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Paul’s Epistles To The Churches & Saints In 4 4 Galatia Philippi 4 Ephesus Colossae

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – General Introduction In a cultured society, perhaps there is no void greater than a lack of gratitude, thankfulness Rom 1:21 Appreciation for what has been done Motivation to return it, show it to others This 1 important character trait appears to be the theme of a letter Paul wrote to a church that was very dear to him…the letter to Christians living in Philippi

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – General Introduction The city of Philippi A “leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony” Acts 16:12 Primarily, a miniature resemblance of Rome City laid out in same pattern as Rome Style & architecture copied extensively Government & customs like Rome

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – General Introduction The local church in Philippi Paul’s 1st visit was on his 2nd journey…initial converts were Lydia, the city jailer, and their households Acts 16 Luke stayed behind to help this church when Paul left Acts 16:40 Paul also visited these saints on his 3rd journey Acts 20:5-6 This church had fellowship with Paul from the outset of his preaching 4:15-16

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – General Introduction The local church in Philippi Now, almost 10 years later, Paul is in a Roman prison and writes this letter 1:7, 13-14, 17 4:22

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – General Introduction Conditions that prompted the letter: These saints had expressed their love for Paul… they sent a gift 2:25-30 4:10-14, 18 Epaphroditus risked his life taking it to Paul 2:27 Most likely, Epaphroditus carried this letter back to Philippi 2:25, 28 Paul also dispatched Timothy to find out about their condition & welfare 2:19-23 Paul expected to be released from prison 1:19-20, 25-26 2:23-24

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – General Introduction Conditions that prompted the letter: Side note: our culture has a warped fixation re: “joy” (what it means, how to achieve it) True happiness (joy) is not dependent upon outward circumstances “Joy” can be found even in dire situations “Joy” or “Rejoice” (various forms) are found 15 times in this letter written from a Roman prison

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – General Introduction Conditions that prompted the letter: Some contend the letter was written from Paul’s 2-year Caesarean imprisonment Acts 24:27 This letter mentions 2 details that prove it was in fact a Roman prison from where Paul wrote 1:13 4:22

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – Outline Opening Greetings & Thankfulness 1:1-11 Present situation in Rome, and its impact on the gospel he preached 1:12-26 Three Main Exhortations 1:27 – 2:18 – “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel…” 1:27-30 – “Have this mind in you…” 2:1-11 – “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” 2:12-18 UNITY HUMILITY FAITHFULNESS

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – Outline Personal plans re: Timothy & Epaphroditus 2:19-30 Warnings of the dangers re: false Judaizing teachers 3:1 – 4:1 Closing personal exhortations and expressions of gratitude 4:2-23

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – Phil 1:1-26 Opening greetings & expressions of gratitude Addressed to saints, overseers, & deacons v. 1 Paul always thanked God for the Philippians when he prayed for them vv. 3-4 Why? Because of their “…participation in the gospel from the first day til now” v. 5 4:15-16 Paul was right to feel this way toward them because they were his true partners vv. 6-7 Therefore, Paul longed for them and for their love and faithfulness vv. 8-11

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – Phil 1:1-26 How Rome was affecting Paul’s gospel work His imprisonment had not only not hindered the gospel, it actually helped it vv. 12-20 Even the whole Praetorian guard had come to know why Paul was in prison v. 13 Brethren who knew of his imprisonment had become more emboldened to preach vv. 14 More men were preaching…Paul didn’t care what their motives were vv. 15-17 “Christ is proclaimed…exalted either by my life or by my death” vv. 18-20

Paul’s Epistle To The Philippians Lesson 15 – Phil 1:1-26 How Rome was affecting Paul’s gospel work However his situation worked out, it would be victory for Paul personally or the saints in Philippi collectively vv. 21-26 To be delivered from prison would be good for the Philippians vv. 22, 24 To be martyred would be good for Paul v. 23 Paul expected to be released vv. 25-26 Either way, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” v. 20

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