Philippians

Philippians

What was happening in the Church when this Epistle was written?

Strengths of Church:  Paul said, they are "Partners in spreading the Good News about Christ" (Philippians 1:5).  They shared with Paul "the special favor of God, both in [Paul's] imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News." (Philippians 1:7).  Paul prayed that their love will overflow more and more and they will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding (see Philippians 1:9).  Further, Paul prayed that they may always be filled with the fruit of the salvation (see Philippians 1:11).  The church helped cover Paul's living expenses (see Philippians 4:10-18). 

Weaknesses of Church: Apparently, there was a lack of unity in the church since Paul encouraged the church to stand together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News (see Philippians 1:27).  Further, he encouraged them to agree wholeheartedly with each other, love one another, and work together with one mind and purpose (see Philippians 2:2).  There was disagreement in the church (see the example of Euodia and Syntche in Philippians 4:2). Apparently, the church was selfish and tried to impress others since Paul encouraged them by saying, "Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too" (Philippians 2:3-4).   They were complaining and arguing (see Philippians 2:14).  Apparently, some of them were living their lives in order to follow their own sinful desires rather than God's desires (see Philippians 3:18). 

Main Ideas of this Epistle

There is joy in knowing Christ.  There is joy in serving God and in serving others.

Paul's desire is to proclaim the Good News and his imprisonment has helped spread God's message (see Philippians 1:14).  Paul rejoices that the message of Christ is being preached (see Philippians 1:18). 

Paul's desire is for his life to bring honor to Christ - whether he lives or dies (see Philippians 1:20).  He desires to help others grow and experience the joy of their faith (see Philippians 1:25).  He encourages them to live as citizens of heaven, conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ (see Philippians 1:26). Paul hungered and thirsted for more of God.  He sought greater intimacy with God.  Paul said, "I want to know Christ" (see Philippians 3:10).  He encouraged others to seek greater intimacy with God as well.

Paul encouraged them to "have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had" (Philippians 2:5).  He encouraged them to lay down their rights and humble themselves in obedience to God. He encouraged them to "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear" (Philippians 2:13).  Paul desires them to share in the joy of faithful service to God (see Philippians 2:17-18).  Paul encouraged them to do what matters to Jesus Christ and place others above themselves (see Philippians 2:21).  He encourages them to "rejoice in the LORD" (see Philippians 3:1).  Paul encourages them to rely on Christ rather than on their own human efforts in order to be saved (see Philippians 3:2-4).  Paul says, "everything is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ my LORD.  For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.  I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law, rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.  For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith" (see Philippians 3:8-9).  Paul encourages us to press forward to the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (see Philippians 3:12-14).  Paul encouraged them to "be full of joy in the LORD . . . rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).  Paul encouraged them to fix their thoughts on what is true, right, pure, lovely, and admirable so that they may experience His peace (see Philippians 4:8-9).  Paul experienced the joy of knowing Christ by the way he lived his life and he encouraged others to do the same so that they too may experience the joy of knowing Christ. 

Character and Nature of God in this Epistle

God desires His people to experience His joy and His peace.  God desires His people to have the same attitude as His Son, Jesus Christ (see Philippians 2:5).  God desires His people to lay down their rights and esteem God and others above themselves (see Philippians 2:6-8).  God desires His people to rejoice in Him (see Philippians 3:1).  God desires His people to place their confidence in Him rather than their own human efforts in order to be saved (see Philippians 3:2-4).  God desires to supply His children with all their needs (see Philippians 4:19).   God desires His people to experience His grace.  God desires His people to know Him more and more.  Further, God desires His people to live their lives in a manner worthy of the Good News of Christ (see Philippians 1:27).  God desires His people to experience the joy of knowing Him.

Personal Application

"Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). 

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

My personal application to the book of Philippians is to apply these Scripture verses to my life.  Admittedly, I have been struggling with worry recently (regarding my health, finances, relationships, future ministry, etc).  These Scripture verses clearly say that I am not to worry about anything.  Therefore, I am sinning if I continue to worry.  I want to be obedient to God; therefore, I am choosing (to the best of my ability) to not worry.  Furthermore, I am choosing to pray about everything.  I am choosing to tell God what I need.  I am choosing to thank God for all He has done.  I am choosing to obey God.  I am trusting God to give me His peace.  I am trusting God to supply all my needs from His glorious riches.  I am choosing to do what God clearly says to do in His Word.  I am choosing to be obedient to God and His Word.

Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known.  I know so, so many people who struggle with worry and anxiety like myself.  It is my desire to help others successfully deal with their worry and anxiety.  God's Word clearly says that we are not to worry (or be anxious) rather we are to pray, tell God our needs, and thank God for what He had already done.  God desires us to trust Him to meet all our needs.  I want to live my life aligned with God and His Word and help others to do the same.  I want to help others overcome their struggles with worry and anxiety.