Sermon Tone Analysis

Paul’s original journey to Philippi

Philippians background

(NIV ZSB Notes) is thus a brief account of the gospel, a theme prominent in other parts of Philippians (the word “gospel” appears 10 times: 1:5,7,12,14,16,27 [twice]; 2:22; 4:3,15; cf. also “the word of life” [2:16]).

Paul also gives unity and the humility needed to foster such unity considerable attention (1:27-2:4).

He stresses that justification is freely given by the words of God, through faith in Christ not the law (3:9).

The letter is not primarily doctrinal; it also focuses on knowing Christ (3:8-11); “joy” (1:4,25; 2:2,29; 4:1) and “gladness/rejoicing” (1:18 [twice]; 2:17-18 [4 times]; 3:1; 4:4 [twice]; 4:10) are prominent, appearing 15 times in this short letter.

(ESV SB Notes) Today Philippians would be called a missionary support letter.

Paul is writing to people who help provide the prayer support and financial assistance necessary for his ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.

To fulfill his end of the partnership, Paul assures the Philippians of his prayers, updates them on his personal circumstances, reports on the effectiveness of gospel ministry in his area, offers spiritual encouragement, and expresses heartfelt gratitude for the many ways they support his ministry.

Questions

(ESV SB Notes) Philippians is unified by its joyful, almost exuberant mood (the words for “joy” or “rejoice” occur more than a dozen times); by the strong personal relationship between its author and its recipients (a relationship that is almost constantly in view, from the beginning of the letter to the end); and by the many connections Paul draws between the saving work of Jesus Christ and the servant ministry of his followers, who are called to live and die according to the pattern of the sufferings, death, resurrection, and glorious exaltation of Jesus himself.

Observations (1-11)

NEED CHURCH?

Paul is addressing bodies of believers, made up of overseers, deacons, etc. Paul clearly cares deeply for these people.

This is family for him.

1. Paul begins the letter by thanking God, with joy, for the Philippians, because they are his partners in the Gospel (v.

3-5).

Do you believe that being involved in a church is necessary for living the Christian life?

Why or why not?

Share some about the impact and importance of Christian community in your own life.

2. Philippians has been described as Paul’s most positive and joyful letter.

What are some of the ways Paul communicates his positive feelings for this church?

The day of Christ Jesus seems to be a main theme (6,10)

The day of Christ Jesus seems to be a main theme (6,10)

1. Paul begins the letter by thanking God, with joy, for the Philippians, because they are his partners in the Gospel (v.

3-5).

Do you believe that being involved in a church is necessary for living the Christian life?

Why or why not?

Share some about the impact and importance of Christian community in your own life.

The day of Christ Jesus seems to be a main theme (6,10)

1. Paul begins the letter by thanking God, with joy, for the Philippians, because they are his partners in the Gospel (v.

3-5).

Do you believe that being involved in a church is necessary for living the Christian life?

Why or why not?

Share some about the impact and importance of Christian community in your own life.

The day of Christ Jesus seems to be a main theme (6,10)

1. Paul begins the letter by thanking God, with joy, for the Philippians, because they are his partners in the Gospel (v.

3-5).

Do you believe that being involved in a church is necessary for living the Christian life?

Why or why not?

Share some about the impact and importance of Christian community in your own life.

The day of Christ Jesus seems to be a main theme (6,10)

BRIDE GROOM IS COMING

The day of Christ Jesus seems to be a main theme (6,10)

How do Paul’s views challenge some of our common ways of thinking about death?

(ESV Strong's) 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

1.

How do Paul’s views challenge some of our common ways of thinking about death?

(NIV) 1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.1.

How do Paul’s views challenge some of our common ways of thinking about death?

(NIV) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.

The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?

You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

1.

How do Paul’s views challenge some of our common ways of thinking about death?

Questions

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?

You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

HOW SHALL THE COMMUNITY LIVE?

In the mean time, as we look to the day of Christ, as we understand that will be greater than anything in this world, Paul is directing us toward a particular way of living.

He directs us toward this with his prayers…what is he praying for?

(Green)

vs. 9 -10 “This is my prayer…able to discern… pure and blameless...

1.

What are some characteristics of a mature Christian life?

(v.

9-11).

2. How do you “discern” what is best?

(community hermeneutic?

need for the body?

reference question one!

Biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) is the task and process whereby Christians come to understand the Bible, accept its claims, and live according to its teachings.

The believing community is an interpreting community.

This means that the community will have students who give themselves to the study and teaching of the Bible.

The task of such students is not to dominate the process of interpreting the Word, but to exercise leadership in this area.

It is the task of each member to participate in the interpretation of the Bible.

We believe that God gives special insight to individuals as they read and study the Bible.

These insights are to be tested in the community (; , ).

This testing of interpretations ultimately needs to involve the whole people of God -- individuals, study groups, congregations, conferences, denominations, and wider church.)

- As stated in Biblical Interpretation In The Life of the Church (Mennonite Church, 1977)

The believing community is an interpreting community.

This means that the community will have students who give themselves to the study and teaching of the Bible.

The task of such students is not to dominate the process of interpreting the Word, but to exercise leadership in this area.

It is the task of each member to participate in the interpretation of the Bible.

We believe that God gives special insight to individuals as they read and study the Bible.

These insights are to be tested in the community (; , ).

This testing of interpretations ultimately needs to involve the whole people of God -- individuals, study groups, congregations, conferences, denominations, and wider church.)

- As stated in Biblical Interpretation In The Life of the Church (Mennonite Church, 1977)

3. What encourages a sense of partnership among Christians?

How can you encourage, through your attitudes and practices, a sense of partnership in the church (v.

7-8)?

2. How do you think your life would be different if your primary purpose was to live for Christ?

Questions

Observations (12-26)

(ESV SB Notes) 1:12–18 Paul's Imprisonment Has Meant Progress for the Gospel.

Paul realizes that the Philippians are grieved over his imprisonment, so he encourages them by pointing out that his circumstances are furthering the proclamation of the gospel.

His joy in difficult circumstances is meant to be an example to the Philippians to likewise rejoice even in difficult times.

Further, Paul's charitable attitude toward fellow believers who make life hard for him is also to function as a model for the Philippians, since it is evident that there is some disunity in the congregation (4:2–3).

(ESV SB Notes) 1:12–18 Paul's Imprisonment Has Meant Progress for the Gospel.

Paul realizes that the Philippians are grieved over his imprisonment, so he encourages them by pointing out that his circumstances are furthering the proclamation of the gospel.

His joy in difficult circumstances is meant to be an example to the Philippians to likewise rejoice even in difficult times.

Further, Paul's charitable attitude toward fellow believers who make life hard for him is also to function as a model for the Philippians, since it is evident that there is some disunity in the congregation (4:2–3).Obviously Paul’s mindset is on another world not this one, he is thinking about being with Jesus.

(21-23)

Obviously Paul’s mindset is on another world not this one, he is thinking about being with Jesus.

(21-23) This gives him fresh eyes into the opposition and trials, they are all temporary!

Obviously Paul’s mindset is on another world not this one, he is thinking about being with Jesus.

(21-23)

Paul is “torn” (23) Does he have an option?

What helps him accept his place of remaining in his circumstances?