Today's lesson comes from Philippians 1: 3-18. The start of the Philippian church can be read in Acts 16. Paul also visited this church on his third missionary journey. The believers in Philippi had sent offerings to Paul on at least two occasions prior to the writing of this letter. As a prisoner in Rome, he now receives a third offering brought to him by Epaphroditus. Part of Paul's purpose in writing this letter was to express his gratitude for their kindness.
The church included Lydia (the lady that had been a fortune teller) and the jailor and his family that got saved. They met in Lydia's home. This book was written about 60A.D. It is interesting to note that while Paul wrote the letter while imprisoned, he made little reference to his suffering. The book is filled with themes of joy and rejoicing.
The first section is: "Fellow Believers." (vv. 3-8) In this portion, Paul writes about the virtues of the Philippian church and the close relationship he had with them. Paul was very thankful for this church. Here are some reasons:
1. Verse 5 for their fellowship;
2. Verse 6 for their consistency in their Christian walk; and
3. Verse 7 for their oneness with him both in the defense of the gospel but in their spreading the gospel.
Paul had a genuine love for the Philippian church. He was confident that what God had started in them, He would complete. They shared his desire to defend the gospel (keep error out) and confirm the gospel by proclaiming the good news of salvation. In verse 8, Paul states that he longed after the church in the "bowels" of Jesus Christ. The word "bowels" means heart. He loved the people with the same love that Christ had.
The summary points of this section are:
1. The fruit of the Spirit is not dependent on outward circumstances.
2. What God starts, He will finish.
3. We should love others in the church with the same love Christ has for them.
The second section is: "Paul's Prayer." (vv. 9-11) From Paul's prayer, we can see what he wants to be accomplished in their lives:
1. That their love would grow for God (v. 9);
2. That their love would be guided by intelligent reason and not emotion (v. 9);
3. That they would be discriminating in their choices and values (v. 10)
4. That they would be sincere (pure) and without offense (v. 10); and
5. That they would "filled with the fruits of righteousness." Christ is the vine and we are the branches. As He gives us spiritual life, we should manifest that life to others. Fruit is seen.
We are to live "unto the glory and praise of God." (v. 11)
The summary points of this section are:
1. We need to pray daily that the love of believers would increase.
2. Our love should not be guided by emotion.
3. We should bear spiritual fruit for others.
The third section is: "The Gospel Proclaimed." (vv. 12-18) In this section, Paul puts their mind at ease in regard to himself and to the spread of the gospel. The Philippians were concerned about Paul's condition and the spread of the gospel in Rome. How could the gospel go forth if Paul was in prison? The lesson to be learned is that God can turn a negative into a positive. Despite the imprisonment, the gospel was being preached.
Not only was God using Paul to preach the gospel, but Paul's example was having an effect on the other believers in Rome. Many were "waxing confident," because God had sustained Paul and kept him from death. Fellow believers were being inspired by Paul's heroism.
Not everyone who professed Christianity appreciated the apostle Paul. Since Paul was in prison, they felt it was an ideal time to enlarge their following by being more evangelistic. Though they were proclaiming the gospel out "of contention" and "not sincerely," the cause of Christ was being advanced. Paul referenced that they thought they could "add affliction" to him, he had a larger vision and purpose than personal gain.
Though some were preaching Christ for the wrong reasons, others were preaching out "of good will" and "of love." This group appreciated Paul and understood his stand "for the defense of the gospel." Paul would not tolerate false doctrine. He stood for the truth. Since the gospel was being proclaimed, Paul rejoiced in that God's purpose was being accomplished.
The summary points of this section are:
1. The main point is to preach the gospel and further the cause of Christ, regardless of your individual sufferings.
2. Suffering for the gospel does not mean that you have done something wrong.
3. God's purpose is to have his believers be ambassadors for Him and preach the truth.
The Golden Text is: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." (Phil. 1:3) Thanksgiving with joy is a theme that runs through all of Paul's writings. This is very prominent in the book of Philippians. Even in prison, Paul directed his thoughts toward others. We should always give thanks for God, regardless of our circumstances.
Next week, "As Sons of God." (Phil. 2: 3-16)
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