to him as long as Christ is preached.
Paul knew that his life was in danger. But for him, whether he live or die, as long as Christ is exalted, he was already happy. He was confused whether to live or die, but he preferred to remain in the body because he wanted to continue with the Philippian Christians the joy of faith in Christ Jesus.
He asked them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. He urged them to stand firm in one spirit for the faith of the gospel despite of opposition. And he told them that suffering for Christ is inevitable but the enemies will ultimately be destroyed.
THOUGHTS:
A. Paul’s joyful fellowship with the Philippian believers were manifested by his proclamation as follows:
- I remember you (v. 3)
- I have you in my heart (v. 7)
- I pray for you (v. 9)
B. To Paul, the secret of Christian joy is to accept whatever circumstances you are in with a single mind to glorify Christ by putting Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last.
C. Paul’ helped Christians to defend the faith of the Gospel with the following encouragement:
- Stand firm in one spirit (v. 27)
- Those who oppressed you will be destroyed (v. 28)
- The free gift of salvation is coupled with the privilege to suffer for Christ (v. 29)
D. May the close relationship between Paul and the Philippian believers motivate us to love and care for our pastors, ministers, missionaries and evangelical workers through prayer, hospitality and financial support.