HOW TO WRITE A LETTER – THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS

HOW TO WRITE A LETTER – THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS   The Book of Philippians May 17, 2009 Given by: Pastor Rich Bersett [Index of Past Messages] Introduction Digging through some old files a couple weeks ago, I found a cache of correspondence that I did not remember saving. It was great fun sifting through it. There were a few birthday cards, a couple of photos, a couple of illustration ideas I had clipped but never used (probably because they were buried in this neglected stash of forgotteness). I found a couple of surprises: a copy of an old power bill (I assume it was paid; I still have lights and the bill was dated in 1994), and guarantee for a necklace I bought for Charlotte somewhere in that era. I also found notes from my daughters, sweet Father’s Day greetings with some very meaningful words. There was also a note from a dear friend to tell me that as he was reflecting on the blessings in his life, I was right near the top. It was then I knew why I hadn’t thrown this stuff away. I was reminded how powerful a letter can be. As quick as a phone call is, as easy as email, twitter or Facebook can be, there is nothing quite like a letter. Tangible evidence that someone took the valuable time to scout out a pen, find a nice piece of paper (which may or may not match the envelope), sit down in spite of their busyness and put ink to paper in honor of me. And on top of that, they used one of their priceless expensive stamps! It serves to remind me of the thoughtless jerk I am when I fail to reciprocate. Who among us hasn’t said at one time or another, “Oh, I’m terrible at letter-writing; I never seem to just sit down and do it.” Knowing the blessing it is to receive such a note ought to be compelling enough reason to send one. Because I guess the question really boils down to this—is this person truly a valuable friend, and if they are, they deserve a periodic letter. The apostle Paul thought of his friends and fellow-Christians in Philippi in these terms. And God thought enough of us in the 21st century to spiritually inspire that letter for our hearing and edification as well as theirs, and to miraculously preserve it for two millennia just so we could begin a teaching series based on its content on May 17, 2009. In a few minutes I want to lead us in reading through the letter of Paul to the Philippians. But for the moment, let’s look at the structure of how Paul wrote his letter. Step 1 in letter writing: let them know who is writing (Phil. 1:1a) The letter starts out, first thing, with Paul identifying himself and his associate, Timothy. Elsewhere in the New Testament you’ll find Paul asserting his status as an apostle in the first verse or two. But not with the Philippians. There was no questioning his authority among the Philippian believers. They’d witnessed Paul’s ministry firsthand when he started the new church in Philippi. You can review that entire adventure by reading through Acts 16. So, not needing to remind these friends of his apostolic authority, Paul settles for the term “servants of Christ Jesus.” What a great reminder of the Christian truth that everyone who is anyone in the Kingdom of God is a SERVANT to others, even apostles! But Paul and Timothy are more than friends and servants to the Philippians: they are their missionaries, sent out from Philippi to preach the gospel to the rest of the people of the world, as God led them. Think Brent and Connie Gregory; think Bob and Jan Claus; think Ken and Martha Shirkey. Paul was BOUND to this church in a very special relationship. As you’ll see, reading through this letter, Paul considered himself very close friends with these believers. They had proven time and again their friendship, coming through with help and special offerings for Paul’s ministry. More than apostle, more than pastor or elder, even more than missionaries. Paul and Timothy were “friends” with the believers at Philippi. Step 2 - Salutation — politely greet the reader (Phil. 1:1b) Step two in writing a letter is usually the “salutation.” You know, that’s where you write, “Dear Philippians,” or in a more formal correspondence, you identify your intended reader by name and title with his address above the greeting. To all the saints who are in Christ Jesus in Philippi – that’s how Paul thinks of his addressees. “Saints” – people set apart by God because of their faith in Jesus – and it would normally go without saying, but Paul wants to remind these Christians that they are in Christ Jesus. Our three youngest grandchildren were at our house last week when Eli and Chloe got involved in one of their favorite activities, digging worms. Luke wandered over to them and got a look, and he squealed as loud as he could and ran the length of the yard and shinnied right up my leg. Now, Luke never really relaxes, but I could tell he felt a lot safer in my arms than on the ground with those fierce earthworms. Let’s take a cue here and be reminded that all of us here who have come to Jesus in faith are now saved and safe in Him. The wise apostle also mentions specifically the elders, or overseers, of the congregation, and the deacons—those assigned to special works of ministry. But Paul was not one for stressing the hierarchy—not among this cherished church group. Here, it seems, he favorite expression was, “Brothers.” You’ll see that term of endearment show up in 1:12, and in the first verses of chapters 3 and 4. In 2:12, he calls them “my dear friends.” We will see a beautiful relationship between servant leader and supporting church in the four short chapters of this letter. In fact, I don’t think there is a church family with whom Paul is closer. Step 3 – Body – deliver the content of the message Next comes the body of the letter. This is the reason you sat down to write in the first place. In Paul’s case, this is the stuff the Holy Spirit wanted him to communicate to the Philippian church, with a view to its being included in the holy scriptures for the remainder of history, to instruct the church. In chapter one Paul reassures the readers about his personal circumstances. We have a wonderful model of Christian optimism in Paul. As he writes he is in a Roman jail for preaching the gospel. You can imagine the church all worried about his health and survival, and how he was doing emotionally and spiritually. That’s why they had sent Epaphroditus to see Paul, and to carry a gift of money to him from them. He assures them he is fine and the gospel is progressing in spite of the problems he is encountering. As the first chapter ends, and extending into the second chapter, there is Paul’s exhortation toward Christlikeness, especially that the Christians will exercise selfless, humble servanthood toward one another, representing and exemplifying the attitude of Christ Jesus himself. And here in the second chapter we find the incomparable hymn of praise to Christ, our model of servanthood. The second chapter closes with Paul’s glowing words about his comrades in leadership, Timothy and Epaphroditus. It is good and edifying to speak highly of one another, Paul does it well. There is a solemn warning in chapter 3 about false religious practice and wrongly-motivated teachers. Paul goes so far as to call them “dogs,” vicious creatures who preach legalism and misrepresent Christ. Paul tells how he was once not only among them, but a leader, but he has given up all that for the sake of Christ. What follows in chapter four is a series of exhortations that will be most useful to us as well. Topics include carnal living and addiction to worldly thinking, how to take care of personal conflicts, and how to handle worry and anxiety. Chapter four will include a tender section about both Paul’s thankfulness for the Philippians’ support and the lessens he’s learned on being content in a get-all-you-can-and-can-all-you-get culture. That is most useful to us who live in a world of consumerism, busyness, self-centeredness and greed. Did you know there is a way to live above the greed and graft, the fears and the fret of even a downward-spiraling economy? There is, and Paul refers to it as the “Secret of Contentment.” Step 4 – Compliments and closing Then the letter closes with a theology giving and worship, with Paul’s heartfelt comments about how the Philippians’ unselfish gifts were not only ample provisions for him, but also a pleasing sacrifice to God. But he adds, how giving brings a spiritual assurance from God to the souls of those who give. And the letter closes with a few personal greetings and a loving benediction and prayer for the Philippians. I want to strongly encourage you to let this letter live in you. Make a concerted effort to read and meditate on the practical truths God has given us in the letter. Do you remember the last time you got a personal letter. Could I ask you, did it take you long to rip that envelope open and start reading? Unless you were in the middle of something very pressing, you probably didn’t read just the first paragraph, then set it aside for a week or so. No, you read it straight through, anxious to hear from that relative or friend. I’m guessing that when Epaphroditus loped back into town with Paul’s handwritten message in hand, the Christians in Philippi wasted no time poring over every word. We’re going to honor the apostle Paul’s efforts, too. And while we’re at it, we’re going to honor God who inspired the letter, preserved the letter and, as Hebrews tells us, still speaks through this book. I will be reading the text of Philippians using today the translation made by Eugene Peterson, The Message. For closer, stricter study I would recommend another translation, but this version suits our purposes here this morning. READ TEXT     [Back to Top]