PHILIPPIANS 1

Paul opens his letter to the church in Philippi with a presentation of Christ as the believer's life purpose.

PAUL'S SUPPLICATION FOR THE PHILIPPIAN BELIEVERS (1:1-11)

For whom he prays (1:1-2):

Pastors, deacons, and all Christians in Philippi.

When he prays (1:3):

"Every time I think of you."

How he prays (1:4):

He prays with his heart filled with joy.

Why he prays (1:5, 7-8):

The Philippian believers have rendered great assistance to Paul, both in prison and out of prison.

What he prays (1:6, 9-11)

That God's Word be carried to its completion in every believer until the return of Christ (1:6)

That they might be filled with love (1:9)

That they might have the spirit of discernment (1:10)

That they be filled with the fruits of righteousness (or of salvation) (1:11)

PAUL'S EXPLANATION TO THE PHILIPPIAN BELIEVERS (1:12-30)

The report (1:12-13):

Paul's imprisonment has served to advance the gospel, starting with the palace guard and spreading from there.

The reaction (1:14-17)

Concerning his friends (1:14, 16):

Paul's chains encourage them to increase their efforts in proclaiming the gospel.

Concerning his foes (1:15, 17):

They, too, are spreading the gospel, hoping to make the apostle jealous.

The rejoicing (1:18):

Whatever the motive, Paul rejoices that the gospel is being preached.

The resolve (1:19-26)

Paul's dilemma (1:19-23)

To remain in this life would result in additional fruit (1:19-21a, 22).

To depart this life would mean being with Christ (1:21b, 23).

Paul's decision (1:24-26):

He will remain.

The request (1:27-28):

Whatever happens to him, the Philippians are to continue conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.

The reminder (1:29-30):

They have been granted two wonderful privileges.

To trust in Christ (1:29a)

To suffer for Christ (1:29b-30)

PHILIPPIANS 2

Paul presents Christ as the believer's life pattern.

THE CHALLENGE FROM PAUL (2:1-18):

He desires that the church strive for humility.

The essentials in humility (2:1-4)

Unity in love (2:1-2a)

Unity in spirit and purpose (2:2b-4)

The example of humility (2:5-11):

Paul holds up the earthly ministry of Christ.

The pain (2:5-8b)

Even though he was God, he did not cling to his rights as God (2:5-6).

He laid aside his glory (2:7a).

He took upon himself the nature of a human servant (2:7b).

He humbled himself (2:8a).

He became obedient and died on the cross (2:8b).

The gain (2:9-11)

God has exalted him to the highest place (2:9a).

He has been given a name above all other names (2:9b).

Someday all people will acknowledge that he is Lord (2:10-11).

The exhortation to humility (2:12-18)

Let God perfect in you his salvation (2:12-13).

Don't complain (2:14).

Shine as beacons of light in a dark world (2:15).

Hold to the Word of life (2:16).

Rejoice with Paul in his sacrifice (2:17-18).

THE COWORKERS FROM PAUL (2:19-30):

Paul promises to send two special messengers to the Philippian church.

Timothy (2:19-24)

Timothy, messenger of God (2:19):

Paul says Timothy will minister to them.

Timothy, man of God (2:20-23):

Paul describes Timothy as a spiritual giant.

Paul, too, hopes to come visit them soon (2:24).

Epaphroditus (2:25-30)

The soldier (2:25):

The Philippians sent this faithful spiritual warrior to help Paul.

The stricken (2:26-30)

Epaphroditus was desperately ill (2:26b-27a, 30).

God healed him (2:27b).

Paul is sending him back home (2:26a, 28-29).

PHILIPPIANS 3

Paul presents Christ as the believer's life prize.

THE CORRUPTION (3:1-3, 18-19):

The Philippian church is facing deadly foes.

Who these foes are (3:1-3):

They are the judaizers, whom Paul calls dogs because they say circumcision is necessary for salvation.

The true circumcision (3:3a):

"We who worship God in the Spirit ... are truly circumcised."

The false circumcision (3:3b)

"We put no confidence in human effort."

What these foes are (3:18, 19b)

They are enemies of the cross (3:18).

They are proud and sensual materialists (3:19b).

Where these foes are headed (3:19a):

"Their future is eternal destruction."

THE COST (3:4-8):

Paul has given up two things to become a child of God.

His prestige among the Jews (3:4-5)

His persecution against the church (3:6)

THE CATCH (3:7-8):

Paul gave up what he thought was important and gained the priceless knowledge of Christ.

THE CROWN (3:9-14, 20-21):

Paul has gained four things from becoming a child of God.

A new righteousness (3:9-12)

A new goal (3:13-14)

A new home (3:20)

A new body (3:21)

THE COMMAND (3:15-17):

Paul says, "Pattern your lives after mine."

PHILIPPIANS 4

Paul concludes his letter with a presentation of Christ as the believer's life power.

UNIFYING POWER (4:1-3)

The contenders (4:1-2):

Two women in the church, Euodia and Syntyche, are arguing with each other.

The counselor (4:3):

Paul asks a godly man in the church to help reconcile these women.

FORTIFYING POWER (4:4-7)

The prayer (4:4-6):

Two rules must be observed for this power to function.

We must never be stressful in anything (4:4-6a).

We must always be thankful in everything (4:6b).

The peace (4:7):

If we obey these rules, God's peace will fortify and guard our heart.

PURIFYING POWER (4:8):

We are to fix our thoughts on what is true, good, and right.

EXEMPLIFYING POWER (4:9):

Paul offers himself as a spiritual role model.

SATISFYING POWER (4:10-13)

The satisfaction (4:10-12)

Paul is content even when hungry and in need of many things (4:10, 11b-12a, 12d, 12f).

Paul is content when filled and in need of nothing (4:11a, 12b-12c, 12e).

The satisfier (4:13): Jesus himself is the source of Paul's strength.

SANCTIFYING POWER (4:14-18, 21-23):

Paul thanks the Philippians for their gifts to him, which are a "sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable to God and pleases him." He sends greetings to all the Philippians.

MULTIPLYING POWER (4:19):

God will meet the needs of the Philippians as he has met the needs of Paul.

GLORIFYING POWER (4:20):

God uses his power to glorify himself.