Philippians 1:1-30

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Bible Study of Philippians

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Outline

Chapter 1 - A Single Mind
Chapter 2 - A Submissive Mind
Chapter 3 - A Spiritual Mind
Chapter 4 - A Secure Mind
Week 1 - Phil 1:11
a. Introduction: background and setting
b. Theology of Joy
c. A work that was begun in us
Week 2 - Phil 1:12-26
a. Joyful despite detractors
b. To live for christ and die is gain
c. To live and not be ashamed
Week 3 - Phil 1: 27-30
a. Our greatest witness to the world
b. Unity within the church
c. Unity and a shared purity

Joy of Fellowship

Philippians 1:1–11 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. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Q: What do you know about Philippians?
(1:1) Paul
Acts 8 Persecutes the church
Acts 9 Converted on the road to Damascus
Act 9:20-25 After his conversion, he had to flee Damascus and was lowered from the
city in a basket
Acts 14:5-6 Flees Iconium
Acts 14:19-20 Pelted with stones and left for dead
Acts 16: 16-40 Beaten and thrown in jail in Philippi
Acts 17:5-9 Preaches in Thessalonica, sets off a riot, has to flee
Acts 17:13-14 Goes to Brea, forced to flee
Acts 18: 12-17 Hauled before the court in Corinth
Acts 19:21-41 Rioting in Ephesus
Acts 21:27-36 Nearly beaten to death in Jerusalem and saved by a Roman solider
Acts 23:12-35 While in custody the Jews planned to kill him so he is sent to Caesarea by
night
Acts 25:10-11 In prison for 2 years and appeals to Caesar
Acts 27,28 Put on a boat, shipwrecked, finally arrives in Rome where he writes
this book, Philippians
Prison Epistles Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon
The Church at Philippi
Founded by Paul
First church Paul founded in Europe
— Founded on his 2nd missionary journey (Acts 16:9-10)
Gentiles
Majority were Gentiles
— No Synagogue was there
— There he met Lydia who was at the river - since there was no synagogue (Acts 16:13-15)
Jailer
Also the story of the Jailer and his family being saved takes place in Philippi (Acts 16:25-34)
Poor
A poor but generous church
— They shared with him at one stage in his ministry.
— At the start of his ministry in Philippi (4:15) they supported him
Philippians 4:15 NKJV
15 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.
Book Overview
Thanks Wrote this letter to thank them for their gift to him while in prison Phil 4:10-19
Sending back Sending back their fellow worker Epaphroditus Philip 2:25-30
His situation He will tell them how he’s doing Philip 1:12-26
Warnings He warns them of false teachers Phil 3:2, 3:18-19
Chapter 1
A Single Mind
— looking at circumstances in relationship to Jesus Christ
Chapter 2
A Submissive Mind
— four examples of the submissive mind in chapter 2 are:
— Jesus Christ (2:1-11)
— Paul (2:12-18)
— Timothy (2:19-24)
— and Epaphroditus (2:25-30)
Chapter 3
A Spiritual Mind
— looking at things from God’s point of view
Chapter 4
A Secure Mind
— describes the spiritual resources we have:
— God’s peace (4:1-9)
— God’s power (4:10-13)
— and God’s provision (4:14-23)
Look for
Prayers
Promises
Warnings
Commands
Theme: Joy
A dozen times The term appears more than a dozen times
Wiersbe
Philippians is a missionary thank you and a book that explains the mind the believer must have if he is going to experience Christian Joy in a world filled with trouble. At least 19 times in these four chapters Paul mentions joy, rejoicing or gladness.
The best way to get the total picture of the book is to discover the “thieves” that rob us of our joy, then determine the kinds of attitudes we must have in order to capture and conquer these “thieves”. These are:
— Circumstances
— People
— Worry
(1:1-2) Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Q: What is meant by Bond-Servant ?
Bond Servant δουλοι Doulos (bond servant)
— A person owned by someone else, willing, determined, devoted
— Volunteer servitude
— Resubmitted life to the master
— In the OT a servant could submit to the master and have his ear pierced and serve for life (Ex 21:5-6)
Exodus 21:5–6 NKJV
5 But if the servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ 6 then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever.
He was a servant of the Lord, not the government, not Rome
— “so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ” (1:13)
(1:1) Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ
Timothy - Paul’s son in the faith (1 Tim 1:2)
— Cherished companion and protege
— Paul led Timothy to faith during his 1st missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3)
— Took Timothy with him when he returned to Lystra on his 2nd missionary journey
(1:1) To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,
Q: Who are the “saints” that Paul is referring to?
Roman Catholic
Saints are especially holy people
— The person has to have 2 verifiable miracles
Types
Servant - venerable - blessed (1 miracle) and saint (2 miracles)
Trail
There is a trail, pope judges, devil’s advocate tries to tear down
Catholic Saints
— St. Anthony - Saint of lost things
— St. Apollonia - Saint of Toothaches
— St. Expeditus - Procrastination
— St. Joseph - Doubt
— St. Paulina - diabetics
— St. Sebaldus - cold weather
— St. Verus of Aosta - kidney disease
— St. Vitalis of Assisi - St of Herpes and gonorrhea
Bible says We are all saints
— We are αγιοις (hagios, saints)
— “set apart” or consecrate or sanctify
Q: Are saints holier people than other people?
The Alter Moses sanctified the alter He made “saints” of them (Num 7:1)
Numbers 7:1 NKJV
1 Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and consecrated them.
Q: Did the temple become holier?
No God did not make the utensils holier
— He set them apart for a special sacred user
— Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth” (John 17:17)
— And he said, “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth” (John 17:19)
— Jesus did not become holier
— He was setting himself “apart” to make atonement for our sins
— So that we could be set apart for God
New Nature
We don’t belong to the world anymore
— New nature, new loyalties, new agenda, different kingdom
Faithful in Christ (1:1)
(1:1) Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons
Two Ideas
Exercising Faith
You heard the gospel and you believed
— Three parts to Faith
a) Intellectual - proclaimed and understood
b) emotional - understood rightly
c) volitional - having perceived and understood, change of direction. Commitment
2. To continue in Faith
— Perseverance
— Keep the faith
And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” ( Matt 10:22)
N.T Saints
— We see believers called “saints” in the early church
— “Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.”(Acts 9:13)
— “Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.” ( Acts 9:32)
The Salutation - (1:2)
(1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace to youCommon expression in many of his letters
— (cf. Rom 1:7, 1 Cor 1:3, 2 Cor 1:2, Eph 1:2, Col 1:2-3, 2 Thess 1:2)
Q: Why does he say grace and peace?
Grace
Grace is God’s unmerited favor
— Grace binds us all from different social strata into one body, the church
Peace
We have peace from God’s wrath
— We also have the peace of God (4:7) from the God of peace (4:9)
Remembered -(1:3)
(1:3) I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Second Missionary Journey
Went to Philippi on his second missionary journey
— Met Lydia at the river
— If a town did not have 10 male head of households, it did not have a synagogue
— Therefore, met at the river (Acts 16:13-15)
Acts 16:13–15 NKJV
13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
— Lydia was saved by Paul’s ministry during his ministry in Philippi
— A slave girl was also saved by Paul’s ministry
— She followed Paul and Silas
— Annoyed Paul
— Cast out the demon
— Thrown in jail because the men lost their income (Acts 16:16-18)
Acts 16:16–18 NKJV
16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
— And a Jailer was saved along with his household
— baptized as well (Acts 16:26-34)
(1:4) always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,
Q: What is your take-away from this verse on Joy?
Prayer δεησει (deesis: supplication, prayer)
— Request, entreaty, prayer
— Always addressed to God
(1:4) with joy
— Always prayed for the church with joy
— Nothing would rob him of joy
— But, he had disappointment two women were arguing
— “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” (4:2)
False teachers
And false teachers
— He called them “enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:18-19)
Philippians 3:18–19 NKJV
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
Q: Can non-Christians experience joy? How is it different from Happiness?
Yes !
— Birth of a child
— Marriage Day
— graduation from school
— first job
— buying your first house
— But it is not lasting
— Like running on a battery vs. plugged into the wall
Biblical Joy
A joy that lasts despite our circumstances
— A deep joy that wells up from the heart
A Theology of Joy (John MacArthur)
Joy comes from God
— It is a gift of God ( Ps 4:7-8)
Psalm 4:7–8 NKJV
7 You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. 8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
The source of Joy
God is the source of our joy
— I have joy because of my relationship with you
— Security in you (Ps 16:11)
Joy comes to
Joy comes to those who believe in the Gospel (Luke 2:10-11)
Luke 2:10–11 NKJV
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Joy produced by
Joy is being produced in them by the Holy Spirit (Ro 14:17)
Romans 14:17 NKJV
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Joy is a gift
Joy is a gift from God that comes to those who believe the gospel, being produced in them by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22)
Galatians 5:22 NKJV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Joy involves obedience
And as the believer receives and obeys the word (Jer 15:16; 1 John 1:4)
Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV
16 Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.
1 John 1:4 NKJV
4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
True joy is a gift from God that comes to those who believe the gospel, being produced in them by the Holy Spirit, as the believer receives and obeys the word - and is mixed with trails
Mixed with Trails
— in order to experience the reality of joy, contrast it with trails
— In his letter to the Thessalonians Paul wrote, “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess 1:6)
— We can be “sorrowful yet always rejoicing as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Cor 6:10)
— We should “count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2)
True joy is a gift from God that comes to those who believe the gospel, being produced in them by the Holy Spirit, as the believer receives and obeys the word of God (scripture), being mixed with trails and set their hope on future glory
Joy comes when we think of the future
— Joy comes when we think about the future
— “but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13)
Missions and our part - (1:5)
(1:5) for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,
Fellowship κοινωνια (koinonia) your fellowship, communion
— Sharing something in common
— They had partnered with Paul and given him generous financial support (4:15-16)
Philippians 4:15–16 NKJV
15 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. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
He will finish what He started-(1:6)
(1:6) being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Anticipation
Another aspect of our joy is Anticipation
— Despite what happens, one day we will be with the Lord and perfect
Persuaded πείθω (peithō) being persuaded of something
— This is more than human hope
— It was 100% certain as if it already had happened
Begun εναρξαμενος (enarchomai) began something
— Used twice in the NT both with respect to salvation
— Salvation is from God
— Faith is God’s work in us (Eph 2:8-9)
— Same idea with respect to “began” as in (Gal 3:3)
Galatians 3:3 NKJV
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
Q: How does it work?
The Lord does the work
He opened Lydia’s heart in Philippi to receive the Lord
“The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul” ( Acts 16:14)
— Granted for Christ’s sake (1:29)
Philippians 1:29 NKJV
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
— And we are granted to become Children (John 1:12)
(1:6) until the day of Jesus Christ
Q: Is the Day of Christ referring to judgment day?
That would be odd
— Paul talking about completing our salvation on The Day of Christ
— Judgment doesn’t fit. Here he is referring to when our salvation will be complete, perfect, finally glorified
Day of the Lord
— When the bible speaks of judgment (OT & NT) it is the Day of the Lord
— ( cf. 1 Thess 5:2-4, Isa 13:6-22; Acts 2:20, 2 Peter 3:10, Rev 1-11)
Q: What robs us of our Joy?
False Salvation can
— The church has always included people that are not genuine believers
Matt 13:36-43 (tares of the field), Matt 7:21 (Lord, Lord)
— Because they lack the Holy Spirit they cannot have true biblical joy
— Because joy is a fruit of the spirit
— “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” (Gal 5:22)
Test yourself!
Paul warns that we should test ourselves
— Test yourself to see if you are a true believer (2 Cor 13:5)
2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV
5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
What can rob us of our joy?
Satan can rob us of our joy
— Peter says that the Devil is like a lion (1 Peter 5:8)
1 Peter 5:8 NKJV
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Not understanding God’s sovereignty can rob us of joy
— We worry about our circumstances or we doubt God’s love
— “all things work together for good” (Ro 8:28)
— Our salvation is secure (John 10:28-39)
— Sermon on the Mount (Matt 6:25-34)
— Don’t let your heart be troubled (Ps 55:22)
Psalm 55:22 NKJV
22 Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Lack of prayer can rob us of our joy
— We loose sight of God’s sovereignty and we look elsewhere
— “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (4:6)
Focusing on our circumstances can rob us of our joy
Paul learned to be content in whatever circumstances he was in (4:11-12)
Philippians 4:11–12 NKJV
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Forgetfulness can rob us of our joy
— If we leave our first love
— The Church of Ephesus was such a church, it left its first love (Rev 2:4)
— Or, if we forget all that the Lord has done in our lives (Ps 103:2)
Psalm 103:2 NKJV
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
A low that follows a spiritual high can rob us of joy
— Elijah defeated and killed the pagan prophets of Bal on Mt Carmel (1 Kin 18:38-40)
— The next minute he is running for his life from Queen Jezebel
— “And he prayed that he might die, and said, 'It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!’” ( 1Kings 19:4)
Unwilling to accept forgiveness can rob us of our joy
— If we carry around guilt and don’t accept forgiveness we can be robbed of joy (1 John 1:9)
1 John 1:9 NKJV
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Standing with Paul - (1:7-8)
(1:7-8) just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
Right δίκαιος (dikaios) right
— More than “appropriate,” spiritual rightness
— For something to be dikaios is to be in accordance with God’s law (Luke 1:6; Rom 2:13; Eph 6:1)
— Not just right but what is required
— It was only right that Pauls feels this way about the saints in Philippi
Stood with him
— The Church stood with Paul and he feels this great love of gratitude in his heart
(1:7) for me to think this of you all
Feel φρονειν (phroneo) to think , feel
— A basic mental attitude or disposition
— Refers to an act of intellect or will and is sometimes translated “to think” as in the NKJV
— It is right for me to feel this way about all of you (NIV)
— So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you (NLT)
(1:7) I have you in my heart,
— Paul expands the idea of thinking to include the heart
— The mind and heart are often synonomous in scripture
(1:8) For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ
— All of the believers at Philippi were objects of Paul’s affection
(1:9) And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
— What he doesn’t pray for
Doesn’t pray for physical needs, church growth, himself
— He prays for spiritual growth
It is our spiritual duty to pray (Luke 18:1)
Luke 18:1 NKJV
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
More than duty
— Prayer flows from internal passion
— No truer indicator of maturity than prayer life
— Deepest longings find expression in prayer
Five things Paul prayed for: love, excellence, integrity, good works, glorifying God
Love
(1:9) that your love may abound
— God’s love falls on humanity (cf John 3:16)
— A virtue that surpasses all others
— The Pharisees asked Jesus what is the greatest commandment? Love - (cf Matt 22:37-40, 1 Cor 13:4-7; Ro 12:9)
Matthew 22:37–40 NKJV
37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
— The absence of love shows that our knowledge of the truth is worthless
Excellence
(1:10a) so that you may approve the things that are excellent
— Spiritual excellence
— Believers who is controlled by Love desire to live according to Go’d will, faithfully
— We agree with what is excellent
— able to discern what is best. (NIV)
He prays that
— We discover the things that are excellent so we can live our lives with the highest level of spiritual devotion, obedience
— Not a victim of emotions, personal impulses, have the mind of Christ (cf Rom 12:2 )
Integrity
(1:10b) that you may be sincere and without offense til the day of Christ
Sincere εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs), sincere , pure
— Testing something in sunlight
— Roman pottery was vey thin, fragile, often developed cracks
— Unscrupulous shops would fill the cracks with wax
— It would appear darker if held up the light
— Reputable dealer would stamp the pottery with “sine serea” (without wax)
— True believer holds his/her life up to the light of God’s word
Good Works
(1:11a) being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ
Progression
— Love (v9), Spiritual Excellence (v10), Integrity (v10b), Good Works (v11)
— Spiritual fruit includes leading others to Christ (cf Rom 1:13) and good works (cf Gal 5:22-23)
— James spoke about the fruits of righteousness (cf James 3:18)
— These are good works that result from salvation
— God desires to produce good works in you
— “ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10)
Glorying God
(1:11b) to the glory ad praise of God
Q: Why does God make believers fruitful?
To the glory of God
— We glorify God when we bear fruit
— “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (cf John 15:8)
— Paul commanded that whatever we do, we give Him glory
— “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31)
(1:12-14) But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Q: What do you notice from this passage?
Joyful, in spite of detractors (12-14)
Trouble in this life is certain
— Trouble faces all people
— Trouble is common for believers and non-believers (Eccl 2:23)
— “Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward.” (Job 5:7)
— Believers face additional persecution because of their faith
— “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
(1:12) the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
Rather μᾶλλον (mallon) rather, actually
— greater (NASB)
— actually (NKJV),
— really (NIV)
— instead of hindering, his imprisonment had the opposite affect
Joseph and his brothers
— Paul could say what Joseph said about his imprisonment (cf Gen 45:8)
— “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Gen 50:20)
John Bunyan (1628-1688)
— Powerful preacher in the 17th century
— Unacceptable to the Church of England
— Jailed
— Preached from his cell in Bedford
— Citizens would come to hear him
— Moved to the inner dungeon of the cell to silence him
— Wrote Pilgrim’s Progress
— Was the second most read/translated book after the bible
(1:15-18) Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Q: How could the preaching of some add to his affliction?
Detractors
(1:15) Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife
— These detractors thought they could discredit Paul because he was in prison
— These were not heretics, taught the true gospel
— Not a different gospel as were some in Corinth and Galatia (cf 2 Cor 11:4, Gal 1:6)
— These are also not the same detractors he calls out later (cf Phil 3:2)
— Their problem was not their motive, not the message
— They preached from envy and strife
Envy φθόνος (phthonos) envy
— Wishing someone else did not have what they have
— Like jealousy
Q: What did they envy about Paul ?
— Paul’s gifts, effectiveness of the ministry, blessings
— intellect, personal encounters with Christ (cf Acts 9:1-6, 18:9-11, 22:17-18, 23:11)
— He went to heaven (cf 2 Cor 12:2-5)
— He was personally converted by the Lord on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6).
— Lord spoke to him in a vision (cf Acts 18:9-11)
Acts 18:9–11 NKJV
9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
— The Lord spoke to him again in Jerusalem (cf Acts 22:17-18) and warned him to leave
— The Lord spoke to him again and encouraged him (cf Acts 23:11) telling him he had to go to Rome
(1:15) Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife
Strife ἔρις (eris) strife
— Contention, spirit of enmity, deep rooted hate
(1:15) and some also from goodwill:
— Others preached from good will
— desiring what is best for others
— Even the painful chains or painful criticisms could steal his joy because “Christ was preached” (1:18)
(1:16) The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely
— It was not their doctrine that was at fault
— But not preaching Christ for His glory but for their own self ambition
— They thought they could distress Paul by “supposing to add affliction to my chains
(1:17) but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
— Those who preached the gospel out of goodwill were doing it out of love
— Love for the church
— But also love for Paul because they knew that he was “appointed for the defense of the gospel”
(1:18) What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
— As long as the cause of Christ was served, he could rejoice
— Paul did not honor those men
— The sovereign God nonetheless honored their message when “Christ was preached”
(1:19) For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Same advice
The same advice that he gave to Roman Christians a few years earlier
— Now applying to himself
— “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Ro 8:28)
(1:19) through your prayer
— God is sovereign by he incorporates our prayers (cf James 5:16).
— Paul prayed and encouraged the church to pray
(1:19) and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Supply ἐπιχορηγία (epichoregia) Supply, provision
— Full, bountiful supply of what is needed
— The Holy spirit is a sufficient resource for all that we need
— The HS would supply Paul what he needed: strength, endurance, it was sufficient
For the benefit of the saints
— The word of God + Prayers of the saints + Holy Spirit = work together for the benefit of the saints
(1:20) according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
— His expectation was grounded in the Lord’s promises not his wishful thinking
— He was certain that in the eyes of God he would never be truly put to shame
(1:21) For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Q: What did Paul mean by this?
To live To live to continue to serve Him
To die to serve him perfectly, in His presence, sinless
(1:22-26) But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
Q: What are Paul’s conflicting issues in v23?
Tension
Wanted to be with the Lord but at the same time alive, produce fruit from his labor, build up the church
— He wanted both
— What fruit did he produce after this letter?
— Paul wrote Colossians, Philemon, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus
Q: What happens when we die If you are a believer? What happens to unbelievers?
Believers
— Immediately in the presence of the Lord
— “ depart and be with Christ.
— No soul sleep, purgatory
— Jesus to the thief, “And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (cf Luke 23:43)
Unbelievers
— Wait for the judgment
— Hell’s not open yet
(1:25) And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith
They still needed him
— He knew that his ministry was not over
— He hoped to promote “your progress and joy of the faith”
(1:26) that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again
so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. (NIV)
— Paul’s continuing to serve the Philippian church would be for the purpose of causing their confidence in Christ to abound because of him
Rejoice in Difficulties (1:27-30)
Q: Why is our conduct to the outside world so important?
(1:27) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel
Walk worthy (1:27) let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ
He wanted consistent, holy conduct.
We are told to Walk Worthy in the Lord although it seems impossible!
— Paul encouraged the Thessalonians “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess 2:12)
— He exhorted the Ephesians “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Eph 4:1)
— He told the Colossians “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects” (Col 1:10)
Conduct πολιτεύομαι (politeuomai) conduct
— comes from the root πόλις (city)
— Citizens gave allegiance to the city-state
— Be a good citizen to a political organization, your conduct should bring honor
— Philipi was 800 miles from Rome, Roman colony (cf Acts 16:12)
— People were Roman citizens
— Latin was spoken
— People could own land
— People were devoted to the state
— They would do nothing that would disrespect the πόλις
How much more
— Conduct ourselves faithful to the Gospel
— Now, our citizenship is in heaven (Eph 3:20)
— At our jobs we are consistent, on-time, good attitude
— Personal life high on top of the mountain, other times in the valleys of despair
(1:27) that you stand fast in one spirit
Stand fast στήκω (steko) stand fast (v27)
— A soldier standing firm
— Uncompromising at this post
Q: What is our greatest witness to the world?
spiritual integrity
— Our greatest witness to the world is one spirit, one mind, work together in spiritual integrity
— Bad conduct seriously weakens the credibility of the gospel
— When the unsaved look at the church and doesn’t see
— holiness
— virtue
— love
— purity
— Then no need to believe the gospel can change lives
Q: Why is it important to live out the gospel rather than just talk about it?
Q: In what way can you bring genuine authenticity to your small group and overcome difficulties inconsistent with living?
(1:27) the gospel of Christ
— The good news. (cf 1 Cor 15:3-4 Ps 16:8-11, Isa 53)
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 NKJV
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
— The essence of the gospel is a new “you” (cf 2 Cor 5:17)
Unity within the church - a shared passion (1:27)
(1:27) in one spirit, with one mind
— unity, harmony, interdependence
— A passion of Jesus
— Unity within the church was a passion of Jesus (cf John 13:34-35)
— His high priestly prayer (cf John 17:21-22)
Q: What metaphors did Paul use in Philippians 1:27?
(1:27) striving together
— Sports, playing as a team, advancing the truth of God
— Striving for the gospel but also against whatever opposes it
Believers suffer for Christ(1:28)
(1:28) proof of perdition
This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed (NIV)
— The sign shows the enemies of God that they are under severe judgment (ie. destruction)
— A sign that God’s enemies will be destroyed (cf 2 Thess 1:4-8)
— Second, suffering believers proves that they belong to God when they suffer for Christ’s sake (Gal 6:17, Col1:24)
— We must never be intimidated by critics even within our own ranks
Q: Why should believers expect to suffer?
(1:29) but also suffer for his sake
— A command and a privilege
— Paul tells Timothy men will be “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” (cf 2 Tim 3:2)
(1:30) having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
— They will suffer for the Lord’s sake
— They “saw in me” refers to Paul and Silas’s imprisonment in Philippi (Acts 16:16-40)
— They “now hear is in me” refers to his imprisonment in Rome (12-18)
MacArthur
“It is the mandate of the church to stand, to share, to strive, and to suffer for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is for this ‘that we have been destined’ (1 Thess 3:3)”
Additional Resources
John MacArthur. The MacArthur new Testament Commentary, Philippians. [Moody Press: Chicago, 2001)
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