Philippians

Approximate date of writing 62, 63 A.D.

Statistics

Place of book in Bible 11th New Testament book. 6th letter written by Paul.

Number of chapters 4

Number of verses 104

Number of words 2,002

Willmington’s Bible Handbook (Unique Features)

UNIQUE FEATURES

• Philippians is the most personal of Paul’s letters to churches, with more than 100 first-person pronouns in its four short chapters.

• It is a letter of joy (see Outline).

• It contains one of the Bible’s most often-quoted passages on the person of Christ (2:5–11).

• It contains no direct quotations from the OT.

• It is the only letter of Paul in which he mentions church officers in the salutation (1:1).

A brief synopsis of this letter is the Apostle Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome about 10 years after the establishment of the church at Philippi at the beginning of his second missionary journey. Paul had visited this congregation twice during his third missionary journey once at the beginning and once at the end. The Philippian church had generously supported Paul (4:15, 16) and had contributed the needs at Jerusalem (2 Cor 8:1-4). Now, Paul is in prison and Philippi sent another contribution to help Paul by the hands of Epaphroditus to help Paul in the ministry. However, Epaphroditus became very sick causing Paul to send him back to Philippi with this letter.

It seems from reading this letter that Paul was writing to express his thanks for their gift (Phil 4:10-18). Secondly, to send Epaphroditus back them letting them know that his service was not unsatisfactory (Phil 2:25-26). Thirdly, to give update about his situation at Rome (Phil 1:12-26). Fourth, to exhort them to unity. Finally, to warn against false teachers (Phil 3:1-4:1).

Key words:

Christ: 37 x in 35 verses.

In Christ: 10 x in 10 verses.

All: 23 x in 21 verses.

Gospel: 9x in 8 verses.

Rejoice: 9 x in 7 verses.

Joy: 7x in 7 verses.

Mind: 6x in 6 verses.

Attitude (Synonym of mind): 3x in 2 verses.

If we grasp the basic message of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, we, individually and collectively, too, will be free to be joyful in Jesus—in spite of our external circumstances.

As you read Philippians, I am convinced that the joy Paul wrote about, the joy he lived out, was based not in his heart, but in his mind; not on how he felt, but on how he thought. The saying is true: Your attitude does, indeed, affect your altitude. How you think affects how you feel.

And this epistle drives that point home: Fifteen times Paul talks about thinking, and ten times about remembering.

One of the most important components in understanding joyful, successful Christianity is this: You cannot change your heart—but you can change your mind. Conversely, God can change your heart, but He won’t change your mind. Therefore, if I choose to change the way I think about a given situation, God will change my heart to follow suit. But if I do not choose to change my thoughts, God will not change my heart. That is why the wisest man on the face of the earth literally said,

Proverbs 23:7 (KJV 1900)

7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.

No where in this letter does it mention happiness. It only mentions joy.

Happiness is determined by circumstances.

Joy drives the circumstances.

John MacArthur Sermon Archive (Elements of Joy, Part 1)

Happiness is a response to circumstance, Joy is a confidence built on relationship

Joy is a gift from God to those who believe the gospel of Christ being produced in them by the Holy Spirit because they receive and obey the Word of God while experiencing trials and keeping their hope fixed on the glory which is to come.

Now, lets get into the letter.

The Formulator of Philippians.

Philippians 1:1 (KJV 1900)

1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Author: Paul and Timothy

Position: Servants of Jesus Christ.

Recipients:

All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi.

Leaders: bishops (overseers) and deacons (practical servants of the church).

Philippians 1:2 (KJV 1900)

2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Both are activities of God.

Grace = God’s blessings of unmerited favor.

Peace = “peace” comes to mean in Paul “harmony,” “tranquility,” “wholeness,” “well-being,” “salvation” of the total person, reconciliation of persons and societies to God as well as to one another—peace at the deepest level

The Formation of Philippi

Philippians 1:3 (KJV 1900)

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

In New Testament times, Philippi was known primarily as the site of one of the most famous events in Roman history. In 42 B.C., the forces of Antony and Cleopatra defeated those of Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi, thus ending the Roman Republic and ushering in the Empire. After that battle, Philippi became a Roman colony (Acts 16:12), and many veterans of the Roman army settled there.

As a colony, Philippi had autonomy from the provincial government and the same rights granted to cities in Italy, including the use of Roman law, exemption from certain taxes, and Roman citizenship for its residents (Acts 16:21). Recognition as a colony provided a source for much civic pride for the Philippians, who used Latin as their official language, adopted Roman customs, and modeled their city government after that of Italian cities.

The church at Philippi, the first one founded by Paul in Europe, dates from the apostle’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:12–40).

Both Acts and the letter to the Philippians reflect Philippi’s status as a Roman colony. Paul’s description of Christians as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20) would have been particularly meaningful to the Philippians’ pride over being citizens of Rome (Acts 16:21). Some of the retired veterans in Philippi may well have been former members of the elite palace guard (Phil 1:13) and part of Caesar’s household (Phil 4:22)

The Restraint of the Spirit

Acts 16:6–8 (KJV 1900)

6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive (A. The Restraint of the Spirit)

God’s “NO” is just as important as God’s “GO.”

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Chapter 1)

Stops are as valid as Steps

The Release of the Spirit

Acts 16:9–12 (KJV 1900)

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive B. The Release of the Spirit

If God doesn’t give you what you want, He’ll give you something better.

The Results of the Spirit

Acts 16:13–15 (KJV 1900)

13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Lydia was Saved

Acts 16:16–18 KJV 1900

16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

A Demon possessed girl Liberated

Acts 16:25–28 KJV 1900

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Acts 16:30–31 (KJV 1900)

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Philippians 1:4 (KJV 1900)

4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

Philippians 1:5 (KJV 1900)

5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

The Fellowship of Participants.

κοινωνία koinōnia fellowship; participation

The word means sharing.

This word refers to “things held in common, or things shared.” This word is far deeper than sharing a meal or hanging out. It means to be so closely bound together that there is open and mutual sharing.

What did they all have in common?

Commonality of Salvation - “saints in Christ Jesus” vs. 1

Commonality of Savior - “the Lord Jesus Christ” vs. 2

Commonality of Service - “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” vs.6

Fellowship of Praise.

Philippians 1:3 (KJV 1900)

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Praise they are all in the family of God.

Do we think of the times they did something we didn’t like?

Do we remember the time when they said something hurtful?

Or, do we rejoice that we are saved and they are saved and that we have the privilege of serving God together?

Certainly, one of the great marks of a healthy church is a deeply felt joy among the members of that church.

Maybe today you can stop and personally thanked God for each one the He has brought in Kentucky MBC?

Fellowship of Prayer.

Philippians 1:4 (KJV 1900)

4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

Not only does Paul praise God for them, he also prays for them. He carries their name to the throne of grace and makes intercession for their needs and burdens. He cares enough to pray!

Again, this ought to be the attitude of our hearts today.

Do you love enough to pray for each other?

Do you run to the Father when those in our fellowship are hurting?

Oh, our hearts should be filled with love for those in our Father’s family and that love should motivate us to pray for them in a consistent manner as we go through life together, 1 Tim. 2:1.)

1 Timothy 2:1 KJV 1900

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

Fellowship of Partnership

Philippians 1:5 (KJV 1900)

5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

Paul is thankful that these people have joined with him in carrying out the Gospel ministry the Lord called him to. This church was faithful to stand with Paul in the times of his need, Phil. 4:15–19. He partnered with them in carrying out the ministry of the Lord.

Folks, we are in this thing together!

Think of it, the Lord founded this church to reach people for Jesus. And, each of us is essential to getting that job done.

For instance, I cannot devote myself to prayer and study of the Word of God unless you partner with me to meet the needs of my family, which you do, and abundantly so! By the same token, I am able to bring the fruits of my study to this place and share them with you, thus, I hope, meeting the spiritual needs you have.

Friends, we need one another more than we will ever know! May we learn to appreciate the fact that we are partners in the work of God!

The Faith of Paul.

Philippians 1:6 (KJV 1900)

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Faith in the Gospel

Paul takes a moment to reassure these believers concerning their future with the Lord. He reminds them that the God Who saved them from their sins and Who has worked in them up to that day, would continue His ministry in their lives until they arrived home in Heaven.

In other words, God wasn’t going to leave them behind. He wasn’t going to take His hand off their lives. He was going to work in them and ultimately take them home to be with Him.

Friends, we still share that common hope this morning! Just as surely as we were saved by the blood, we are kept saved by the same God, 1 Pet. 1:5.

1 Peter 1:5 (KJV 1900)

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Just as surely as we can fellowship here on this earth. We will spend all eternity together in the presence of the Heavenly Father!

With that in mind, let me just encourage you to learn to love the brethren and to enjoy being with the redeemed!

We are going to be together forever in Heaven!

Heaven, the home of the blessed will be a place that we will share together forever! I look forward to that day when we are perfected and we stand together in His image, in His presence, in His home, forever, Rev. 21:4 ; Rev. 22:3 . What a day that will be!)

Revelation 21:4 (KJV 1900)

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 22:3 (KJV 1900)

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

Faith in His Grace

Philippians 1:7 (KJV 1900)

7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Paul was expressing the wonderful grace of God—the favor and blessings of God. And the Philippian church was expressing the same grace. God was pouring the richest blessings upon both Paul and the church. Why? What was it that was causing God to so richly bless these two? Their faithfulness: as this passage shows, they were bearing the marks of mature believers.

They had the mind of Christ and therefore were filled with Joy.

The church in Philippi was a great church. Do you know why? It was because they shared these things and they made them the basis of their fellowship. As a result, they grew stronger in the Lord and honored Him. They were great because they stuck to the basics and worked hand in hand with Jesus to carry out His will in the world.

Will you join me as I lay this church on the altar before the Lord and thank Him for what He has given us and for what He is about to do with it.

Will you come and pray for your church?

Are we a great church?

Do we love each other?

Are we partaking of His grace?