Philippians Schedule

February 5 February 12 February 19 February 26

Philippians 1:1-11 Philippians 1:12-18a Philippians 1:18b-30 Philippians 2:1-11

For the Love Good News Momentum For the Sake of the News Selfless Affection

SERIES: PHILIPPIANS, A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE

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Philippians 1:1-11 Delight in Others Growth in Christ

Overview of the Book
The central theme of the letter is fairly easy to pick up: Rejoice in Christ in all circumstances. Outline 1:1-11 - Greeting and Thanksgiving
1:12-26 - Encouragement concerning Pauls imprisonment 1:27 - 2:18 - Encouragement to Christlike Living 2:19-30 - Information about Timothy and Epaphroditus 3:1-4:1 - Warnings about the False Teachers 4:2-23 - Final Thoughts, Thanks, and Greetings

Author & Date The Paul is the author of this letter though Timothy is mentioned as a co-sender (1:1). The letter has clear first person and deeply personal language throughout so it is unwarranted to suggest Timothy helped author the letter or served as an editor. During Pauls imprisonment in Rome (1:13), 62 AD. Audience & Circumstance Paul writes to the largely Greek Christians in Philippi, a small but prominent city along the famed via egnatia, the major east west highway through northern Greece. The church there was poverty stricken (2 Cor. 8:2) even though its first convert Lydia was likely a wealthy business woman (Acts. 16:11). Despite its poverty they were quite generous (Phil. 4:10-20; 2 Cor. 8:1-2). They also faced opposition from inside and outside the church (Phil. 1:27-30; 3:2-6; 3:18-19). There is also evidence that emperor worship was popular in Philippi. This accounts for the high volume of references to Christ, a messianic title full of political and religious overtones as while as the contrast of how Christ came in humility vs. the pride of Roman Emperors (Phil. 2:5-11). Undoubtedly they would face challenges for ascribing lordship to Christ, and not to Caesar. Theology Philippians is laced throughout with Pauls concern to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ must be preached and it is this concern and passion that unites him and the Philippians. As always Pauls description of salvation in Christ is thoroughly Trinitarian. Salvation comes from the Father, through the Son, and appropriated by the Spirit (Father - 1:6; 3:9, 14; 2:13, 15; 2:27; 4:19-20; Spirit - 3:3; 2:13; 1:27; 2:1). Christ plays a central and prominent role in the letter appearing 37 times. It is not enough for Paul to believe Christ exists or to know facts about him. One must know him personally, confess to following him, and to worshipping him. Theology for Paul is confessional and doxological, not an academic exercise. One distinctive feature in Philippians is that Paul does not argue for the person and work of Christ but assumes his readers
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BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR

SERIES: PHILIPPIANS, A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE

WGBC & CITY CHRUCH

know it. His focus then is more on the practical implications of faith in Christ that is consistent with the character of Christ. There is also an eschatological flavor to the letter with multiple references to the goal for which a Christian is called of Christlikeness in preparation for judgment day (1:6, 10; 2:16; 2:9-11). There is a strong anticipation of the day when Christ will rule over all and that we will finally receive the glory to come (3:10-14). All of these realities undergird how the Philippians are supposed to live in righteousness now while anticipating the future glory. They are to live a life in light of cross of Jesus Christ, full of humility, love, finding joy in suffering for the sake of the gospel, and always rejoicing in the Lord whether one is in need or in plenty.1

1 Gordon Fee, Pauls Letter to the Philippians, NICNT (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1995), 46-53.

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BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR

SERIES: PHILIPPIANS, A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE

WGBC & CITY CHRUCH

Maps
Paul`s Second Missionary Journey

(Above) Inscription by Bishop Porphyrios in the church (Left) Present day ruins of the 4th century church in Philippi

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BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR

SERIES: PHILIPPIANS, A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE

WGBC & CITY CHRUCH

Present Context
It is fashionable these days to complain about the church. Dan Kimball wrote a book to this affect titled They Like Jesus But Not the Church. It seems many people have been burned by the church, are unimpressed by its tattered historical record, or simply consider it to be irrelevant. Both Christians and non-Christians are disillusioned with imperfections of the church. This is analogous to engaged couples who tend to have idealistic and unrealistic expectations for marriage. Even young people may think they will finally find a cure for their loneliness or sense of isolation in a dating relationship and eventually marriage. In marriage counseling, part of the goal is to create realistic expectations, because the ideal is only a figment of ones imagination and is more often the source of marital or relational conflict than their mate. The point being, the church does not exist idealistically, it only exists in its local imperfect manifestations. This becomes quite challenging when we come to a letter like Philippians because Paul is overflowing with thankfulness and joy for his Christian brothers are Philippi. By no means are they a perfect church, but that is not what matters. What matters is that they are united in Christ and in seeing the gospel go forward. The church is about Christ and it is in the church that we stay connected to Christ who is its head. It is Christ whose humility and love for us becomes the foundation for our humility and love for one another. The church then is the place God uses to conform us to the image and likeness of Christ. It is the place where we have a common bond by the Spirit and in the mission of Jesus. It is the place where we ought to be genuinely thankful for the brothers and sisters in Christ that God has given us, and to encourage one another in righteousness through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Cultural Context
1:1-2 Customary greetings - It was very common for letters in Pauls day to begin with the author and who it was addressed to followed by greetings. Paul gives his introduction a distinctively Christians edge by using grace and referring to himself and Timothy as servants (lit. slaves) of Christ Jesus. 1:5 partnership - the word here was often used of those who shared in an economic sense.2

Bible Context
1:1-2 overseers, deacons, and peace - The duties and qualifications of overseers and deacons are discussed in 1 Timothy 3. It does show that very early on the church had some sense of structured leadership. Peace in the NT often carries with it the OT idea of shalom, the wholeness, wellness, and the absence of war. 1:6 day of Jesus Christ - this is a modification of the OT language of the day of the Lord which is prominent in the book of Joel. The day of the Lord is essentially judgement day. Paul has

2 Craig S. Keener and InterVarsity Press, The IVP Bible Background Commentary : New Testament (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity

Press, 1993), Php 1:5.

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BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR

SERIES: PHILIPPIANS, A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE

WGBC & CITY CHRUCH

substituted Christ here instead of Lord thus affirming Jesus divinity. More to the point is Paul expressing his confidence that God will see to the vindication of his Philippian brethern due to their faithfulness to the gospel. 1:7 Pauls imprisonment - Pauls travels to Philippi on his second missionary journey are told in Acts 16:11-40. His imprisonment referred to here is not the one while in Philippi but the one while he was in Rome. The primary evidence being the presence of the imperial guard, which was a large and very elite force of Roman soldiers stationed in Rome.

Passage Context
1:1-2 Greeting - Paul roots everything in Jesus Christ. It is pervasive throughout the letter. He and Timothy are slaves of Jesus Christ. He writes to all the saints in Jesus Christ who are in Philippi. Saints is a word that is almost lost on the english reader. It does not refer to someone who is morally superior, a goodie two shoes, or some canonized mythical miracle worker. It is quite simply someone who is set apart for Christs purposes in holiness and service to him. These holy ones of God are also in Philippi. It is important to remember that every Christian and every church is ruled by Christ while simultaneously living in their city. 1:3-8 Thankful to God for Christian partners - Paul is overflowing with thankfulness and love for his Christian friends. He prays for them always and with joy (v. 4). But he is most thankful because of their partnership with him in the gospel. The gospel is not to be confused with correct doctrine or proclamation, but the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Philippians have partnered with Paul in loving Jesus, living like Jesus, and telling others about Jesus. The word partnership most assuredly includes their financial support of his missionary efforts (cf. 4:15). Paul has assurance that their love for and emulation of Jesus will continue until Christs return. He is assured due to their partnership with him while he suffers by continuing to support him and to not be ashamed of their association with Jesus and his servants, namely Paul. This is primarily the sense they are partakers of grace with Paul, though it should not be ruled out that some Philippians themselves suffered imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. What may be lost on the english reader is that vv.3-8 are one sentence and Pauls yearning for them is in light of the good work God is doing. Paul has the affection of Christ Jesus for them knowing God is working out his salvation in them through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 1:9-11 Prayer to be lled with the knowledge, love, and purity of Jesus - Lastly, Paul prays that their love may become overflowing. But what is the nature of this love? It is knowledge and discernment for the purpose of what is Christ considers excellent and pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness (cf. Prov. 3:9) that comes from a life lived in obedience to Jesus. Christian love is more than an emotion but behavior in accordance with a follower of Christ. Paul is praying they growing in Christian character consistent with a follower of Jesus. Knowing Gods will is primarily knowing his moral will that guides ones actions and behaviors. Paul prays that grow in loving Gods ways and we may say conversely, hating sin. The fruit of knowing Jesus Christ is righteous living that adopts the cruciform lifestyle of Christ, sacrificing ones own desires is the way God often transforms us and then works through us to reach others.

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BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR

SERIES: PHILIPPIANS, A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE

WGBC & CITY CHRUCH

Questions
Explanation

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Why does Paul thank God for the Philippians? How many times does the word Christ appear in these verses? How does that affect Pauls gratitude and encouragement to the Philippians? What is Paul praying for in vv. 9-11? What makes deep fellowship with other likeminded people (esp. fellow Christians) so sweet? Why does partnership in the gospel of Jesus Christ bring unity and fellowship? What is the difference between gossip prayers and Pauls prayer they grow in righteousness (1:9-11)? Are you as thankful as Paul for the Christians he has placed in your life? Why or why not? How is your attitude towards other Christians affected by looking through the lens of Jesus as Paul does? What are some specific ways we can pray for each other to abound in Christ-centered love and living?

Discussion

Application

7. 8. 9.

Resources
Philippians, Gordon Fee, NICNT Philippians, Thielman, NIVAC

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BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR