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Philippians Chapter One

 

Philippians 1

The affection of the Philippians which expressed itself by sending help to the apostle reminded him of the spirit they had always shewn; they had cordially associated themselves with the labours and trials of the gospel. And this thought leads the apostle higher to that which governs the current of thought (most precious to us) in the epistle. Who had wrought in the Philippians this spirit of love and of devotedness to the interests of the gospel? Truly it was the God of the glad tidings and of love; and this was a security that He who had begun the good work would fulfil it unto the day of Christ. Sweet thought!-now that we have no longer the apostle that we have no longer bishops and deacons as the Philippians had in those days. God cannot be taken from us; the true and living source of all blessing remains to us unchangeable and above the infirmities and even the faults which deprive Christians of all intermediate resources. The apostle had seen God acting in the Philippians. The fruits bore witness of the source. Hence he counted on the perpetuity of the blessing they were to enjoy. [1] But there must be faith in order to draw these conclusions. Christian love is clear-sighted and full of trust with regard to its objects because God Himself and the energy of His grace are in that love.

To return to the principle-it is the same thing with the assembly of God. It may indeed lose much as to outward means and as to those manifestations of the presence of God which are connected with man's responsibility; but the essential grace of God cannot be lost. Faith can always count upon it. It was the fruits of grace which gave the apostle this confidence as in Hebrews 6:9 10; 1 Thessalonians 1:3 4. He counted indeed in 1 Corinthians 1:8 and in Galatians on the faithfulness of Christ in spite of many painful things. The faithfulness of the Lord encouraged him with regard to Christians whose condition in other respects was the cause of great anxiety. But here-surely a much happier case-the walk itself of the Christian led him to the source of confidence about them. He remembered with affection and tenderness the way in which they had always acted towards him and he turned it into a desire for them that the God who had wrought it would produce for their own blessing the perfect and abundant fruits of that love.

He opens his own heart also to them. They took part by the same grace acting in them in the work of God's grace in him and that with an affection that identified itself with him and his work; and his heart turned to them with an abundant return of affection and desire. God who created these feelings and to whom he presented all that passed in his heart this same God who acted in the Philippians was a witness between them (now that Paul could give no other by his labour among them) of his earnest desire for them all. He felt their love but he desired moreover that this love should be not only cordial and active but that it should be guided also by wisdom and understanding from God by a godly discernment of good and evil wrought by the power of His Spirit; so that while acting in love they should also walk according to that wisdom and should understand that which in this world of darkness was truly according to divine light and perfection so that they should be without reproach until the day of Christ. How different from the cold avoidance of positive sin with which many Christians content themselves! The earnest desire of every excellence and likeness to Christ which divine light can shew them is that which marks the life of Christ in us.

Now the fruits produced were already a sign that God was with them; and He would fulfil the work unto the end. But the apostle desired that they should walk throughout the whole of the way according to the light that God had given so that when they came to the end there should be nothing with which they could be reproached: but that on the contrary set free from all that might weaken or lead them astray they should abound in the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. A fine practical picture of the Christian's normal condition in his daily work towards the end; for in the Philippians we are always on the way towards our heavenly rest in which redemption has set us.

Such is the introduction to this epistle. After this expression of the wishes of his heart for them reckoning on their affection he speaks of his bonds which they had remembered; but he does so in connection with Christ and the gospel which he had most of all at heart. But before I go beyond the introduction into the matter of the epistle I would notice the thoughts which lie at the foundation of the sentiments expressed in it.

There are three great elements which stamp their character on it.

Firstly it speaks of the Christian's pilgrimage in the wilderness; salvation is viewed as a result to be obtained at the end of the journey. Redemption accomplished by Christ is indeed established as the foundation of this pilgrimage (as was the case with Israel at their entrance into the wilderness) but the being presented risen and in glory before God when victorious over every difficulty is the subject in this epistle and is that which is here called salvation.

In the second place the position is characterised by the apostle's absence the assembly having therefore itself to maintain the conflict. It had to overcome instead of enjoying the victory gained over the enemy's power by the apostle when he was with them and could make himself weak with all who were weak.

And thirdly the important truth already mentioned is set forth that the assembly in these circumstances was cast more immediately on God-the inexhaustible source for it of grace and strength of which it was to avail itself in an immediate way by faith-a resource which could never fail it. [2] I resume the consideration of the text with verse 12 which begins the epistle after the introductory portion. Paul was a prisoner at Rome. The enemy appeared to have gained a great victory in thus restraining his activity; but by the power of God who orders all things and who acted in the apostle even the devices of the adversary were turned to the furtherance of the gospel. In the first place the imprisonment of the apostle made the gospel known where it would not otherwise have been preached in high places at Rome; and many other brethren reassured as to the apostle's position [3] became more bold to preach the gospel without fear. But there was another way in which this absence of the apostle had an effect. Many-who in the presence of his power and his gifts were necessarily powerless and insignificant persons-could make themselves of some importance when in the unsearchable but perfect ways of God this mighty instrument of His grace was set aside. They could hope to shine and attract attention when the rays of this resplendent light were intercepted by the walls of a prison. Jealous but hidden when he was present they availed themselves of his absence to bestir themselves; whether false brethren or jealous Christians they sought in his absence to impair his authority in the assembly and his happiness. They only added to both. God was with His servant; and instead of the self-seeking which instigated these sorry preachers of the truth there was found in Paul the pure desire for the proclamation of the good news of Christ the whole value of which he deeply felt and which he desired above all be it in what way it might.

Already the apostle finds his resource for his own case in God's operating independently of the spiritual order of His house with regard to the means that He uses. The normal condition of the assembly is that the Spirit of God acts in the members of the body each one in its place for the manifestation of the unity of the body and of the reciprocal energy of its members. Christ having overcome Satan fills with His own Spirit those whom He has delivered out of the hand of that enemy in order that they may exhibit at the same time the power of God and the truth of their deliverance from the power of the enemy and exhibit them in a walk which being an expression of the mind and energy of God Himself leaves no room for those of the enemy. They constituted the army and the testimony of God in this world against the enemy. But then each member from an apostle down to the weakest acts efficaciously in his own place. The power of Satan is excluded. The exterior answers to the interior and to the work of Christ. He who is in them is greater than he who is in the world. But everywhere power is needed for this and the single eye. There is another state of things in which although all is not in activity in its place according to the measure of the gift of Christ yet the restoring energy of the Spirit in an instrument like the apostle defends the assembly or brings it back into its normal condition when it has partially failed. The epistle to the Ephesians on the one side and those to the Corinthians and Galatians on the other present these two phases of the history of the assembly.

The epistle to the Philippians treats-but with the pen of a divinely inspired apostle-of a state of things in which this last resource was wanting. The apostle could not labour now in the same manner as before but he could give us the Spirit's view of the state of the assembly when according to the wisdom of God it was deprived of these normal energies. It could not be deprived of God. Doubtless the assembly had not then departed so far from its normal condition as it has now done but the evil was already springing up. All seek their own says the apostle not the things of Jesus Christ; and God allowed it to be so during the life of the apostles in order that we might have the revelation of His thoughts respecting it and that we might be directed to the true resources of His grace in these circumstances.

Paul himself had to experience this truth in the first place. The bonds that united him to the assembly and to the work of the gospel were the strongest that exist on earth; but he was obliged to resign the gospel and the assembly to the God to whom they belonged. This was painful; but its effect was to perfect obedience trust singleness of eye and self-renunciation in the heart that is to perfect them according to the measure of the operation of faith. Nevertheless the pain caused by such an effort betrays the inability of man to maintain the work of God at its own height. But all this happens in order that God may have the whole glory of the work; and it is needed in order that the creature may be manifested in every respect according to the truth. And it is most blessed to see how both here and in 2 Timothy the decay of individual life and ecclesiastical energy brings out a fuller development of personal grace on one hand and ministerial energy on the other where there is faith than is found anywhere else. Indeed it is always so. The Moseses and Davids and Elijahs are found in the time of the Pharaohs and Sauls and Ahabs.

The apostle could do nothing: he had to see the gospel preached without him-by some through envy and in a spirit of contention by others through love; encouraged as regards the apostle's bonds these desired to alleviate them by continuing his work. Every way Christ was preached and the apostle's mind rose above the motives which animated the preachers in the contemplation of the immense fact that a Saviour the deliverer sent of God was preached to the world. Christ and even souls were more precious to Paul than the work's being carried on by himself. God was carrying it on; and therefore it would be for the triumph of Paul who linked himself with the purposes of God. [4] He understood the great conflict which was going on between Christ (in his members) and the enemy; and if the latter appeared to have gained a victory by putting Paul in prison God was using this event for the advancement of the work of Christ by the gospel and thus in reality for the gaining of fresh victories over Satan-victories with which Paul was associated since he was set for the defence of that gospel. Therefore all this turned to his salvation his faith being confirmed by these ways of a faithful God who directed the eyes of His faithful servant more entirely upon Himself. Sustained by the prayers of others and by the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ instead of being cast down and terrified by the enemy he gloried more and more in the sure victory of Christ in which he shared. Accordingly he expresses his unchangeable conviction that in nothing should he be made ashamed but that it would be given him to use all boldness and that Christ would be glorified in him whether by his life or his death; and he had death before his eyes. Called to appear before Caesar his life might be taken from him by the emperor's judgment; humanly speaking the issue was quite uncertain. He alludes to this chapter 1:22 30; 2:17; 3:10. But living or dying his eye was now more fixed on Christ than even on the work high placed as that work might have been in the mind of one whose life could be expressed in this one word-"Christ." To live was for him-not the work in itself nor only that the faithful should stand fast in the gospel although this could not be separated from the thought of Christ because they were members of His body-Christ; to die was gain for he should be with Christ.

Such was the purifying effect of the ways of God who had made him pass through the ordeal so terrible to him of being separated for years perhaps four from his work for the Lord. The Lord Himself had taken the place of the work-so far at least as it was connected with Paul individually; and the work was committed to the Lord Himself. Possibly the fact that he was so engrossed with the work had contributed to that which led to his imprisonment; for the thought of Christ alone keeps the soul in equilibrium and gives everything its right place. God caused this imprisonment to be the means through which Christ became his all. Not that he lost his interest in the work but that Christ alone held the first place; and he saw everything and even the work in Christ.

What consolation it is when we are perhaps conscious that our weakness has been manifested and that we have failed in acting according to the power of God to feel that He who alone has a right to be glorified never fails!

Now since Christ was everything to Paul it was evident gain to die for he would be with Him. Nevertheless it was worth while to live (for this is the force of the first part of verse 21) because it was Christ and His service; and he did not know which to choose. Dying he gained Christ for himself: it was far better. Living he served Christ; he had more as to the work since to live was Christ and death of course would put a stop to that. Thus he was in a strait between the two. But he had learnt to forget himself in Christ; and he saw Christ entirely occupied with the assembly according to His perfect wisdom. And this decided the question; for being thus taught of God and not knowing for himself which to choose Paul lost sight of himself and thought only of the need of the assembly according to the mind of Christ. It was good for the assembly that he should remain-for one assembly even: thus he should remain. And see what peace this looking to Jesus which destroyed selfishness in the work gives to the servant of God. After all Christ has all power in heaven and earth and He orders all things according to His will. Thus when His will is known-and His will is love for the assembly-one can say that it will be done. Paul decides as to his own fate without troubling himself as to either what the emperor would do or the circumstances of the time. Christ loved the assembly. It was good for the assembly that Paul should remain; Paul shall then remain. How entirely Christ is everything here! What light what rest from a single eye from a heart versed in the Lord's love! How blessed to see self so totally gone and Christ's love to the assembly seen thus to be the ground on which all is ordered!

Now if Christ is all this for Paul and for the assembly Paul desires that the assembly should be that which it ought to be for Christ and thereby for his own heart to which Christ was everything. To the assembly therefore the apostle's heart turns. The joy of the Philippians would be abundant through his return to them; only let their conduct whether he came or not be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Two thoughts possessed his mind whether he should see them or hear tidings of them that they might have constancy and firmness in unity of heart and mind among themselves; and be devoid of fear with regard to the enemy in the conflict they had to maintain against him with the strength that this unity would give them. This is the testimony of the presence and operation of the Spirit in the assembly when the apostle is absent. He keeps Christians together by His presence; they have but one heart and one object. They act in common by the Spirit. And since God is there the fear with which the evil spirit and their enemies might inspire them (and it is what he ever seeks to do; compare 1 Peter 5:8) is not there. They walk in the spirit of love and power and of a sound mind. Their condition is thus an evident testimony of salvation-entire and final deliverance-since in their warfare with the enemy they feel no fear the presence of God inspiring them with other thoughts. With regard to their adversaries the discovery of the impotence of all their efforts produces the sense of the insufficiency of their resources. Although they had the whole power of the world and of its prince they had met with a power superior to their own-the power of God and they were its adversaries. A terrible conviction on the one side; profound joy on the other where not only there was thus the assurance of deliverance and salvation but they were proved to be salvation and deliverance from the hand of God Himself. Thus that the assembly should be in conflict and the apostle absent (himself wrestling with all the power of the enemy) was a gift. Joyful thought! unto them it was given to suffer for Christ as well as to believe in Him. They had a further and a precious portion in suffering with Christ and even for Christ; and communion with His faithful servant in suffering for His sake united them more closely in Him.

Note here how thus far we have the testimony of the Spirit to a life above the flesh not of it. In nothing he had been ashamed and fully trusted he never should be but Christ magnified in his body were his lot life or death as He ever had been. He does not know whether to choose life or death both were so blessed; to live Christ; to die gain though then labour was over; such confidence in Christ's love to the assembly that he decides his case before Nero by what that love would produce. Envy and strife against himself leading some to preach Christ would only turn to victorious results for himself: he was content if Christ was preached. The superiority to the flesh living above it so completely was not that it was not there or its nature changed. He had as we learn elsewhere a thorn in the flesh a messenger of Satan to buffet him. But it is a glorious testimony to the power and working of the Spirit of God.

Footnotes

[1] Read in verse 7 as in the margin "because ye have me in your hearts."

[2] We shall find the whole tenor of a life which was the expression of the power of the Spirit of God brought out in it. It marks this that sin or the flesh as working evilly in us is not mentioned in the epistle. It gives the forms and features of the life of Christ; for if we live in the Spirit we should walk in the Spirit. We shall find the graciousness of christian life (chap. 2) the energy of christian life (chap. 3) and its superiority to all circumstances (chap. 4). The first more opens the apostle's heart as to his actual circumstances and feelings as was natural. Exhortation begins with chapter 2. Still even in chapter 1 we find the apostle entirely superior to circumstances in the power of spiritual life.

[3] In the first edition I had taken this as the effect of the apostle's imprisonment in arousing the faith of those inactive when he was active. And this would be the sense of the English translation and is a true principle. But it seems that the force of the words is "rather got confidence as to my bonds." They were in danger of being ashamed of him as if he were a malefactor.

[4] There is blessed faith in this. But then a man must have made the work his life. "To me to live is Christ." If so if the work prospers he prospers; if Christ is glorified he is content even if the Lord has laid him aside.

── John DarbySynopsis of Philippians

 

Philippians 1

Chapter Contents

The apostle offers up thanksgivings and prayers for the good work of grace in the Philippians. (1-7) He expresses affection and prays for them. (8-11) Fortifies them against being cast down at his sufferings. (12-20) He stood prepared for glorifying Christ by life or death. (21-26) Exhortations to zeal and constancy in professing the gospel. (27-30)

Commentary on Philippians 1:1-7

(Read Philippians 1:1-7)

The highest honour of the most eminent ministers is to be servants of Christ. And those who are not really saints on earth never will be saints in heaven. Out of Christ the best saints are sinners and unable to stand before God. There is no peace without grace. Inward peace springs from a sense of Divine favour. And there is no grace and peace but from God our Father the fountain and origin of all blessings. At Philippi the apostle was evil entreated and saw little fruit of his labour; yet he remembers Philippi with joy. We must thank our God for the graces and comforts gifts and usefulness of others as we receive the benefit and God receives the glory. The work of grace will never be perfected till the day of Jesus Christ the day of his appearance. But we may always be confident God will perform his good work in every soul wherein he has really begun it by regeneration; though we must not trust in outward appearances nor in any thing but a new creation to holiness. People are dear to their ministers when they receive benefit by their ministry. Fellow-sufferers in the cause of God should be dear one to another.

Commentary on Philippians 1:8-11

(Read Philippians 1:8-11)

Shall not we pity and love those souls whom Christ loves and pities? Those who abound in any grace need to abound more. Try things which differ; that we may approve the things which are excellent. The truths and laws of Christ are excellent; and they recommend themselves as such to any attentive mind. Sincerity is that in which we should have our conversation in the world and it is the glory of all our graces. Christians should not be apt to take offence and should be very careful not to offend God or the brethren. The things which most honour God will most benefit us. Let us not leave it doubtful whether any good fruit is found in us or not. A small measure of Christian love knowledge and fruitfulness should not satisfy any.

Commentary on Philippians 1:12-20

(Read Philippians 1:12-20)

The apostle was a prisoner at Rome; and to take off the offence of the cross he shows the wisdom and goodness of God in his sufferings. These things made him known where he would never have otherwise been known; and led some to inquire after the gospel. He suffered from false friends as well as from enemies. How wretched the temper of those who preached Christ out of envy and contention and to add affliction to the bonds that oppressed this best of men! The apostle was easy in the midst of all. Since our troubles may tend to the good of many we ought to rejoice. Whatever turns to our salvation is by the Spirit of Christ; and prayer is the appointed means of seeking for it. Our earnest expectation and hope should not be to be honoured of men or to escape the cross but to be upheld amidst temptation contempt and affliction. Let us leave it to Christ which way he will make us serviceable to his glory whether by labour or suffering by diligence or patience by living to his honour in working for him or dying to his honour in suffering for him.

Commentary on Philippians 1:21-26

(Read Philippians 1:21-26)

Death is a great loss to a carnal worldly man for he loses all his earthly comforts and all his hopes; but to a true believer it is gain for it is the end of all his weakness and misery. It delivers him from all the evils of life and brings him to possess the chief good. The apostle's difficulty was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison; but between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another. Not between two evil things but between two good things; living to Christ and being with him. See the power of faith and of Divine grace; it can make us willing to die. In this world we are compassed with sin; but when with Christ we shall escape sin and temptation sorrow and death for ever. But those who have most reason to desire to depart should be willing to remain in the world as long as God has any work for them to do. And the more unexpected mercies are before they come the more of God will be seen in them.

Commentary on Philippians 1:27-30

(Read Philippians 1:27-30)

Those who profess the gospel of Christ should live as becomes those who believe gospel truths submit to gospel laws and depend upon gospel promises. The original word "conversation" denotes the conduct of citizens who seek the credit safety peace and prosperity of their city. There is that in the faith of the gospel which is worth striving for; there is much opposition and there is need of striving. A man may sleep and go to hell; but he who would go to heaven must look about him and be diligent. There may be oneness of heart and affection among Christians where there is diversity of judgment about many things. Faith is God's gift on the behalf of Christ; the ability and disposition to believe are from God. And if we suffer reproach and loss for Christ we are to reckon them a gift and prize them accordingly. Yet salvation must not be ascribed to bodily afflictions as though afflictions and worldly persecutions deserved it; but from God only is salvation: faith and patience are his gifts.

── Matthew HenryConcise Commentary on Philippians

 

Philippians 1

Verse 1

[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:

Servants — St. Paul writing familiarly to the Philippians does not style himself an apostle. And under the common title of servants he tenderly and modestly joins with himself his son Timotheus who had come to Philippi not long after St. Paul had received him Acts 16:3 12.

To all the saints — The apostolic epistles were sent more directly to the churches than to the pastors of them.

With the bishops and deacons — The former properly took care of the internal state the latter of the externals of the church 1 Timothy 3:2-8; although these were not wholly confined to the one neither those to the other. The word bishops here includes all the presbyters at Philippi as well as the ruling presbyters: the names bishop and presbyter or elder being promiscuously used in the first ages.

Verse 4

[4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy

With joy — After the epistle to the Ephesians wherein love reigns follows this wherein there is perpetual mention of joy. "The fruit of the Spirit is love joy." And joy peculiarly enlivens prayer. The sum of the whole epistle is I rejoice. Rejoice ye.

Verse 5

[5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

The sense is I thank God for your fellowship with us in all the blessings of the gospel which I have done from the first day of your receiving it until now.

Verse 6

[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:

Being persuaded — The grounds of which persuasion are set down in the following verse.

That he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ — That he who having justified hath begun to sanctify you will carry on this work till it issue in glory.

Verse 7

[7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel ye all are partakers of my grace.

As it is right for me to think this of you all — Why? He does not say "Because of an eternal decree;" or "Because a saint must persevere;" but because I have you in my heart who were all partakers of my grace - That is because ye were all (for which I have you in my heart I bear you the most grateful and tender affection) partakers of my grace - That is sharers in the afflictions which God vouchsafed me as a grace or favour Philippians 1:29 30; both in my bonds and when I was called forth to answer for myself and to confirm the gospel. It is not improbable that after they had endured that great trial of affliction God had sealed them unto full victory of which the apostle had a prophetic sight.

Verse 8

[8] For God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

I long for you with the bowels of Jesus Christ — In Paul not Paul lives but Jesus Christ. Therefore he longs for them with the bowels the tenderness not of Paul but of Jesus Christ.

Verse 9

[9] And this I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

And this I pray that your love — Which they had already shown.

May abound yet more and more — The fire which burned in the apostle never says It is enough.

In knowledge and in all spiritual sense — Which is the ground of all spiritual knowledge. We must be inwardly sensible of divine peace joy love; otherwise we cannot know what they are.

Verse 10

[10] That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

That ye may try — By that spiritual sense.

The things that are excellent — Not only good but the very best; the superior excellence of which is hardly discerned but by the adult Christian. That ye may be inwardly sincere - Having a single eye to the very best things and a pure heart. And outwardly without offence - Holy unblamable in all things.

Verse 11

[11] Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God — Here are three properties of that sincerity which is acceptable to God: 1. It must bear fruits the fruits of righteousness all inward and outward holiness all good tempers words and works; and that so abundantly that we may be filled with them. 2. The branch and the fruits must derive both their virtue and their very being from the all - supporting all - supplying root Jesus Christ. 3. As all these flow from the grace of Christ so they must issue in the glory and praise of God.

Verse 12

[12] But I would ye should understand brethren that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

The things concerning me — My sufferings. Have fallen out rather to the furtherance than as you feared the hinderance of the gospel.

Verse 13

[13] So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace and in all other places;

My bonds in Christ — Endured for his sake.

Have been made manifest — Much taken notice of.

In the whole palace — Of the Roman emperor.

Verse 14

[14] And many of the brethren in the Lord waxing confident by my bonds are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

And many — Who were before afraid.

Trusting in the Lord through my bonds — When they observed my constancy and safety not withstanding are more bold.

Verses 15-16

[15] Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: [16] The one preach Christ of contention not sincerely supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

Some indeed preach Christ out of contention — Envying St. Paul's success and striving to hurt him thereby.

Not sincerely — From a real desire to glorify God.

But supposing — Though they were disappointed. To add more affliction to my bonds - By enraging the Romans against me.

Verse 17

[17] But the other of love knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

But the others out of love — To Christ and me.

Knowing — Not barely supposing.

That I am set — Literally I lie; yet still going forward in his work. He remained at Rome as an ambassador in a place where he is employed on an important embassy.

Verse 18

[18] What then? notwithstanding every way whether in pretence or in truth Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice yea and will rejoice.

In pretence — Under colour of propagating the gospel.

In truth — With a real design so to do.

Verse 19

[19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ

This shall turn to my salvation — Shall procure me an higher degree of glory.

Through your prayer — Obtaining for me a larger supply of the Spirit.

Verse 20

[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed but that with all boldness as always so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether it be by life or by death.

As always — Since my call to the apostleship.

In my body — however it may he disposed of. How that might be he did not yet know. For the apostles did not know all things; particularly in things pertaining to themselves they had room to exercise faith and patience.

Verse 21

[21] For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

To me to live is Christ — To know to love to follow Christ is my life my glory my joy.

Verse 22

[22] But if I live in the flesh this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

Here he begins to treat of the former clause of the preceding verse. Of the latter he treats Philippians 2:17.

But if I am to live is the flesh this is the fruit of my labour — This is the fruit of my living longer that I can labour more. Glorious labour! desirable fruit! in this view long life is indeed a blessing.

And what I should choose I know not — That is if it were left to my choice.

Verse 23

[23] For I am in a strait betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ; which is far better:

To depart — Out of bonds flesh the world.

And to be with Christ — In a nearer and fuller union. It is better to depart; it is far better to be with Christ.

Verse 25

[25] And having this confidence I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

I know — By a prophetic notice given him while he was writing this. That I shall continue some time longer with you - And doubtless he did see them after this confinement.

Verse 27

[27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you or else be absent I may hear of your affairs that ye stand fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Only — Be careful for this and nothing else.

Stand fast in one spirit — With the most perfect unanimity.

Striving together — With united strength and endeavours.

For the faith of the gospel — For all the blessings revealed and promised therein.

Verse 28

[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition but to you of salvation and that of God.

Which — Namely their being adversaries to the word of God and to you the messengers of God.

Is an evident token — That they are in the high road to perdition; and you in the way of salvation.

Verse 29

[29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him but also to suffer for his sake;

For to you it is given — As a special token of God's love and of your being in the way of salvation.

Verse 30

[30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me and now hear to be in me.

Having the same kind of conflict with your adversaries which ye saw in me - When I was with you Acts 16:12 19 etc.

── John WesleyExplanatory Notes on Philippians

 

Chapter 1. The Life of Believers

Partnership in One Spirit
Advance the Gospel

I. Pray for Abundant Love

  1. Ability of Insight
  2. Ability to Discern
  3. Ability to be Pure and Blameless

II. Christ Always Be Exalted

  1. Fearless of Suffering
  2. Regardless of Right or Wrong
  3. To Live as Christ

III. Live a Life Worthy of the Gospel

  1. Live for the Lord
  2. Contend for the Lord
  3. Suffer for the Lord
── Chih-Hsin ChangAn Outline of The New Testament
 
Chapter One General Review
 
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To appreciate why the Philippians were a source of great joy to Paul
 
2) To learn from Paul's attitude concerning persecution
death
and the
   purpose of life
 
SUMMARY
 
Paul begins his epistle with his customary salutation followed by an
expression of thanksgiving and prayer.  The church at Philippi had been
a source of great joy to Paul by virtue of their fellowship with him in
the proclamation of the gospel.  Confident that God will complete the 
work He began in them
Paul prays that their spiritual growth will 
continue (1-11).
 
His circumstances at Rome have actually been for the furtherance of the
gospel
despite imprisonment and opposition by false brethren.  He is 
confident that everything will turn out alright
and that he will even 
come to them again.  It is not without mixed feelings
however
for he 
is torn between a desire to be with Christ and a realization that to 
remain in the flesh is more needful for them (12-26).
 
At the moment
his desire is that whether absent or present he may hear
they are conducting themselves worthy of the gospel
by standing fast 
in one spirit and one mind for the gospel and not disturbed by any 
adversaries.  They should take comfort in knowing that
like Paul
they
have been granted the honor not only to believe in Christ
but also to 
suffer for His sake (27-30).
 
OUTLINE
 
I. INTRODUCTION (1-11)
 
   A. SALUTATION (1-2)
      1. From Paul and Timothy
servants of Jesus Christ (1a)
      2. To the saints in Christ Jesus who in Philippi
with the 
         bishops and deacons (1b)
      3. Grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ (2)
 
   B. PAUL'S THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (3-11)
      1. His thanksgiving for them (3-8)
         a. That every thought
every request in their behalf
is one
            of joy (3-4)
         b. For their fellowship in the gospel from the very first day
            (5)
         c. He is confident that God will complete the work begun in
            them
for they have shared with him in his chains and the
            proclamation of the gospel (6-7)
         d. God is his witness to how much he longs for them with the
            love of Jesus (8)
      2. His prayer for them (9-11)
         a. That their love abound in knowledge and all discernment (9)
         b. That they approve the things that are excellent (10a)
         c. That they be sincere and without offense till Christ 
            returns (10b)
         d. That they be filled with the fruits of righteousness (11)
            1) Made possible by Jesus Christ (11a)
            2) To the glory and praise of God (11b)
 
II. THE SITUATION IN ROME (11-26)
 
   A. PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT AND OPPOSITION (12-18)
      1. Imprisonment has actually created opportunities to spread the
         gospel (12-14)
         a. Things have turned out to the furtherance of the gospel
            for even among the palace guard it is evident his chains
            are in Christ (12-13)
         b. His example has emboldened others to speak without fear
            (14)
      2. Even opposition has provided opportunity for Christ to be
         preached (15-18)
         a. While some preach Christ out of love and good will
others
            do so with envy and strife
hoping to make things harder
            for Paul (15-17)
         b. Yet Paul rejoices that in every way Christ is preached (18)
 
   B. PAUL'S EXPECTATION OF DELIVERANCE (19-26)
      1. He knows all will turn out well for his salvation (19-20)
         a. Through their prayers and the help of the Holy Spirit (19)
         b. He is confident that no matter what happens
Christ will be
            magnified (20)
      2. Whether he lives or dies
it will be a blessing (21-23)
         a. To live is Christ
to die is gain (21)
         b. To live will mean fruitful labor
but to depart and be with
            Christ will be far better for him personally (22-23)
      3. Knowing their need of him at the present
he is confident of
         coming to them once again (24-26)
 
III. EXHORTATION TO STAND FAST (27-30)
 
   A. STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL (27)
      1. He pleads that their conduct be worthy of the gospel (27a)
      2. So that whether present or absent
he may hear that they are
         standing fast in one spirit
united in their efforts for the
         faith of the gospel (27b)
 
   B. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED BY YOUR ADVERSARIES (28-30)
      1. For such confidence is not a sign of perdition
but of 
         salvation from God (28)
      2. They have been granted not only to believe in Jesus
but also
         to suffer for Him even as he does (29-30)
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Introduction (1-11)
   - The situation in Rome (12-26)
   - Exhortation to stand fast (27-30)
 
2) Who joins Paul in addressing this epistle?  To whom is it sent? (1)
   - Timothy
   - The saints in Christ Jesus in Philippi
with the bishops and 
     deacons
 
3) For what is Paul thankful concerning the Philippians? (5)
   - For their fellowship in the gospel
 
4) What is Paul confident of concerning the Philippians? (6)
   - That God will complete the work begun in them until the day of
     Jesus Christ
 
5) Upon what basis did Paul have this confidence concerning the
   Philippians? (7)
   - Their participiation with Paul in both his chains and in the 
     proclamation of the gospel
 
6) What four things did Paul pray for in behalf of the Philippians?
   (9-11)
   - That their love might abound in knowledge and discernment
   - That they might approve the things that are excellent
   - That they might be sincere and without offense till the day of
     Christ
   - That they might be filled with the fruits of righteousness which
     are by Jesus Christ
 
7) What was the effect of Paul's imprisonment? (12)
   - It actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel
 
8) What was Paul's attitude about those preaching Christ out of envy 
   and strife
trying to do him  harm? (15-18)
   - Christ was still being preached
and in that Paul rejoiced
 
9) What was Paul's earnest desire and expectation that he could do with
   all boldness? (20)
   - To magnify Christ in his body
whether by life or by death
 
10) What was Paul's attitude toward life and death? (21)
   - To live is Christ
and to die is gain
 
11) Between what two things was Paul hard pressed? (23-24)
   - A desire to depart and be with Christ
   - A realization that to remain in the flesh was more needful for
     them
 
12) What sort of conduct did Paul consider worthy of the gospel of
    Christ? (27)
   - Standing fast in one spirit
with one mind stringing together for
     the faith of the gospel
 
13) What had been granted to the Philippians on behalf of Christ? (29)
   - Not only to believe in Him
but also to suffer for His sake

 

Salutation To The Philippians (1:1-2)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. In our previous lesson we introduced the book of Philippians as a book
   that is very relevant to our times
 
2. As we actually begin our study of this epistle
we shall examine
   Paul's salutation as found in the first two verses...
 
[First
we notice...]
 
I. THE "AUTHOR" OF THIS EPISTLE
 
   A. IDENTIFIED AS "PAUL"...
      1. This is the apostle Paul
of course
      2. Who was once the "persecutor" - Ac 8:1
3
      3. But is now the "persecuted"
         a. For he is writing this while in Roman custody - Ph 1:12-14
         b. During the time period mention in Ac 28:30
 
   B. HE IS JOINED IN THE SALUTATION BY "TIMOTHY"...
      1. A travelling companion who joined Paul during his second
         journey - Ac 16:1-3
      2. He was a young man
devoted to serving Paul
whom Paul loved as
         a son - Ph 2:19-22
      3. He later was the recipient of two other epistles by Paul (1 & 2
         Timothy)
 
   C. TOGETHER
THEY ARE DESCRIBED AS "SERVANTS"...
      1. A title of humility
it denotes dependence
obedience
and
         acknowledgment of ownership
      2. Used in connection with Jesus Christ...
         a. It is a word with real dignity
         b. Indicates intense devotion to the Lord
 
[Having considered those responsible for this epistle
we next take a
look at those to whom it is addressed...]
 
II. THE "RECIPIENTS" OF THIS EPISTLE
 
   A. IDENTIFIED AS "SAINTS IN CHRIST JESUS"...
      1. The term "saint" was a common term by which ALL Christians were
         called in the New Testament
         a. Literally
it means "holy one" - cf. 1 Pe 2:9
         b. The basic idea behind the word is that of "separation"
for
            the purpose of consecration
      2. But note that they were called saints "in Christ Jesus"
         a. It is in Him that we are set apart
         b. Only by virtue by being in Him and having our sins forgiven
            by His blood can we be called saints - cf. Re 1:5-6; 5:9-10
      3. It is interesting to notice the contrast between "servants"
         and "saints"
         a. By using such terms
Paul immediately humbles himself and
            exalts those to whom he is writing
         b. Thereby practicing what he later preaches in regards to
            humility - cf. Ph 2:3
 
   B. IN PARTICULAR
THEY ARE THE SAINTS "WHO ARE IN PHILIPPI"...
      1. That is
the church in Philippi
      2. The beginning of the church is found in Ac 16:9-15
         a. Prompted by the "Macedonia Call"
         b. Started with the conversion of Lydia
      3. Its early growth is also found in Acts 16 (verses 16-40)
         a. With the conversion of the Philippian jailor and his
            family
         b. With the church meeting in Lydia's home
         c. And with Luke staying at Philippi after Paul's departure
      4. Several things may be said about the characteristics of the
         church
         a. It appears to be predominantly Gentile (lack of a synagogue
            in Philippi would suggest this)
         b. It appears to be predominantly female (implied by meeting in
            Lydia's home and the reference to women in Ph 4:2)
         c. They were very supportive in the preaching of the gospel
            - Ph 4:15-16
         d. They provided for needy saints in other areas - 2 Co 8:1-5
         e. They cared for Paul in his distress - Ph 4:10
14
 
   C. ALSO ADDRESSED WERE THE "BISHOPS AND DEACONS"...
      1. In this verse
we see the organization of a local church as
         God intended
         a. It is made up of "saints" (the members)
         b. It is overseen by "bishops"
         c. It is served with the assistance of "deacons"
      2. Concerning the "bishops" (translated "overseers" in some 
         versions)...
         a. These were men charged with guarding the flock and providing
            spiritual food
         b. They were also called "elders" (or "presbyters")
and 
            "pastors" (or "shepherds") - cf. Ac 20:17
28; 1 Pe 5:1-2
            1) For they were older men
            2) And they were to feed (or pastor) the flock under
               their charge
         c. According to the New Testament...
            1) They had to meet certain qualifications before they were
               appointed to serve as "elders-bishops-pastors" - 1 Ti 3:
               1-7; Ti 1:5-9
            2) There was always a plurality in the congregation
never
               just one - cf. Ac 14:23; Ac 20:17; Ph 1:1
      3. Concerning the "deacons"...
         a. The term means "servants" or "ministers"
         b. They also had to meet certain qualifications - 1 Ti 3:8-13
         c. They served the needs of the congregation
under the
            oversight of the bishops (elders-pastors)
 
[So the recipients of this epistle was a well-established congregation
one that had demonstrated their love and support for the apostle Paul.
 
Finally
we briefly notice the greetings given to them...]
 
III. THE "GREETINGS"
 
   A. "GRACE"...
      1. This was the common greeting of the Greeks
      2. It speaks of wishing unmerited favor and kindness upon them
 
   B. "PEACE"...
      1. This was common greeting of the Jews ("Shalom!")
      2. It speaks of the result of receiving favor and kindness
 
   C. "FROM GOD OUR FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST"...
      1. This is the source of grace and peace which Paul desires the
         Philippians to receive
      2. For when one has received unmerited favor and kindness from God
         through His Son Jesus Christ
one truly receives peace:
         a. Peace with God - Ro 5:1
         b. Peace with men - Pro 16:7
         c. Peace with one's self - Ph 4:6-7
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. At this point
we can see that this epistle is a personal letter
   between...
   a. A man in chains who is accompanied with a dear friend
   b. And a congregation of holy people whose love for this man has
      been demonstrated on several occasions
 
2. In the next lesson
we shall examine the "joyful thanksgiving" on the
   part of Paul for the fellowship he has enjoyed with the church at
   Philippi
 
In the meantime
are you experiencing the grace and peace that comes only
from "God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"...?

 

Paul's Thanksgiving For The Philippians (1:3-8)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. In the last study we examined the salutation of Paul and Timothy to
   the brethren at Philippi (1:1-2)
 
2. As is quite common in Paul's epistles
an expression of thanksgiving
   follows the salutation
 
3. In this epistle to the Philippians
we find Paul's thanksgiving in
   verses 3-8
where we begin to look into "the window of Paul's own
   bosom"
 
[As we examine this passage
three things stand out
the first being
that Paul is...]
 
I. THANKFUL FOR THEIR FELLOWSHIP (3-5)
 
   A. THE MEMORIES OF THEIR FELLOWSHIP WAS A SOURCE OF GREAT JOY...
      1. Every time he remembered them
it made him glad!
      2. The memories were a source of frequent joy
because every
         time he prayed
he included them
         a. Here we get a glimpse into the prayer life of the apostle
            Paul
         b. It evidently included frequent prayers for those with whom he
            had labored in the past - cf. Co 1:3; 1 Th 1:2
      3. The joyful memories were the result of sharing together in the
         work of the gospel
         a. "From the first day..."
            1) From the day that Lydia opened her home to him
            2) As recorded in Ac 16:15
         b. "...until now."
            1) This would include the "giving and receiving" when he
               first left Macedonia
and also in Thessalonica - Ph 4:
               15-16
            2) And now that he is in Rome
with the gift sent to him by
               Epaphroditus - Ph 4:18
 
   B. THIS ILLUSTRATES THE BLESSING OF "PLEASANT MEMORIES"
AND THE
      "FELLOWSHIP" THAT CREATES THEM...
      1. Pleasant memories are a blessing in difficult times...
         a. Despite imprisonment
Paul could pray with joyful
            thanksgiving as he remembered the Philippians
         b. As one person put it:  "God gave us memory so that we might
            have roses in December."
      2. But memory can be a curse instead of a blessing!
         a. If we have spent our lives in sin and have troubled those
            around us
memory can be a curse!
         b. As someone said:  "Most people live the first half of their
            life making the second half of their life miserable!"
         c. For memories to be a blessing to us
we must be a blessing to
            others!
      3. The sort of fellowship experienced between Paul and the
         Philippians creates the most precious memories!
         a. Fellowship in the gospel of Christ!
         b. Sharing together in spreading the Word
either directly by
            teaching or indirectly by supporting those who teach
 
[How comforting it must have been for Paul
though experiencing
imprisonment
to be able to look back upon his relationship with the
Philippians with such joyful memories!
 
What kind of memories are we creating today?  It will affect the kind
of future we have!
 
As Paul continues his expression of thanksgiving
he writes that he
is...]
 
II. CONFIDENT GOD WILL COMPLETE HIS WORK IN THEM (6-7)
 
   A. THE BASIS FOR SUCH CONFIDENCE...
      1. Certainly it involves the faithfulness of God Himself
as
         expressed throughout the Scriptures
         a. E.g.
in helping us to handle temptations - 1 Co 10:13
         b. E.g.
in providing forgiveness when we succumb to temptations
            - 1 Jn 1:9
      2. But Paul also took into consideration the faithfulness of the
         Philippians
         a. They were willing to share in his chains - cf. Ph 2:29-30
         b. They were willing to share in the defense and confirmation of
            the gospel (through their support of Paul)
         c. As such
they were sharing together in the grace of God!
 
   B. THIS PASSAGE SHOULD REMIND US THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR GROWTH
      AS CHRISTIANS...
      1. That God "began a good work" in our conversion
a work that
         involved:
         a. His providence
in giving us an opportunity to hear the
            gospel - Ti 2:11
         b. His regeneration
when we responded to the commands of the
            gospel - Ti 3:4-7
      2. As we continue to "work out our own salvation"
God is right
         there with us:
         a. Certainly we must cooperate with God - Ph 2:12
         b. But God is truly at work within us! - Ph 2:13
         c. And He provides whatever help we need - Ph 4:13
      3. This Divine Help will be with us "until the day of Jesus Christ"
         a. The "Day" when Christ comes to be glorified - 2 Th 1:10
         b. The same "Day" we will be glorified with Him
by virtue of
            God's goodness and work in conjunction with our faith - 2 Th
            1:11-12
 
[With such help as the basis of our confidence
as long as we are
faithful and partakers of God's grace
He will complete His work in us! 
(but note carefully He 3:12-14).
 
Finally
we notice in this thanksgiving of Paul...]
 
III. HIS DEEP LONGING FOR THEM (8)
 
   A. IN EXPRESSING THE DEPTH OF HIS AFFECTION FOR THEM...
      1. He calls upon God as a witness!
         a. He Who knows the hearts of all men
         b. And certainly Who knows the heart of Paul!
      2. He describes it as the "affection of Jesus Christ"!
         a. I.e.
the same sort of love Jesus has toward us
         b. Even as Jesus commanded His disciples
to love one another as
            He loved us - Jn 13:34
 
   B. THIS SORT OF LOVE SHOULD CHARACTERIZE ALL DISCIPLES...
      1. This is how the world will know that we are truly the disciples
         of Jesus - Jn 13:35
      2. Such love comes only by being taught by God - cf. 1 Th 4:9-10
      3. And how does He teach us?  Through the example of His Own Son!
         - 1 Jn 3:16
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. How close Paul must have felt toward the brethren at Philippi!
 
2. And this is understandable
because it was the pleasant memories of
   their fellowship in the gospel of Christ that gave Paul such joy and
   confidence in the well-being of the Philippians
 
3. Note how all these things relate together:
   a. Joy and confidence comes from pleasant memories
   b. Pleasant memories come from fellowship in the gospel of Christ
 
4. If we lack the joy and confidence we desire
the key is to create
   pleasant memories by sharing with other workers in the spread of the
   gospel!
 
5. Finally...
   a. Has God begun a good work in you?  (via your obedience to the
      gospel?)
   b. Will He complete it until the day of Jesus Christ?  (via your
      faithful service to the Lord?)

 

Paul's Prayer For The Philippians (1:9-11)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. True to the form found in several of his epistles
Paul follows his
   salutation and thanksgiving with a prayer for his readers
 
2. Found in 1:9-11
we find in this prayer that Paul is concerned about
   four things in the spiritual growth and development of the brethren at
   Philippi
 
[The first of these is...]
 
I. THAT THEIR LOVE MAY ABOUND (9)
 
   A. "STILL MORE AND MORE"...
      1. We have seen where they had excelled in their love toward Paul
         and others in the past
         a. Towards Paul - Ph 4:15-16
         b. Towards the needy saints in Jerusalem - 2 Co 8:1-5
      2. But a cardinal principle of Christian growth is that it should
         never stop!
         a. In developing the graces of a Christ-like character
we
            should always be increasing - cf. 2 Pe 1:5-8
         b. Even if we are in no need for someone to teach us "how" to
            love
we can always use the admonition to "increase" our
            love! - e.g.
1 Th 4:9-10
      3. And so
Paul prays that their love may abound "still more and
         more"
 
   B. "IN KNOWLEDGE AND ALL DISCERNMENT"...
      1. These are the "guidelines" in which their love was to abound
         a. "in knowledge" - according to the right moral principles
            (which comes from God's Word)
         b. "all discernment" - using wisdom to apply these moral
            principles most effectively (such wisdom comes from asking
            for it in prayer - Ja 1:5; Pro 2:1-9)
      2. Thus Paul's prayer is that their love may abound for the right
         things and in the right way!
 
[If Paul felt such was necessary for the Philippians
how much more for
ourselves today!  May we never be satisfied with the degree of love
that we may have
but strive to increase our knowledge and wisdom of
how to love others more abundantly.
 
As Paul continues
it is his prayer for the Philippians...]
 
II. THAT THEY MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT (10a)
 
   A. THE "PURPOSE" OF ABOUNDING IN LOVE STILL MORE AND MORE?
      1. It is possible that Paul is being progressive in his thoughts
         here
      2. I.e.
rather than just listing four equal but unrelated thoughts
         in this prayer
each of the four are related and the last three
         are but building on the thoughts which precede them (a form of
         "stairlike" progressive parallelism common in Hebrew writings)
      3. If such is the case
then Paul is now explaining "why" our love
         should abound...
 
   B. "MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT"...
      1. To "approve" is to "try
test
demonstrate"
      2. This passage is reminiscent of Ro 12:2
where we learn that we
         are to "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will
         of God"
      3. Prove to whom?
         a. To ourselves?  Certainly...
         b. But even more so
to prove to others that God's way is the
            best way! - cf. 1 Pe 2:15
 
[Therefore
by abounding in love still more and more with all knowledge 
and discernment
we are able to demonstrate by our "actions" that God's 
way is the more excellent way!
 
But there is another reason
as we continue to see that Paul is 
concerned for the Philippians...]
 
III. THAT THEY MAY BE SINCERE AND WITHOUT OFFENSE (10b)
   
   A. DEFINING "SINCERE" AND "WITHOUT OFFENSE"...
      1. "sincere" involves:
         a. Having perfect openness toward God and man
         b. With a clear conscience (not hypocritical)
      2. "without offense" means not to provide occasions for others to
         stumble - Ro 14:13
 
   B. SUCH VIRTUES WILL BE FOUND IN THOSE WHO ARE...
      1. Abounding in love still more and more
in knowledge and all
         discernment!
      2. Approving the things that are excellent by their conduct!
      -- See Paul's progression in thought?
 
   C. PAUL'S CONCERN IS THAT THESE VIRTUES WILL LAST "TILL THE DAY OF
      CHRIST"...
      1. This is the second time in this epistle Paul has referred to
         this "day" (cf. 1:6)
      2. He is referring to the day when Christ comes again
a day of
         "destruction" for some
but "glory" for others! - 2 Th
         1:7-12
      3. Perhaps Paul's concern that these virtues of being "sincere and
         without offense" lasting till the day of Christ is based upon
         what will happen to those in the kingdom who are guilty of such
         things - cf. Mt 13:41-43
 
[Such a strong warning by Jesus Himself should encourage us to take the 
thoughts of Paul very seriously!
 
Finally
we notice in Paul's prayer for the Philippians a concern for 
their...]
 
IV. BEING FILLED WITH THE FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (11)
 
   A. WHICH APPEAR TO BE THE RESULT OF...
      1. Abounding in love still more and more in knowledge and all
         discernment
      2. Approving the things that are excellent
      3. Being sincere and without offense
      -- Notice again the "stairlike" progressive parallelism@!
 
   B. SUCH FRUITS ARE POSSIBLE ONLY "BY JESUS CHRIST"...
      1. For without Him
we would not know what true love really is! 
         - 1 Jn 3:16
      2. For without Him
we would not have the ability to demonstrate
         what is excellent - cf. Ph 4:13
 
   C. SUCH FRUITS ARE TO BE OFFERED "TO THE GLORY AND PRAISE OF GOD"...
      1. Just as Jesus said in letting our light shine - Mt 5:16
      2. Just as Peter wrote in speaking of our good works - 1 Pe 2:12
      3. And rightfully so
for it is God who through the gift of His Son
         has...
         a. Shown us what love really is
         b. Taught us what things are really excellent in His sight
         c. Empowered us to be able to demonstrate the excellence of His
            Will
that we may be sincere and without offense!
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. Such is Paul's prayer for the Philippians
for a church that had
   demonstrated it's love and faithfulness to Paul again and again
 
2. Even as excellent as the church was
Paul could still pray for them to
   abound still more and more!
 
3. How much more
then
should we!  May we take the prayer of Paul
and
   make it our own for  ourselves and for brethren we know!

 

Making Good Out Of Ill (1:12-18)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. As we continue our study
we should really begin to appreciate the
   statement that "this epistle is like a window into the apostle's own
   bosom."
 
2. We have already seen Paul's FONDNESS for the saints at Philippi
as
   expressed in his thanksgiving (1:3-8) and prayer (1:9-11)
 
3. In this lesson
we shall see Paul's JOY
despite circumstances which
   would cause most people to be despondent
 
4. The title of this lesson is "Making Good Out Of Ill"
for this is
   what Paul did
as we find in our text (1:12-18)
 
[Notice first
that Paul was "Making Good Out Of Ill"
even...]
 
I. IN IMPRISONMENT (12-14)
 
   A. PAUL INFORMS THEM OF THE PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL (12)
      1. The Philippians were aware of Paul's circumstances - cf. Ph 4:14
      2. Yet he does not want them to be overly concerned
         a. For he had "good news" - not bad news!
         b. The "gospel" was still being spread!
      3. Now
Paul could have looked at the bad side of his situation...
         a. His own imprisonment
         b. His restriction in travel
      4. But Paul looked at life from the viewpoint of the gospel...
         a. If the gospel was spreading
it was "good news"!
         b. And his imprisonment was actually INCREASING the progress of
            the gospel!
 
   [How?  Let's read on...]
 
   B. THERE WERE SERMONS IN HIS CHAINS (13)
      1. Being under "house arrest" (cf. Ac 28:30-31) constantly made
         reference to the cause of Jesus Christ
         a. He was not there for normal reasons (e.g.
crimes)
         b. So his situation naturally sparked interest and discussion
      2. In this way
the message of the gospel was being made known to
         "the whole palace guard"
         a. Most likely the emperor's own guards
who were put in charge
            of special prisoners awaiting their appeal before Caesar
         b. Though allowed some freedom
Paul was still under constant
            guard - cf. Ac 28:16
         c. But these guards were also under the constant influence of
            Paul and the gospel!
            1) They could not help overhearing what Paul taught others!
               - again cf. Ac 28:30-31
            2) It is almost certain Paul would have tried to teach his
               "captive audience" (those soldiers chained to him)
         d. So it is possible that some of them were converted (for they
            would be included of those "who are Caesar's household"
            - cf. Ph 4:22)
      3. The message was also being spread "to all the rest"
         a. Perhaps by word of mouth
         b. And by visitation - again cf. Ac 28:30-31
      4. And so
Paul could see "good out of ill"!
         a. Being in protective custody gave him free rein to preach the
            gospel to guards and his visitors!
         b. But he saw even more "good out of ill"...
 
   C. HIS EXAMPLE WAS PROMPTING OTHERS TO ACTION (14)
      1. His imprisonment caused most brethren to be more confident and
         bold themselves
         a. They saw that HE was at liberty to teach
"with all 
            confidence
no one forbidding him" (Ac 28:31)
         b. That prompted THEM to "speak the word without fear" (Ph 1:
            14)
      2. So the gospel was being spread
and to Paul
that's GOOD news!
 
[There is an application for us to make today
but before we do so
let's notice another example of how Paul was "making good out of ill"
even...]
 
II. IN PERSECUTION (15-18)
 
   A. SOME WERE PREACHING TO HURT PAUL (15a
16)
      1. Such individuals were motivated by "envy"
"strife"
and "selfish
         ambition"
      2. They thought they could add affliction to Paul's chains
      3. These individuals could either be "Judaizers" or jealous church
         leaders
 
   B. BUT WE SEE PAUL'S CONQUERING JOY SHINING THROUGH THE GLOOM (15b
      17-18)
      1. First
because he did not lose sight of those preaching out of
         "love" and "goodwill"
         a. Those who knew Paul was imprisoned because of the gospel
         b. Those who knew their preaching would increase the gospel and
            thus encourage Paul
         c. And so
Paul did not fall into the trap of "self-pity" and
            "despair" so common among preachers
            1) Who when persecuted
think they are the only ones who are
               faithful
            2) Who when persecuted
lose sight of the faithful because of
               the unfaithful
      2. Secondly
because he could see those seeking to persecute him
         were inadvertently spreading the gospel! - Ph 1:18
         a. Though in pretense
though from envy and strife
Christ was
            still being preached!
         b. And since "preaching Christ and Him crucified" was Paul's
            main purpose in life (cf. 1 Co 2:2)
he could find cause to
            rejoice even when Christ was preached by those who meant him
            harm!
 
[So we see how Paul was "Making Good Out Of Ill"
even in imprisonment and
in persecution.  What applications can we make from this today?]
 
III. DRAWING SOME APPLICATIONS FROM THIS TEXT
 
   A. UNDERSTANDING THE "KEY" TO "MAKING GOOD OUT OF ILL"...
      1. For Paul
it was making the proclamation of Jesus Christ his
         goal
his purpose in life
his highest joy!
      2. So it can be for us!  If we do the same...
         a. We can experience a joy greater than any other (just as John
            did - cf. 3 Jn 4)
         b. We can "make good out ill" in just about any circumstances
            for example...
            1) Hospital confinement (as we communicate the gospel in
               both word and life to those ministering to our needs)
            2) Difficult situations at work
with family
and even with
               the church (as we demonstrate the impact the gospel can 
               have in dealing with these problems)
            3) Even in death and dying (as we will learn more about in
               our next lesson)
      3. If we make magnifying Christ our primary focus in life
we can
         ALWAYS "make good out of ill"!
 
   B. TAKE HEART KNOWING THAT GOD CAN USE "IMPERFECT" TEACHERS...
      1. Many get discouraged by all the "false teachers" we see on TV
         and hear on radio
etc.
         a. But much of their error is interspersed with some truth
         b. God is able to use them to lead others who are seeking the
            truth a little closer to His truth
         c. The false teachers will be held accountable for their error;
            we can at the least rejoice that to some degree
Christ is
            preached!
      2. Many who would teach others about Christ
hesitate to do so out
         of fear they may say the wrong thing
         a. Yet we see in our text that God could use those who were
            imperfect in motive to proclaim Jesus to others - Ph 1:18
         b. If God can use those imperfect in "motive"
can He not also
            use those imperfect in "ability"?
            1) Paul certainly claimed lack of ability to some degree -
               cf. 1 Co 2:3-4
            2) So God can use us
to whatever degree we are able!
            3) And wherever we may be lacking
He can use someone else to
               supplement our efforts!
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. To put it another way
not only was PAUL "making good out of ill"
   but GOD is able to "make good out ill"!
 
2. And so can we
if we like Paul make "preaching Christ" the major focus
   in life!  Do we?
 
Even if you are lost in sin
or a child of God who has strayed away
you
can let Christ make good out of your ill circumstances by obeying His
gospel...

 

Magnifying Christ In Life And Death (1:19-26)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. As we continue to look into the heart of the apostle Paul
we find a
   man who despite difficult circumstances still maintained a strong
   expectation
hope
and confidence concerning the future.
 
2. In our text for this study
we find Paul expressing that strong hope
   and confidence (read Ph 1:19-26)
 
3. Many lessons can be gleaned from this passage
but we will "zero in"
   on Paul's expectation and hope that "Christ will be magnified in my
   body
whether by life or by death." (1:20)
   a. Why would Paul desire to "magnify Christ" with his life?
   b. Why would he want to "magnify Christ" by his death?
   c. How would he do it?
 
[These are some of the questions we'll look at in this lesson.  To begin
let's consider the idea of Paul...]
 
I. MAGNIFYING CHRIST BY HIS LIFE
 
   A. WHY WOULD PAUL WANT TO MAGNIFY CHRIST BY HIS LIFE?
      1. Because of Christ's love for him - 2 Co 5:14-15
      2. Because of the strength Christ gave him for daily living - Ph
         4:13
      3. Because of what Christ would one day do for him - Ph 3:20-21
 
   B. HOW DID PAUL MAGNIFY CHRIST BY HIS LIFE?
      1. By his attitude toward Christ
         a. Which was "to live is Christ" (21)
         b. He made Jesus the preeminent focus of his life - Ph 3:7-8
      2. By devoting his life to serving Christ - cf. Ga 2:20
         a. As long as he lived
he would offer fruitful service to Jesus
            Christ - Ph 1:22
         b. As long as he lived
he would so live as to promote the
            progress of his brethren in Christ - Ph 1:25-26
            1) For he knew that what one did for his brethren
he did for
               Christ!
            2) Cf. Ac 9:4-5; 1 Co 8:12; Mt 25:40
45
 
   C. WHAT OF OURSELVES?
      1. Do we desire to magnify Christ with our lives?
      2. Are we living in a manner that magnifies Christ?
         a. I.e.
letting Christ live in us
and we living for Him
         b. I.e.
so living as to promote progress and joy in the cause
            of Christ among His brethren who are also our own
            1) Do we encourage or discourage the brethren?
            2) E.g.
do we discourage the brethren by our apathy
our
               negligence of the assemblies? - cf. Pr 18:9
      3. Does not Christ provide sufficient motive to do so?
         a. He loved us
and gave HIS life for us!
         b. He promises to help us!
         c. He will greatly bless us if we do!
 
[Every Christian has reason to magnify Christ in his or her life!  May we
all seek to make better use of our lives in this area.
 
But remember that Paul was also concerned about...]
 
II. MAGNIFYING CHRIST BY HIS DEATH
 
   A. WHY WOULD PAUL WANT TO MAGNIFY CHRIST IN HIS DEATH?
      1. Certainly for some of the reasons already noted
      2. But also because of what death would mean to Paul because of
         Christ!
         a. Because of Christ
"to die is gain" (21)
         b. To die means to "be with Christ
which is far better" (23)
            1) Paul understood that when a Christian dies
they go to be
               with the Lord! - cf. 2 Co 5:6-8; 1 Th 5:9-10
            2) So Jesus Himself promised to the churches of Asia - cf.
               Re 2:10
26-27; 3:21
            3) This appears to the point of the vision seen by John and
               recorded in Re 7:9-17
      3. In view of this wonderful hope
Paul would gladly magnify
         Christ
even by his death!
 
   B. HOW WAS PAUL WILLING TO MAGNIFY CHRIST BY HIS DEATH?
      1. By his willingness to die in service to Christ and his brethren
         - Ph 2:17-18
         a. He was determined to serve them
even if it killed him!
         b. But then
what better way to die
in the service of the Lord?
      2. Of course
this is how Paul eventually did magnify Christ by
         his death - cf. 2 Ti 4:6-8
         a. He faithfully served His Lord and his brethren
         b. And he died because of his service to them (tradition says
            that he was beheaded by Nero)
 
   C. WHAT ABOUT US?
      1. We have the same motives to magnify Christ by our deaths
         a. The assurance of eternal life
         b. The assurance of being with our Lord
      2. Will we magnify Christ by our deaths?
         a. Unless the Lord returns first
we will all die anyway
         b. What better way to die
in a manner which magnifies the One
            who makes even death a blessing!
      3. How can we magnify Christ today by our deaths?
         a. It is unlikely we will suffer "martyrdom" for our faith
         b. But we can still determine to "wear out" in our service
            to the Lord
rather than "rust out"!
            1) Too many Christians "retire" in their service to God when
               they retire from their secular jobs
            2) They allow the infirmities of age or sickness to render
               them virtually fruitless
            3) Or they allow the fear of death to be overly cautious
               about what they do
               a) E.g.
fear of an accident keeps many aged Christians
                  from coming to services
               b) But wouldn't be better to die in service to the Lord
                  than to just "rust" away
sitting at home?
         c. More Christians need to have the attitude of Paul and other
            Christians I have known - cf. Ac 20:22-24; 21:13
            1) Who would rather be "poured out" in their service to 
               Christ
rather than become a "stagnant pool"
            2) They are those described in Re 12:11
            3) And they are also like those described in Ps 92:12-15
      4. Indeed
the way we face impending death
whether young or old
         can be a means of magnifying Christ!
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. If we are going to be able to say with Paul
"To live is Christ
to
   die is gain"
we have to magnify Christ both in life and in death!
 
2. Jesus has certainly given us every motive for doing so!
 
3. So let's encourage one another in both word and deed to so live
and
   to so die
that we magnify Jesus Christ!

 

Conduct Worthy Of The Gospel (1:27-30)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. Up to this point in his epistle
Paul has been informing the church at
   Philippi concerning his situation
 
2. We have seen that his attitude was one of joy and confidence
 
3. With verse 27
Paul begins a series of practical exhortations
   concerning the Christian life
 
4. The first exhortation is found in verses 27-30
and it pertains to
   "Conduct Worthy Of The Gospel" (please read)
 
[As we examine these verses
let's first notice some...]
 
I. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING OUR "CONDUCT"
 
   A. LOOKING AT THE WORD "CONDUCT" ITSELF...
      1. The KJV translates this word as "conversation"
      2. In the Greek
it literally means "behave as citizens"
      3. To those at Philippi
this word would likely have special
         meaning...
         a. For the city at Philippi was a Roman colony
         b. Most of its citizens were actually transplanted citizens of
            Rome
retired soldiers who had been encouraged to settle
            there
         c. So though they were living in Philippi
they were expected to
            "behave as citizens" of Rome
      4. Paul applies this term to the life of a Christian...
         a. Whose "citizenship" is actually in heaven - cf. Ph 3:20
         b. So though we may live on earth
we are to "behave as
            citizens" of heaven!
      5. This leads us to our next observation...
 
   B. OUR "BEHAVIOR AS CITIZENS" IS TO BE "WORTHY" OF THE GOSPEL...
      1. This implies that there is behavior that is NOT worthy of the
         gospel!
      2. And to act unworthy of the gospel would bring shame upon the
         gospel!
         a. Just as an American citizen who misbehaves in a foreign
            country sheds a bad reflection on his home country
         b. The apostle Peter would have us remember the importance of
            proper conduct as we "sojourn" here in a country not our own
            - 1 Pe 2:11-12
      3. If we are NOT "behaving as citizens" in a manner "worthy" of the
         gospel
then the only alternative is behaving in an "UNworthy"
         manner!
 
   C. OUR "BEHAVIOR AS CITIZENS" IS TO BE WORTHY "WITH OR WITHOUT" THE
      PRESENCE OF OTHER CHRISTIANS...
      1. Note that Paul said "whether I come and see you or am absent"
      2. Paul evidently did not want their faith to be simply an
         "environmental faith"
      3. What is an "environmental faith?"
         a. A faith totally dependent upon the environment
            1) E.g.
remaining faithful while under the positive
               influences of one's home
church
or "Christian" college
            2) But take that person out of such an environment
and his
               or her faith is lost!
         b. Some signs of an "environmental" faith
            1) Praying in public
but not in private
            2) Studying the Bible when at church
but not in private
            3) A lack of personal closeness and dependence upon God and
               Jesus Christ
      4. Paul's hope was that the Philippians' "behavior as citizens" was
         not dependent upon his presence
      5. Likewise
our behavior should not be dependent upon the presence
         of other Christians
but upon the presence of Christ alone!
 
[Having considered these "general" observations about "Conduct Worthy Of
The Gospel"
let's now look at...]
 
II. SPECIFIC OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING OUR "CONDUCT"
 
   A. IT INVOLVES "STANDING FAST IN ONE SPIRIT" (27)
      1. "Behaving as citizens" involves "standing fast" against those
         things which would beset us:
         a. The lure of the world in which we live
with its immorality
            and materialism
         b. The sin of unbelief
which can strike at even the most mature
            Christians
during crises of doubt
         c. The deceitfulness of false doctrines
showing great promise
            but leading us away from Christ
         -- All such things we must "stand fast" against!
      2. Note also that we must stand fast "in one spirit"
         a. We are not to stand strong by ourselves
in isolation from
            one another
but in UNITY!
         b. Unworthy conduct usually begins when we neglect the blessings
            of fellowship and togetherness
         c. The importance of UNITY in our conduct will be developed
            further in this epistle
 
   B. IT INVOLVES "WITH ONE MIND STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE
      GOSPEL" (27)
      1. "Behaving as citizens" includes:
         a. Aggressively promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ ("striving")
         b. Doing this in unity with other Christians ("together with one
            mind")
      2. Our conduct is unbecoming the gospel if we are:
         a. NOT striving for the faith of the gospel
         b. NOT doing it in unity with other brethren
      3. Do we not see here the need for "identifying with a
         congregation" and closely working together with them?
      4. Are those who drift around from church to church
never "placing
         membership"
truly behaving in a conduct worthy of the gospel?
 
   C. IT INVOLVES "NOT IN ANY WAY TERRIFIED BY YOUR ADVERSARIES" (28-30)
      1. Christians walking in a manner worthy of the gospel will not be
         troubled by those who may ridicule or even persecute them!
         a. For even though the world may consider such "fearlessness" as
            evidence that we are crazy...
         b. Such courage is actually evidence of our salvation! - cf. Mt
            5:10-12
      2. There may come times when we who have been "granted to believe
         in Jesus" are also "privileged to suffer for His sake"
         a. Such was the case with Paul
and evidently the Philippians as
            well
         b. Should it ever be our "lot" to suffer for Christ
remember
            that it will be a "privilege"
         c. Therefore our attitude should be like that of the apostles in
            Ac 5:41-42
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. So here are some of the things involved as "behaving as citizens"
   of the kingdom of heaven
and having a "conduct worthy of the gospel
   of Christ":
   a. Standing fast in one spirit
   b. With one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel
   c. Not in any way terrified by our adversaries
   -- And this being the case
no matter what the "environment" (moral
      climate) might be!
 
2. This is certainly not all that is involved
for in chapter two we will
   learn more of what is expected of Christians
 
3. But in view of these things...
   a. Is our conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ?
   b. Are we behaving as citizens of heaven while sojourning on this
      earth?
 
If not...could it be that we have forgotten the privileges we enjoy by
"believing in Jesus" and even "suffering for Jesus"?

 

--《Executable Outlines