Philippians 1:1-5

Josh Turansky

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Philippians 1:1–5

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Introduction

Turn in your Bibles to the book of Philippians. Explain where the book of the Bible is.

Pray for the reading of God’s Word

Why we study the Bible

“penetrates our hearts and deals with our attitudes, motives, and thoughts”

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

“teaches us, rebukes us, corrects us, and trains us to do what is right”

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

“a guiding light for life”

Your word is a lamp for my feet,

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

a light on my path.

“Instructions to follow”

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

“Shows us how to be pure”

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

By living according to your word.

“It stands the test of time and still is valid”

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

The grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of our God endures forever.

“It brings a blessing to those who obey it.”

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

“It is the best foundation a person can build off of.”

“It is the best foundation a person can build a life off of”

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

“It has no errors”

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

As for God, his way is perfect:

The Lord’s word is flawless;

he shields all who take refuge in him.

“It teaches the simple”

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

The unfolding of your words gives light;

it gives understanding to the simple.

“It nourishes our soul in the same way that bread nourishes our bodies”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

“It is right and true”

For the word of the Lord is right and true;

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

he is faithful in all he does.

“It is praiseworthy”

In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me

In God, whose word I praise—

in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?

“it is like a mothers milk that contains all the nutrients needed for a baby to grow”

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

“it makes a person wise”

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

For the Lord gives wisdom;

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

“it can save a person from the moral corruptness of society”

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Introduction to Philippians

We will start very wide and then narrow down our study into Philippians. But I want us to be able to orient ourselves by familiarizing ourselves with the the broader context.

Outline of the New Testament:

Gospels, Acts, Paul’s Epistles, General Epistles, Revelation

Paul’s Bio:

A jew of the tribe of Benjamin.

Born and raised in Tarsus

A Roman citizen

Educated under Gamaliel

22:3

An orthodox Jew who persecuted the early church

New Living Translation Chapter 1

13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.

Paul was converted while he was on the way to persecute Christians in Damascus.

Paul becomes a missionary sent out of Antioch. . He is the pioneer who establishes churches across southern Europe.

It is traditionally held that Paul was martyred between 65-67 AD under Nero’s rule.

Paul’s Relationship with Philippi

Recounted in , probably early 50’s AD

It was new territory for Paul… not necessarily on his original agenda.

Lydia, a wealthy business women in the city, is the first convert.

Paul casts out a demon out of a girl which causes a riot. He and his companions are thrown into jail.

At midnight there is a big earthquake which leads to the conversion of the jail keeper.

The local authorities realize that they have beaten a Roman citizen without giving him a proper trial and feel embarrassed. Paul uses that embarrassment to secure some religious liberty for the new church he planted before leaving town.

Acts 16:11–40 NLT

We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed. One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.” This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her. Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.” A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. The next morning the city officials sent the police to tell the jailer, “Let those men go!” So the jailer told Paul, “The city officials have said you and Silas are free to leave. Go in peace.” But Paul replied, “They have publicly beaten us without a trial and put us in prison—and we are Roman citizens. So now they want us to leave secretly? Certainly not! Let them come themselves to release us!” When the police reported this, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. So they came to the jail and apologized to them. Then they brought them out and begged them to leave the city. When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town.

What happened after Paul left Philippi?

The Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Galatians, to the Ephesians, and to the Philippians Gaudeo—Gaudete!

When Paul left Philippi in the year 52, Timothy and Luke remained to build up the infant congregation; but Timothy soon followed Paul, and when he was sent back to Macedonia from Athens he most likely again came to Philippi. Luke, it seems, worked steadily on in Philippi. His first “we” section (Acts 16:11–40) stops with Paul’s departure from Philippi; the second does not begin until Paul again reached Philippi (Acts 20:5, 6). This occurred at Easter, 58 when Paul and the delegates of the churches (Acts 20:4) took the great collection to Jerusalem. Paul had been in Philippi during the previous summer when on his way from Ephesus to Corinth he spent some time in Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:13). Thus Paul was in Philippi three times, the second visit probably being the longest. It seems likely that Second Corinthians, which was written in Macedonia, was written in Philippi.

The Philippians faithfully contributed to Paul’s ministry on three separate occasions.

Philippians 4:14–16 NKJV

Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

An Introduction to Philippians

Paul’s Personal Circumstances

A bondservant of Christ

Imprisoned in Rome (vs. 13, 14)

Remembering the Philippians

Afflicted (vs. 16)

Anticipating a possible death sentence (vs. 20, 23)

The sickness and healing of Epaphroditus (vs. 2:25-27)

About to send his close companion, Timothy, to them.

Philippians 1:1–2 NKJV

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

New Living Translation Chapter 1

This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.

I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders* and deacons.

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

1 *Paul and aTimotheus, aathe servants of Jesus Christ, to all bthe saints in Christ Jesus which are at cPhilippi, with the dbishops and edeacons: 2 fGrace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

* Anno DOMINI 64.

a See .

aa See .

b Cor. 1:2. . .

- KJV

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

c See .

d (Gk.). . .

e , .

f See .

The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), .

Bondservants or Slaves

Paul and Timothy consider themselves slaves of Christ.

There are seven distinctions between slavery in Paul’s day and modern day slavery:

There were no racial factors determining who was a slave

Education was greatly encouraged for slaves

Slaves often carried out sensitive or highly regarded social functions

religious and cultural traditions were the same as those who were freeborn

slaves could own property… including other slaves

there were no laws against the public assembly of slaves

a large majority of slaves could anticipate emancipation by the age of 30

The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary Slavery (New Testament)

Central features that distinguish 1st century slavery from that later practiced in the New World are the following: racial factors played no role; education was greatly encouraged (some slaves were better educated than their owners) and enhanced a slave’s value; many slaves carried out sensitive and highly responsible social functions; slaves could own property (including other slaves!); their religious and cultural traditions were the same as those of the freeborn; no laws prohibited public assembly of slaves; and (perhaps above all) the majority of urban and domestic slaves could legitimately anticipate being emancipated by the age of 30.

So Paul use of the word would not have carried the same baggage that it carries today.

When Paul called himself a “bondservant” it was an expression of total surrender to the leadership and government of God’s reign in his life.

Who or what are you a servant to?

God’s Men in the OT were Servants of God

We see that Abraham, Moses, Joshua and David all called themselves servants of God.

Jesus and Paul talked about the Universal nature of slavery

and - NLT

New Living Translation Chapter 6

24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

The word in greek is dulos.

Romans 6:15–18 NLT

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.

Colossians 1:7

- NLT

Jesus set us free who were slaves to the fear of death

16 I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. 17 So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God.

New Living Translation Chapter 1

7 You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.*

Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013), .

Hebrews 2:14–15 NLT

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

New Living Translation Chapter 2

15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

Who or what are you a servant to?

Saints

Note: In your text they may be called “All God’s Holy People”.

In some church traditions the term Saint is reserved for the best of the best. But in the New Testament saints are a term referring to God’s people.

Canonization is the act by which the Catholic Church or the Anglican Communion declare that a person who has died was a saint, upon which declaration the person is included in the "canon", or list, of recognized saints. Originally, persons were recognized as saints without any formal process. Later, different processes were developed, such as those used today in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church.

Greek word: ἅγιος or hgios

Meaning “holy or sacred”

Found 240 times in the NT

NT Saints are those who have trusted in Christ and consequently been attributed His righteousness.

6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

Romans 1:6–7 NKJV

among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, kcalled to be saints:

KJV version

k Acts 9:13; Rom. 8:28; 1 Cor. 1:2, 24

NT Saints are those who have trusted in Christ and consequently been attributed His righteousness.

“ to all the saints in Christ Jesus”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ro 1:6–7.

to all bthe saints in Christ Jesus

Philippians 1:3-8

b Cor. 1:2. . .

The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), .

Key Word: Joy (rejoice)

The people of God, especially in relation to their being set apart from the world to serve him. Believers are called upon to lead holy lives worthy of their calling.

The Greek word: χαρά or chara

Definition: joy, joyfull, joyfully

It is found 5 times in this small book and 60 times in the New Testament.

Also there is χαίρω or Chairo which means rejoice. It is found 9 times in Philippians

Joy in Suffering

Note “ “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials”

Profiting from Trials

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

They [suffering] are educational instruments of God and provide occasion for proving.

Jm. 1:2 is in the tradition of Jewish Wisdom: πειρασμοί are a reason for joy → VI, 29, 26 ff. They are educational instruments of God and provide occasion for proving.79

They are educational instruments of God and provide occasion for proving.

79 On the idea of proving in trial cf. Wis. 3:4–6; Test. Jos. 2:7. On 1QH 9:24f. → 364, 11 ff.

Hans Conzelmann and Walther Zimmerli, “Χαίρω, Χαρά, Συγχαίρω, Χάρις, Χαρίζομαι, Χαριτόω, Ἀχάριστος, Χάρισμα, Εὐχαριστέω, Εὐχαριστία, Εὐχάριστος,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 368.

5 Causes of Depression

Biological dysfunction (thyroid, postpartum hormones, diet, genetic based disposition)

Circumstances (life crisis, relationships, sickness, finances, poverty)

Sin (guilt, condemnation, defeat, the consequences repeated from sin)

Satan’s attack (darts of the wicked one)

Mental patterns (the ways we think about life, the stories that we talk to ourselves about)

Key Word: “fellowship”

Grek Word: κοινωνία

Definition:

Lexham Theological Wordbook κοινωνία

fellowship, communion, sharing, participation

The word is found 20 x in the NT

Acts 2:42 NKJV

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Philippians 2:1 NKJV

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

Philippians 3:10 NKJV

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Here in Paul is using the word to refer to the close relationships and unity that the Christians in the Philippi enjoyed based on accepting the premise of the Gospel.

Believing the Gospel gave this church common ground to enjoy their relationships with one another.

Key Word: “The Gospel”

the greek word is εὐαγγέλιον or euangelion

Definition: good news, good tidings

The word is found 77 times in the NT

Creation

God’s word brought about his work. And it was perfect, beautiful,

Fall

Man didn’t trust God’s word and work. They disobeyed God and the consequence was death… God’s judgement. It was a spiritual death, relational death, and physical death.

Redemption

Redemption becomes the OT theme over and over again.

Jesus is the word of God in flesh. He does God’s work by dying on the cross as a redemption payment for humanity’s sin.

New Creation

Jesus was raised from the dead and began the new creation work.

People who believe in God’s Word and work are given a new nature.

A new people group is formed called the church.

God’s people are commissioned to foreshadow the coming Kingdom of God in their everyday life.

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