Philippians 1-3

Philippians 1

from https://roylayman.blog/2019/08/17/map/

Author: Paul alongside Timothy

To: The church in Philippi.

Philippi was a Roman colony in northern Greece and the first city in Europe where Paul established a church (Acts 16)

Date: Likely AD 60-62 during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.

Paul and Timothy greet the church

• Grace and peace come from God

Paul thanks God for the Philippians

• They have partnered in the gospel from the beginning
• Paul is confident God will complete His work in them
• He prays for love, knowledge, and discernment

Advance of the Gospel 

• Paul’s imprisonment has advanced the gospel
• The whole imperial guard has heard about Christ
• Other believers have become more confident
  • However some preach Christ selfish ambition
• Paul rejoices whenever Christ is proclaimed

To Live Is Christ

• Paul expects deliverance through Jesus
  • Whether he lives or dies, Christ will be honored
  • “To live is Christ, and to die is gain”
• Paul desires to depart and be with Christ
• He remains willing to stay and serve believers as it is more necessary

Paul says to live worthy of the gospel

• Stand firm in one spirit
• Strive together with one mind
• Do not fear opponents 
• We suffer for Christ 

Philippians 2

Christ’s Example of Humility

• Believers should be of one mind in love
• Do nothing from selfish ambition
• Count others more significant than yourselves
  • Look to the interests of others

Example of Christ

• Christ is the best example of humility
• Though fully God, He took the form of a servant
  • He became obedient to death on a cross
• God highly exalted Him
  • Every knee will bow to Jesus
  • Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord

 Shine as Lights

• Work out your salvation with fear and trembling
  • In other words live out your life in obedience 
• God works within us 
• Do all things without grumbling or arguing
• Shine as lights in a dark world
• Hold fast to God’s Word

Timothy genuinely cares for others and Paul hopes to send him soon

Epaphroditus nearly died serving Christ and Paul commends his faithful service

The church should honor such people

Philippians 3

Rejoice in the Lord!

Watch out for those promoting circumcision as necessary for salvation

• True believers worship by the Spirit and glory in Christ

Paul lists his impressive Jewish credentials (confidence in the flesh)

• Circumcised on the eighth day
• A Pharisee
• Zealous for the Law
• Yet he counts it all as loss
  • Christ is worth more 
  • Righteousness comes through faith, not works
• Paul’s desire is to know Christ 

Press On Toward the Goal

• Paul is not perfect, but he presses forward toward Christ
• He forgets what lies behind
• He pursues the heavenly prize

Paul says to imitate him and other godly examples

Many live as enemies of the cross

• Their focus is earthly things
• Believers belong to heaven
• Christ will transform believers’ bodies when He returns

Application

We are called to find joy in Christ and be united with other believers. We should  imitate Christ’s humility by serving others and putting their needs before our own.