1. REJOICE IN THE LORD Paul’s Letter to the Philippians

2. Philippi An important city, Roman colony Acts 16:12 Very few Jews 16:13 Conversion of Lydia 16:13-15 Paul and Silas jailed 16:16-24 Conversion of the jailer 16:25-34 Paul’s innocence and rights asserted 16:35-40 Luke remained at Philippi 16:9-10,40; 20:5-6 Paul’s second (and third) visit 20:1-6 Philippian fellowship Phil. 4:10-20; 4:1; 1:3-8

3. “Rejoice in the Lord” Philippians “In this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” 1:1-26 “Fulfill my joy” 1:27-4:3 “Rejoice in the Lord” 4:4-9 “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly” 4:10-20

4. “In this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” 1:1-26 Greeting 1:1-2 1.Thanksgiving for Philippians’ fellowship 1:3-11 – Petition for their growth v. 9-11 2.Christ is preached 1:12-18 – In spite of Paul’s imprisonment v. 12-13 – Praetorian guard was aware of the gospel v. 13 – Others were motivated to preach more v. 14 3.A no-lose situation 1:19-26 – Depart and be with Christ v. 24-26 – Live for Christ and teach others v. 23

5. “Fulfill my joy” 1:27-4:3 Be united in striving for the gospel 1:27-2:30 – Work together for gospel 1:27-30 – Be unselfish in attitude 2:1-11 Example of Christ v. 5-11 – Be unselfish in action 2:12-30 With fear and trembling v. 12-13 without complaining or arguing v. 14-16 Example of Paul v. 17-18 Example of Timothy v. 19-24 Example of Epaphroditus v. 25-30

6. “Fulfill my joy” 1:27-4:3 Beware of “dogs” 3:1-21 – Paul’s “pedigree” v. 2-6 – Paul gave it up to know Christ v. 7-11 – Still pressing on v. 12-14 – Walk by the same rule v.15-16 – Enemies of the cross walk otherwise v. 17-19 – apostolic pattern v. 18 – Our citizenship is in Heaven v. 20-21 Rejoice in the Lord 4:1 Get along 4:2-3

7. “Rejoice in the Lord” 4:4-9 Attitude: Rejoice in the Lord Luke 10:20 Action: show gentleness to all men James 3:17 Promise: The Lord is near Attitude: Be anxious for nothing Matt. 6:25-34 Action: Pray about everything 1 Peter 5:6-7 Promise: the peace of God will guard your heart Attitude: meditate on good things Prov. 4:23 Action: follow apostolic example 1 Cor. 4:16-17 Promise: the God of peace will be with you

8. “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly” 4:10-20 1.For fellowship in the gospel 4:10-13 – Expression of care as well as fellowship v. 10 – Paul not dependent on it v. 11-13 – Learned to be content 1 Tim. 6:6-10 – Christ gives strength to endure v. 13 2.For fellowship in the gospel 4:14-20 – Church treasury to support preachers v. 14-16 – Their support was a sacrifice to God v. 18 – God will reward them for giving to Paul v. 17,19 – God is glorified v. 20 Closing 4:21-23