Amazing Grace And Perfect Peace

DECEMBER 6, 2020 STUDY NOTES PHILIPPIANS 1:1-2 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES AMAZING GRACE AND PERFECT PEACE Php 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: “Paul” is the human author of the letter to the Philippians Paul opens most of his letters identifying himself as an apostle (I Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal 1:1; Eph 1:1; Col 1:1; 1 Tim 1:1; 2 Tim 1:1) He presented himself as both a servant of Jesus and an apostle in (Rom 1:1; Titus 1:1) In his letter to Philemon he identifies himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ (1:1) He was a prisoner because of his ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ Here in Philippians he presents himself and Timothy as “servants of Jesus Christ” Many Christian leaders today want as many titles behind their name as they can have They want to be looked upon and identified in as many ways as they can be The title that was most meaningful to Paul is not the most popular title of today Paul wanted to be identified as “a servant of Jesus Christ” There is no higher calling than to be a “servant of Jesus Christ” The word translated “servant” means a “bond-slave” A slave of man is one who is owned by man and forced to render involuntary servitude Paul is saying that he and Timothy were completely devoted to willingly serving Christ Nothing was more important to Paul than being “a servant of Jesus Christ” Timothy was not an apostle and he did not come with the authority bestowed upon Paul But he stood on equal ground with Paul as a servant of Jesus Christ Paul was on his 2nd missionary journey when he selected Timothy to travel with him Paul, Silas, and Timothy entered the city of Philippi where great things happened (Acts 16) The Philippians had witnessed their commitment to Jesus Christ, they were His servants The birth of the Philippian church was probably about 51AD Paul wrote his letter to the Philippian church about 10 years later, an interesting letter His letter is written to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi “To all” was a point of emphasis, Paul was interested in “all saints” whoever they were Social status had nothing to do with his love and concern for the “saints” All who are saved are designated as “saints,” which means “set apart” or “consecrated” The word “saint” comes from the same root word translated “holy” “Holy” identifies that which has been set apart by God for His special purpose, for His sacred use Those who are saved are called “saints” because they belong to God, God’s unique possession Christians are set apart unto God at the time of salvation for His service Saints are separated from sin but not sinless, saints are not perfect but are prepared for service We are saints because of the finished work of Christ We are different because of Christ; we are a distinct people because of Christ So, every Christian is a saint, but all Christians are not living like saints “In Christ Jesus” is the spiritual position of every Christian 1 It is a simple statement filled with eternal truth, Jesus promised it, Joh 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (The coming of the Holy Spirit) “In Christ” is one of the most significant truths in the New Testament, Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: One of the most important truths for us to learn and live today Our salvation is “in Christ,” Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: We are redeemed “in Christ,” Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; We are sanctified “in Christ,” 1Co 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: There is no condemnation “in Christ,” Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Our future resurrected body will be “in Christ,” 1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. We are who we are because we are “in Christ, 1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: All things are possible because we are “in Christ,” Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. All that we will ever need is ours “in Christ,” Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Paul writes to the saints WHICH ARE AT PHILIPPI Paul visited the city of Philippi as a-result of the Macedonian Call (Acts 16:6-10) Lydia, a seller of purple from Thyatira, was converted (Acts 16:11-15) Paul and Silas were confronted with a demon-possessed slave girl, Paul cast the demon from her Which resulted in Paul and Silas being arrested, beaten, and cast into prison (Acts 16:16-24) Paul and Silas were miraculously delivered from prison and witnessed the conversion of the jailer The jailer and his household were saved and baptized (Acts 16:25-34) In 1 Thessalonians Paul spoke of his visit to Philippi, 1Th 2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. Paul had left Philippi after being beaten and cast into prison and gone to Thessalonica If Paul had been looking for excuses to quit the ministry and not go to Thessalonica He could have found many, many more excuses than people find today for not serving God Paul identified his persecution at Philippi as a time of being “shamefully entreated” “Shamefully entreated” means to be treated in a shameful way, to insult or humiliate someone Listen to what Paul told the jailer when he was told that he was being released, Act 16:36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. Paul was already at peace with God and himself, Act 16:37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. Paul put fear into the Roman army commanders, Act 16:38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. The Roman soldiers were filled with fear while Paul and Silas were “bold” 2 What took place at Philippi was in no way a hindrance to Paul’s ministry He did not hesitate to continue to speak the Word of God and preach the Gospel Without fear he publicly proclaimed the Word of God in Thessalonica, his words flowed freely There was no restriction, he was not under stress, and there was no strain We should be able to talk as easily about the Gospel as we do many other subjects We have no problem talking about the weather, sports, politics, or business Christians should not hesitate to talk about God’s Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ Paul was “bold” in Philippi, he was “bold” when he came to Thessalonica It is time for Christians to be a “bold” witness for Christ Among the saints at Philippi were the BISHOPS AND DEACONS The word “Bishop” means an overseer, to look over, to exercise care over The word is used in reference to officers in the local church, Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Paul was speaking to the Ephesians “Elders,” both titles designated the same people, Act 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. The elders and the bishops are again identified as the same in, Tit 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: And Tit 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; Both terms refer to the same person, a spiritual leader in the church Their responsibility was to shepherd God’s people and protect them from enemies To teach, exhort, encourage, through the Word of God and by example Paul said to desire the office of a bishop was to desire a good work, 1Ti 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. Among Baptist the title pastor identifies with the role of elder or bishop AND DEACONS The term “deacon” occurs in only three verses of scripture (Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8,12) The Greek word translated “deacon” is found 30 times often translated either servant or minister Describing the work of a servant, such as one who waited on tables These servants are to be of high moral and spiritual character (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim 3:8-13) The office of deacon varies among denominations and within denominations today Among Baptist deacons are often given the responsibility of administrative and financial duties At Prairie Grove we have trustees who oversee our business obligations and material needs At Prairie Grove Baptist deacons are assigned to the spiritual oversight of our ministry Especially individual members of our church family, keeping in close touch with the families Encouraging faithfulness to God, His Word, the church, and ministering to one another Deacons stay in touch with their church families so that our church can minister to their needs Paul tells us that the faithful ministry of a deacon will be rewarding, 1Ti 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Since the beginning of coronavirus our deacons have put in overtime, but God is the timekeeper God has not missed one call, one contact, one act of ministry, His payroll is up to date All service for God is because of God’s grace 3 Php 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ Greetings were customary at the beginning of a letter in Paul’s day of writing Greetings are still customary but often they are thoughtless and meaningless Too often they are nothing more than a conversation piece with little meaning Paul was not using words lightly or loosely, he spoke with meaning Paul’s words were more than a customary greeting and were not thoughtless “Grace” and “peace” are most meaningful words concerning our daily Christian life “Grace” was the common Greek greeting and found in all of Paul’s letters But with Paul, “grace” was more than a common greeting, it was a prayer “Peace” was the common greeting among the Hebrews But with Paul it was more than a common greeting, it was a prayer Paul’s heart was always filled with prayer for others Paul prays for Christians to experience the daily “grace” and the daily “peace” of God Paul wants us to personally understand the Biblical truth of grace and peace No one ever had a greater appreciation for the saving grace of God than Paul Remember Paul’s past life, the man known as Saul, and you will understand why Saul had persecuted the church, arrested Christians, and put them in prison But on the road to Damascus he experienced the “saving grace” of God (Acts 9:1-18) Paul could write from his heart, “by grace you are saved,” Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Paul knew that he did not earn grace, it was an unearned blessing of God, Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: The gift of God’s grace came through Jesus, Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. The grace that God bestowed upon Paul on the Damascus road was just the beginning of grace Through Jesus we experience “grace upon grace,” Joh 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. (There is no end to the grace of God) In Romans 5:20, Paul had to use a special word to express God’s “superabundant grace,” Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (God’s grace comes in super-abundance) Added to superabundant grace is grace in superabundance It does not matter how much we have received today, there is more for tomorrow There will be grace for the difficulties of today and for the trials of tomorrow Paul prays that we will experience God’s daily grace Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Grace is God giving us the unearned and the undeserved, His favor and His kindness God’s grace allows us to live daily for Him, Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Grace allows us to say no to sin and yes to righteousness, Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; The Christian life begins with saving grace, is lived by sustaining grace, ends with dying grace Grace and peace are always found in that order in the NT Grace is the foundation and peace is the result, no grace, no peace, know grace, know peace and peace, 4 Peace was the usual Hebrew greeting, Jews wished each other “peace” It expressed to others blessing, well-being, safety, and prosperity Today we say, “Have a good day” or “have a blessed day” But Paul was not using a habitual term with little meaning as is often the case today Most people are not interested in helping you have a good day Paul wanted them to experience a daily peace with God Peace that comes from living in God’s will The world’s definition of “peace” is freedom from opposition, trials, troubles, and war Therefore, peace is freedom from anxiety, fear, and worry The “peace” that Paul prays for does not mean freedom from the problems of life Christians are not exempt from the pressures and strife of an earthly life The peace of a Christian is not deliverance “from” conflict, but peace “within” conflicts God promises peace for the Christian in-the midst of trials, troubles, and tribulation Peace for the Christian is an untroubled spirit in the time of trouble Peace of the Christian is an undisturbed spirit when the path of life has been disturbed It is the spirit of well-being when you are walking through what is not so well The peace that is without inner turmoil and conflict It is the inner calm in-the midst of the storm, the wholeness that life is meant to be Peace that only Jesus can give, Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Peace that will direct our lives, Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. This is the peace of daily commitment to God Peace that can only come through the awareness of God’s presence, Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Peace that cannot be explained but can be experienced, Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Paul said it is peace from God our Father, Our Father is the Father of creation and the Father of the nation of Israel But He is not our Father because of creation, He is our Father because of salvation, Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: We have received grace and peace from “God our Father” and from the Lord Jesus Christ “Lord” is the title that identifies Jesus as God, equal with God, He is as God is, He is truly God Jesus Christ is “Lord,” “Lord” is His position, Act 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. “Jesus” is the title that identifies him as man and our Savior, Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. “Christ” is the official title of Jesus, identifying who He is, Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. His name is Jesus, but He is the “Christ” “Christ” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew “Messiah” Christ is His official title; His Divine title; Christ is the one that God promised would come He is the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy; He is the Messiah, the Anointed One of God 5 As the “Anointed” He is ordained and qualified by God to carry out the task of saving His people Christ is the only mediator between God and man, 1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; CONCLUSION Paul begins his letter to the Philippians speaking of God’s Grace He ends the letter with, Php 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Many verses in the NT speak of the grace of God As Christians we often refer to God’s grace Many songs have been written about the Grace of God, but none greater than “Amazing Grace” 6