Hello Friends!
Welcome to an all NEW Bible study series focused on the powerful book written by the “Apostle Paul” to the Philippians as we consider the perfect PERSON and wonderful WORKS willed of our loving “Lord Jesus Christ” as decreed throughout this excellent Epistle…“Do NOT Be Anxious!”
The Book of Philippians: Do NOT Be Anxious! (Chapter 1: Verses 1-6)
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ – Philippians 1:1-6
OPENING POINTS TO PONDER: This loving “letter” penned to the “Philippians” was written by the “Apostle Paul” himself from a prison in Rome sometime between the years 61–62 A.D. and is referred to as one of the four Prison Epistles along with the “letters” sent to the – Ephesians, Colossians & Philemon!
There were TWO specific circumstances that occasioned the “writing” of this excellent “epistle” in its entirety:
ONE: The chosen “church at Philippi” had been very GENEROUS in the sound support of the imprisoned “Paul” and thus wrote this “letter” to thoroughly THANK them in kind. When he was in “prison” in the “city” of Rome the “Philippians” had sent HELP by the hands of “Epaphroditus” of whom became quite ILL and when he had recovered rightly, “Paul” willingly wrote this “epistle” and delivered it via the magnificent MESSENGER named “Epaphroditus” who had been – Sent to HELP!
TWO: There was evidently a deep DIVISION that was arising because of the meager misunderstanding between two women within the “Philippian” fellowship named “Euodias” and “Syntyche” as such. And a phrase “Paul” uses again and again in this narrative is “you all” speaking of ALL the bold “believers” in the church – BELOVED Brethren!
An Outline of Philippians:
The PHILOSOPHY for Christian living = Chapter 1
- Introduction (1-2)
- Paul’s heart for the Philippians (3-11)
- Bonds & afflictions further the Gospel (12-20)
- In life or death through Jesus Christ (21-30)
The PATTERN for Christian living = Chapter 2
- Thinking ~ Others First (1-4)
- Mind of Christ ~ Humility (5-8)
- Mind of God ~ Exultating Jesus Christ (9-11)
- Mind of Paul ~ Things of Jesus Christ (12-18)
- Mind of Timothy ~ Like-mindedness (19-24)
- Mind of Epaphroditus ~ Work of Jesus Christ (25-30)
The PRIZE for Christian living = Chapter 3
- Paul changed his RECORD of the past (1-9)
- Paul changed his PURPOSE in the present (10-19)
- Paul changed his HOPE for the future (20-21)
The POWER for Christian living = Chapter 4
- Joy ~ The SOURCE of power (1-4)
- Prayer ~ The SECRET of power (5-7)
- Christ ~ The SANCTUARY of power (8-9)
- IN Christ ~ The SATISFACTION of power (10-23)
This excellent “epistle” is very PRACTICAL and its main thought is JOY abounding. In fact, it has often been coined “The Secret of Joy” and various forms of the word “joy” occurs some 19 times answering the age-old question: “How may I have TRUE joy in my heart?” Remember… The “Apostle Paul” was residing in the Mamertine PRISON under the rank Roman Empire when he penned this amazing amalgamation. Therefore, the real manifested “Joy of the Lord” does NOT at all decisively – Depend UPON Circumstances!
Confidence IN Jesus Christ!
BIBLICAL BACKGROUND: : After “Paul” and “Barnabas” had completed their FIRST missionary journey, they had “determined” to re-visit the “churches” fellowshipping in “Galatia” to aptly ASSESS their progress. A seriously “sharp dispute” had arose over the feasibility of taking “John Mark” along with them. The righteous result was that “Paul” personally took “Silas” along with him and “departed” for the “Galatian” country. After visiting the “churches” thereof, “Paul” was evidently planning to EXTEND the circumference of his missionary activity (see Acts 16:6–40) by taking the “gospel” un to the province of “Asia” abroad, of which “Ephesus” was the leading city. This was a very prominent, populous and prosperous region at that time. However, the Sovereign “Spirit of God” had solemnly SEIZED their ardent advancement and they were “forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia” abroad (see Acts 16 verse 6). They were indeed Sovereignly – STOPPED by the Spirit!
Then “Paul” had attempted to go forth “north into Bithynia” along the coast of the Black Sea where there was a very LARGE population. But again, the “Spirit allowed them not” (see Acts 16 verse 7). The “Apostle Paul” then proceeded on to “Troas” where he WAITED for further orders. He was given the “vision” of a man in “Macedonia” boldly “beseeching” him to come over to Europe itself. The party of “Paul” crossed over to “Samothracia” then on to “Neapolis” and over to “Philippi” when Doctor “Luke” joined at this juncture (see Acts 16 verse 10). At this point, “Silas” and “Timothy” were already with “Paul” and when arriving in “Philippi” it was discovered that the “man of Macedonia” was actually a wonderful “woman” by the name of “Lydia” of whom was holding a PRAYER meeting by the riverside (see Acts 16 verses 13-15). Incidentally, “Paul” received very ROUGH treatment in the “city” because he had courageously “cast out” the dastardly “demon” of a gangly “girl” who was eagerly EARNING much greedy “gain” for her ominous owners by the “spirit of divination” darkened (see Acts 16 verses 16-18). As a readied result, “Paul” and “Silas” were innately IMPRISONED and when they solemnly “sang praises to God at midnight” the entire “prison” was severely “shaken” from its foundation – Supernatural SHAKING!
This SUPERNATURAL event ultimately produced the spiritual CONVERSION of the jaundice “jailer” himself (see Acts 16 verses 23-34). He and “all that were in his house” were only SOME of the covenant “converts” in this “church” body of whom were especially drawn unto the “Apostle Paul” in the beautiful “bonds” of this Divinely captivating – Christian LOVE!
Greetings from Paul & Timothy!
Let's begin this journey of justified “joy” by most carefully CONSIDERING these opening foundational verses of “Paul's” warm welcome:
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons – Philippians 1:1
HISTORICAL HINTS: It is very IMPORTANT to note that in aptly ascribing this excellent “epistle” to himself, “Paul” lovingly links his name with that of “Timothy” as his “dearly beloved” solemn “son in the faith” and fervent FAITHFUL companion of whom he LOVED very much…
Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord – 1 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord – 2 Timothy 1:2
During the LONG years of toil that “Paul” endured as an “Apostle” to the “saints” and “brethren” of God, it was “Timothy” who had been a CARING comrade. And although “Timothy” was “frequently” found to be sick, timid, hesitant and cried a lot… He was indeed a TRUE friend to “Paul” and DILIGENT mighty – Man of God!
Here “Paul” is aptly ADDRESSING a local “church” of wholly APPOINTED officers of whom were stationed at the helm. The “bishops” represent the office and the “deacons” represent spiritual men performing the service (see Acts chapter 6). And since there is NO direct “doctrine” to duly correct or concerning “conduct” to confidently condemn as such, “Paul” does NOT assert his own AUTHORITY as an “Apostolic” leader. Rather, he intently identifies himself with “Timothy” as jointly committed and submitted sound “servants of Jesus Christ” Himself – Bond Slaves!
Grace & Peace!
This opening narrative CONTINUES with heaven’s granted “Grace” (Charis) as being the Greek form of greeting and “peace” (Shalom) being the Hebrew form of greeting unto these sweet “saints” signified:
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ – Philippians 1:2
Beloved, “we” must KNOW the great “grace” given by “God our Father” Himself BEFORE any of “us” can personally EXPERIENCE the perfect “peace of God” through our loving “Lord Jesus Christ” alone. Therefore, our grand “God’s” great “Grace” granted is His eternal – LOVE in ACTION!
Joyful Prayers!
Next “Paul” personally PRAYS for the “Philippians” in his purposed “prayer” of ready “remembrance” rendered:
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy – Philippians 1:3-4
The “you all” designation heralded here is not only a good Southern idiom, but includes ALL of the sanctified “saints” settled within the province of “Philippi” proper. In other words, NONE of them are left out of “Paul’s” poignant “prayers” provided! And here “joy” rightly represents the very FIRST of the 19 occurrences of this wonderful WORD or its cognates nicely nestled within this excellent “epistle” enclave – Joyful Prayers!
Incidentally, “joy” itself is a fervent “fruit of the Spirit” surmised and was NOT turned off when “Paul” was intentionally incarcerated within a Roman prison pit…
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law – Galatians 5:22-23
Therefore, there is NO lauded “law” set adamantly “against” these tantamount – TRUE Treasures!
Gospel Fellowship!
And “fellowship” is the Greek word “koinonia“ to which all “believers” can surely SHARE together: Prayer, Bible study, celebrating the Lord’s Supper and Giving to one another…
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now – Philippians 1:5
These “gospel” empowered “good works” are found in ALL areas of fruit-filled “fellowship” of which can be eagerly ENJOYED with each other from the “first day” of our sweet SALVATION secured “until now” within our great “God’s” grandiose – Gospel Fellowship!
A GOOD Work Begun!
Now at this juncture, “Paul” beseeches the “Philippian” brethren to be continuously “confident” in the wonder “working” ways of our loving “Lord” incarnate:
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ – Philippians 1:6
THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: “Being confident” is in the causative meaning “since I am confident” implying certainty of the “very thing” stated. And “perform” is to be perfect and is translated “will finish it up” or “carry through” by His “good work” of great GRACE granted “until” the DEEPLY desired “day of Jesus Christ” is set at hand. And since “God” Himself has brought you up to this PRESENT hour, “He” will CONSUMMATE His wonderful “work” of righteous REDEMPTION wrought “in” you eternally – His GOOD Work!
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God – Psalm 42
Beloved, “our” loving “Lord Jesus Christ” Himself will NEVER let any of “us” down. Therefore, “we” can constantly – Count ON Him!
In closing:
POINTS TO PONDER: The “Apostle Paul” visited “Philippi” at least ONE time and quite possibly more and the “church in Philippi” kept in CLOSE touch with him. However, they apparently LOST track of “Paul” when he was arrested in the city of “Jerusalem” and for TWO years there was NO cordial communication from him. They finally found out he was sent to “prison” prepared in Rome and then immediately dispatched their pastor named “Epaphroditus” sent unto “Paul” with words of sympathy surrounding a gift and many expressions of lavished LOVE for him. Therefore, the “Epistle to the Philippians” is the righteous RESPONSE reported by “Paul” regarding their communication and the arrival of “Epaphroditus” in kind. A lively LOVING lauded – Letter of THANKS!
REAL REFLECTIONS: When “we” each get to know our ETERNAL Lord and God “Jesus Christ” in ever INCREASING measure…
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:6-7
The magnificent “message” penned to the Philippians makes so much “sanctifying” satisfied sense – Praise our LOVING Lord!
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Shane K. Morin <><
"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"
