An Overview of Philippians

Philippians Overview

INTRODUCTION

Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in a Roman prison approximately A.D. 60.

The Philippian church sent Esaphroditus to Paul with a gift.  While Esaphroditus was inRomehe became ill.  After he was well Paul sent him back toPhilippiwith this letter to the Philippian church.

This letter is the most warm and personal letter that Paul wrote to a church.  His love for them is as a father to his child.  They were his spiritual children.

The word JOY and REJOICE is mentioned 14 times in this short letter.  Paul exorts them to harmony with others and obedience to God.

I.  PAUL’S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY

a.  The saga opens inActs 15:1-2

Some men came from Judea to Antiochteaching that  “unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.”

Paul and Barnabas debated with them tell they were appointed along with other believers to go toJerusalemto see the Apostles and Elders about this question.

The Apostles and Elders debated this question of salvation and heard both sides.  They then decided  to send a delegation to other cities to tell others that this was a false hood.

b.  As we go toActs 16:1-34we see  Paul, Barnanbas and Silas journey north back towardsAntioch.  Paul wanted to go toAsia.

c.  In Derbe and Lystra (Turkeytoday) Timothy joins Paul.

d.  Timothy becomes Paul’s protégé.  Timothy’s mother was a jewess and his father was Greek.

e.  Paul circumcised Timothy because of the Jews who lived in that area.

II.  PAUL IS STOPPED

a.  When Paul and company tried to enterAsia“THE SPIRIT FORBADE US.”

b. We are not told in the scriptures HOW Paul received this message, but remember that the WILL OF GOD that STOPS are as VALID as STEPS.  How ever he was stopped Paul saw it as a clear guidance by the Holy Spirit.

c.  Paul went to Troas at theAegean Seaand while there we see in verse 9 ofActs 16that Paul has a vision in which he saw a Macedonian man saying ‘COME OVER AND HELP US.”

d.  Paul crossed over toMacedoniaand instead of a man that he saw in his vision  he found a group of ladies at the river PRAYING.

e.  Paul shared the gospel with them.  Many received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.  Among them wasLydia.  She invited Paul’s group to her home.  She and her household were saved- the PHILIPPIAN CHRUCH WAS BORN.

f. THE GOD WHO PURSUES US.  ACTS lays a foundation of how God begins the good work of salvation in us and then works together with his servants to complete it.

III.  AN ENCOURAGING EXAMPLE (Phil. 1:1-11)

a.  We are now 10 years later from Paul’s establishing  the Philippian church.  We find Paul in a Roman prison.

b.  Paul wrote the letters to Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and Philippians while in prison.

c.  The Philippian church over the 10 years had continued to send gifts to Paul.  While Paul was in the Roman prison they sent Esaphroditus to Paul with a gift.

d.  Paul sent Esaphroditus back to Philippiwith this letter of encouragement and love.  As we look at the first 11 verses we are encouraged by his example to help people strengthen their Christian relationships as they encourage each other with AFFIRMATION, GODLY AFFECTION AND PRAYER.

IV.  JOY IN THE WORST OF TIMES (Phil.1:12-30

a.  Paul’s example in dealing with adversity helps us in a way that brings honor to Christ.

V.  PATH OF HUMILITY (Phil. 2:1-18)

a.  We discover how the humble service of Christ is an example for our Christian lives by being LIKE MINDED, AND BEING ONE IN SPIRIT AND PURPOSE.

VI.  ONWARD TO THE GOAL. (Phil. 3:12-4:1)

a.  Paul says “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus told hold of me.”

b.  We need to consider what goals we have set for our own lives and whether these goals are leading us toward heaven.

VII.  STRESS FREE LIVING (Phil. 4:2-9)

a.  We need to identify practices that have added stress to our lives and our Christian communities and eliminate that stress thru trust in God.

Paul wraps up Philippians letter with  REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS.  AGAIN I say REJOICE.