The historical record of how the Lord used the apostle Paul to start the church at Philippi during his second missionary journey is found in Acts 16. This short epistle of 4 chapters, 104 verses, and 2,183 words was written in the early 60’s AD when Paul was a prisoner in Rome. This present dispensation began with Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts, but there is a distinction between the epistles he wrote during Acts and afterwards due to the transitional nature (prophecy program of Israel phasing out, mystery program of Body of Christ phasing in) of the Acts period. For example, he was going to the Jew first and the sign gifts were in effect during his Acts ministry. When he writes his prison epistles, he writes as a prisoner of Jesus Christ for us Gentiles and the full revelation of this present age is known (Eph. 3:1-13).
The prison epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians form a trilogy concerning the church which is the Body of Christ.
1) Ephesians – doctrine of the Body of Christ
2) Philippians – reproof for not walking according to the doctrine of Ephesians
3) Colossians – correction for listening to doctrine contrary to the doctrine of Ephesians
Philippians is a very practical book. Like most churches today, the church at Philippi was having trouble keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-6; Phil. 1:27; 2:1-3, 14-15; 4:2).
The worthy walk of our HIGH calling is a LOWLY walk of service! Paul gives 4 great examples in this epistle (Christ, Timothy, Epaphroditus, and himself).
Philippians is known as the joy book because joy is referred to18 times. Paul was joyful as a prisoner who had endured much suffering. How so? True and lasting joy is found in Christ (1:21, “Christ” mentioned 37 times) and in the pathway of sacrificial service. No wonder most people have no joy!
Key verses
I. Christ our Life (1:21)
II. Christ our Mind (2:5)
III. Christ our Goal (3:14)
IV. Christ our Strength (4:13)
Outline
A. Salutation – “Grace be unto you” (1:1-2)
B. Paul’s concern for the Philippians (1:3-26)
C. Exhortation: Example of Christ (1:27-2:16)
D. Example of Timothy (2:17-24)
D. Example of Epaphroditus (2:25-30)
C. Exhortation: Example of Paul (3:1-4:9)
B. Philippians concern for Paul (4:10-20)
A. Salutation – “Grace be with you” (4:21-23)
Highlights in Philippians:
Chapter One
• Emphasis on the gospel (6 times):
1) Fellowship of the gospel (1:3-6)
2) Furtherance of the gospel (1:12)
3) Faith of the gospel (1:27)
• Paul's prayer:
1) Request (v.9)
2) Reason (v.10)
3) Result (v.11)
Chapter Two
• Exhortation to lowliness of mind (2:1-3)
• Examples of sacrificial service (2:4-30)
1) Christ (vs.5-11)
2) Paul (vs.12-18)
3) Timothy (vs.19-24)
4) Epaphroditus (vs.25-30)
Chapter Three
• Justification (vs.1-9)
• Sanctification (vs.10-19)
• Glorification (vs.20-21)
Chapter Four
• Conditions for experiencing the peace of God:
1) Rejoicing (v.4)
2) Moderation (v.5)
3) Prayer (vs.6-7)
4) Right thinking (v.8)
5) Right living (v.9)
• Contentment:
1) It must be learned (vs.10-11)
2) It is not based on circumstances (v.12)
3) It is found in Christ (v.13)
• A note upon the bank of faith (v.19)
1) My God – the name of the Banker
2) Shall supply – the promise to pay
3) All your need – The value of the note
4) According to his riches – the capitol of the bank
5) In glory – the address of the bank
6) By Christ Jesus – the signature without which the note is worthless
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