2. PHILIPPI
Philippi, a fortified
Macedonian city, was
about eleven miles north of
the Aegean seaport of
Neapolis.
The city was named for
Philip II of
Macedonia, who enlarged
and fortified the place in
356 B.C.
3. Romans, native Macedonians, and Orientals
comprised the city’s population.
Because the city was a military and agricultural
center instead of a commercial one, few Jews were
attracted to Philippi.
Paul established the church at Philippi on his
second missionary journey. (See Acts 16.)
4. Philippi is a caring and generous church (2
Corinthians 8:1-5), for whom Paul has a special
affection.
Its members probably included Lydia, the dealer in
purple cloth, the Phillipian jailer and his family, and
perhaps Luke.
In this Letter, Paul shows his joy in spite of his
imprisonment, his love for the church, his
overwhelming devotion to Christ and all he
means, and his concern that the Philippians will drift
away from all they have been taught.
5. Paul visited the Philippian church at least twice
and maintained a close, intimate relationship with
them.
Paul’s receiving an offering from them indicates
that they were friends of deep love, for Paul
ordinarily made his own living.
6. PURPOSE
Paul wrote Philippians during his first Roman
imprisonment, around A.D. 64.
The church at Philippi had sent Epaphroditus to minister to
Paul’s needs and to take an offering to him.
Paul wrote to express appreciation for their concern for
him.
The theme of the epistle is the joy of the Christian life
and service manifested under all circumstances.
Sixteen times the words joy and rejoice appear in the
book.
Christian joy is more and better than mere happiness
because it does not depend on what happens.
8. II. PAUL’S EXAMPLES: Philippians 2:1-30
A. The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ (2:1-18)
B. The Service of Timothy (2:19-24)
C. The Sickness of Epaphroditus (2:25-30)
9. III. PAUL’S EXHORTATIONS: 3:1-4:20
A. The Power of Proper Theology (3:1-21)
B. The Power of Positive Thinking (4:1-9)
C. The Power of Perpetual Thanksgiving (4:10-
20)
CONCLUSION: 4:21-23
10. INTRODUCTION
Philippians 1:1-11
Paul began his epistle to the Philippians by identifying himself and
Timothy and the addressees, the saints in Jesus Christ at
Philippi.
In doing so, he established his position in life as a servant of Jesus
Christ. He saluted the saints with the grace of God and then peace.
Joy characterized Paul’s remembrance of and prayer ministry for
the Philippians.
His relationship with them was very intimate.
He desired this relationship and their good fellowship with God to
continue. He had great esteem, love, and confidence toward them.
He was confident that they would grow in Christ and be steadfast
unto the end.
11. I. PAUL’S EXPERIENCES
PHILIPPIANS 1:12-30
A. His Joy in Tribulation
Paul had suffered because of the gospel, but it had
been for the glory of God.
The gospel had been advanced rather than hindered.
His imprisonment in Rome had inspired a fearless
confidence in many to preach the Word.
Even though some men preached with the wrong
attitude, there were those who preached with love
and sincerity. Paul rejoiced in that Christ was
preached.
12. B. THE SECRET OF HIS JOY
The secret of Paul’s confident joy was his Christ-
centered life.
He wrapped his hope and expectations in the gospel
and in his salvation.
He wanted always to be bold in preaching.
His longing to be with the Lord and his desire to
preach the gospel, which would be more beneficial
to the rest of the world, tore at him. For the gospel’s
sake, he was content to stay on earth to be a witness.
13. Paul advised the Philippians to let their
conversation-their conduct or their actions-be
godly, to be unified in their efforts to win
souls, and to keep the faith.
He told them not to fear their adversaries.
Even though these enemies thought they were
doing harm, they were actually bringing the
salvation of the saints closer.
14. II. PAUL’S EXAMPLES
PHILIPPIANS 2:1-30
Christians must keep the proper spirit in
relationship to other saints.
First,
they must be unified.
Second, they must be humble and meek.
Third, they must not be puffed up. (Self-importance)
To emphasize the importance of maintaining the
proper attitude in adversity, Paul cited three
examples.
15. A. THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST
The first example was Jesus Christ’s sacrifice (2:5-11).
God displayed the supreme spirit of humility in taking
upon Himself the status of humanity.
He, as deity, could never be humbled unless He did it
Himself.
He did so by coming in the flesh as Jesus Christ. Through
the incarnation Jesus was glorified, however, and His name
was exalted above all others.
Obtaining salvation for eternity is a serious matter.
It is to be considered with fear and trembling.
16. Paul admonished the Philippians to live blameless
lives-not to justify themselves, but because they
had been justified (James 2:18).
If they were faithful, Paul’s work among them
would not have been in vain.
Paul rejoiced in them enough that if he were to
give his life for them, he could still rejoice (2:17-
18).
17. B. THE SERVICE OF TIMOTHY
As a second example, Paul cited Timothy’s
service (2:19-24).
Paul planned to send Timothy to the Philippians
soon.
He knew that Timothy would care for them in the
same way that he would.
18. C. THE SICKNESS OF EPAPHRODITUS
The third example Paul gave was Epaphroditus’s
sickness (2:25-30).
The Philippians sent Epaphroditus to Rome to
minister to the imprisoned apostle.
Before he returned, he became ill and had to stay
in Rome until he recuperated.
Paul advised them to be thankful for the
consecration of this servant of Christ.
19. III. PAUL’S EXHORTATION
PHILIPPIANS 3:1-4:20
A. The Power of Proper Theology
Paul warned against those who taught the
necessity of a literal circumcision for
salvation, calling them “dogs”.
He reminded the church that they were of the
circumcision of Christ, which is of the heart and
not the law.
Salvation is a work of the Spirit.
20. Paul could have boasted of more in the flesh than
these false teachers.
Paul excelled as far as
education, rank, intelligence, zeal, and culture
(3:4-6). Yet Paul gladly gave up all he had for the
cause. of Christ (3:7-14). He had been stopped by
God in his climb in the world. He could not claim
perfection in Christ, as he could in the world.
21. Nevertheless, he pressed toward it. He strove to
live completely in Christ-knowing and being
acquainted with His suffering, death, and
resurrection.
To be perfect, we must press toward the mark as
Paul did. We must keep going upward and
onward (3:15-17). We must keep what we have
attained and press on. Unfortunately, some do
not, and their end is destruction (3:18-19).
22. B. THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING
Christians have the hope of being changed,
glorified, and made like Christ.
Therefore they must be strong and steadfast.
Constant perseverance will heal personal rifts and
cause Christians to agree with each other in the
Lord. Paul gave some personal messages and
general admonitions to be moderate, joyful,
thankful, and prayerful (4:1-7).
23. In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul focused on Christians’
mental life.
They are to think on things that are
true, honorable, just, righteous, pure, lovely, of
good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
They are to practice the things that Paul taught
and exemplified.
The result will mean not only possessing “the
peace of God” but also “the God of peace”.
24. C. THE POWER OF PERPETUAL
THANKSGIVING
Paul had learned to be content in every situation.
Whether abased or abounding, Paul knew the joy of
giving thanks.
He was thankful for the Philippians’ liberality.
And he had learned in the gospel work that he could
depend upon God for every need.
He could be content in Him. He assured the
Philippians that God would also supply their needs:
“My God shall supply all your need according to his
riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (4:19).
25. CONCLUSION
Philippians 4:21-23
In closing, Paul saluted the saints at Philippi.
Likewise, he extended the greetings of those with
him, especially those who belonged to the
emperor’s household.
