PHILIPPIANS -- CHAPTER 1
I. ADDRESS AND SALUTATION --- (1:1, 2)
(vs 1) "Paul" -- identifies himself as the writer.
"Timothy" -- Col. 1:1; Philem 1:l; 2 Cor. 1:1; 1 Thess.
1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1.
He had been with Paul in the establishment of the
church there. Interested, concerned.
Paul was to send him shortly -- Phil. 219-23.
"Servants" -- cf. Jas. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:1; Jude 1.
Bought with a price -- 1 Cor. 3:23; 7:22.
The word "Slave," as we view it, would be
objectionable. Involuntary service, forced
subjection, etc.
One who ministers to his Lord with gladness of
heart, in newness of spirit, and in the enjoyment
of perfect freedom.
"Of Christ Jesus" -- directs attention to His Lord.
NOTE: "apostle" is omitted from this letter. Paul did
not need to stress to these brethren his authority
as an apostle, they accepted this fact. He is
writing in fatherly advice and love rather than in
the commanding voice of an apostle.
"To all the SAINTS" --
1:4 -- he prays for all.
1:7 -- he loves all.
1:8 -- he yearns for all.
1:25 -- hopes to continue with them all.
4:21 -- greets them all.
Springs from the deep affection of Paul for these
brethren--no exception in his greeting.
"Saints" -- Sanctified, set apart.
Cf. Under Old Testament certain places, objects,
people were "set apart," sanctified for service
unto God.
Christians are set apart -- 1 Pet. 2:9.
Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2 -- "called to be saints"
NOTE: Word suggests holiness of character.
"In Christ Jesus" -- set apart by virtue of union with
Him.
Rom. 6:3,4; Gal 3:27.
Paul does not stress their entrance into Christ's
body, yet, he does make reference to this
relationship.
"Bishops" -- "Deacons" -- Philippi was an organized
church.
Acts 20:28; Titus 1:7 -- Bishops.
Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5 -- Elders
Acts 14:23 -- Elders in every church.
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 -- Qualifications.
1 Pet. 5:1-3 -- Over only one congregation.
"Deacons" were servants of the church -- Acts 6:1-6.
1 Tim. 3:8-12 -- They, too, are to meet the
qualifications.
NOTE: Only time Paul mentions elders in his
salutation. Harmonizes with every other scripture
about this office. They were to guard the flock.
cf. 3:2.
(vs 2) "Grace" -- Paul beseeches God's unmerited favors upon
them. Results in Peace.
Reconciliation in Christ, through His blood, brings
Grace and Peace.
"God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ" -- Separate
entities.
2 Jno. 9 -- BOTH the Father AND the Son.
II. PAUL AT ROME --- (1:3-30).
1. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH -- (1:3-11).
(vs 3) Thanksgiving ---
"I thank my God" -- The apostle is jubilant.
Paul had been ill-treated in Philippi, no doubt the
lashes and stripes laid upon him still bore their
marks--cast into prison--
Yet, from this had grown a faithful and dependable
church, who earnestly loved the apostle and how
grateful he was for these brethren.
(vs 4) Paul prayed in their behalf.
His whole remembrance of them took the direction of
joyful supplication to Jehovah.
What a deep tie between Paul and these brethren.
Gratitude and praise ---
Often Paul prays for his brethren with deep grief
and tears, but not so for this congregation.
For them, he has joy, they were his joy in
Christ.
This does not mean there were no problems, or needs,
within the congregation, 2:2,3; even some dangers
(3:2, 18-19); yet how thankful Paul was for their
remembrance.
(vs 5) "Fellowship" -- "from the first day until now"
"KOINONIA" -- that which is in common, communion, to
share with, to participate in the same things.
This word used primarily of spiritual communion,
oneness of spirit of man with Jehovah, and with
one another.
1 Jn. 1:1-7 -- Fellowship with the Father and Son.
1 Cor. 1:9 -- Called into the fellowship of Jesus.
Philemon 6 -- the fellowship of my faith may......
Rom. 6:3-7 -- suffer WITH Him, crucified WITH Him,
died WITH Him, buried WITH Him, alive WITH Him,
raised WITH Him, etc.
Believers have fellowship "with" each other:
Phil. 1:7 -- joint partakers.
Rom. 1:12 -- jointly comforted.
Rom. 15:32 -- jointly refreshed.
Rom. 16:7 -- fellow prisoners.
Eph. 2:19 -- fellow citizens.
Eph. 2:21 -- jointly frame together; built.
Eph. 3:6 -- fellow heirs, members, partakers.
All children of God have a joint relationship one with
another and with their Lord, Jesus Christ.
The word FELLOWSHIP is also used in the matter of
material participation one with another.
Phil. 1:5 -- in the furtherance of the gospel.
Phil. 4:10-18 -- in matter of giving and receiving.
2 Cor. 11:8 -- robbed other church, taking wages....
cf. vr. 7 -- in the preaching of the gospel
Theirs had been a continual fellowship.
"In the furtherance of the gospel" -- This congregation
had assisted in the preaching of the gospel through
their support of Paul.
NOTE: Not only in supporting this beloved friend,
but it was supporting the gospel.
"from the first day until now" -- there had been no time
that they were not concerned with his welfare.
CONSISTENCY IS AN INDICATION OF CONVERSION.
NOTE: God's word knows nothing about the modern day
concept that "fellowship" involves the "Social
gospel" of "eating, drinking and playing together."
(vs 6) Paul does not leave God out of this arrangement.
Jehovah provided the way, the plan, the scheme, whereby
they had escaped the consequences of sin.
NOTE: "Began a good work in you" -- Christianity is a
life of work. Saved by Grace, to labor for the Lord.
Jehovah does not force salvation on any man; it is by
choice that one serves the Lord.
"Choose ye this day whom ye will serve...."
"Day of Jesus Christ" -- The second coming of Christ,
unto judgment. 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:14; 1 Thess.
5:2; 2 Thess. 2:2; 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Thess. 5:4, etc.
Christians must be faithful unto the end -- Rev. 2:10.
"Perfect it" -- complete the work, full-grown.
(vs 7) Paul's great concern for these brethren --- THEY HAD
PARTAKEN OF HIS BONDS AND JOYS.
They had shown a great love for Paul, while he was a
prisoner and while he was standing for the defence
and confirmation of the gospel.
"bonds" -- when a prisoner, they had not been ashamed of
Paul.'
"defence and confirmation of the gospel" -- making firm,
done by teaching and exhortation.
"PARTAKERS WITH ME" --
The Philippians had supported Paul in the gospel.
We are not all preachers, and it is not God's will
that each member must stand in a pulpit and
preach.
But, through God's arrangements, both the preachers
and the giver are partners in God's Work.
(vs 8) God is watching, knows all -- "God is my witness...."
"tender mercies" (ASV); "bowels" (KJ) -- Denotes the
upper region of the inward body, i.e., the region
of the heart and lungs, the region that was
regarded as the seat of affection, sympathy, and
compassion, as the heart is to us today.
Figurative language; "Metonymy" -- the spiritual center
of the emotions.
The meaning --- Sympathy, tenderness and love of Paul
for these brethren; was like the compassion of
Christ.
(vs 9) PAUL'S PRAYER FOR THESE BRETHREN:
The apostle prays for their growth in love (cf. vs 3).
Love is to abound, grow, to be developed: Love for God,
for one another, etc.
"In knowledge" -- Love is not sufficient by itself, but
must proceed from knowledge and all discernment.
NOTE: Today we hear so much about LOVE, but so little
about "knowledge" and "discernment." Love must be
coupled with knowledge and discernment.
Also, love will be followed by OBEDIENCE.
John 14:15.
"Discernment" -- ability to separate good from evil; the
important from the unimportant.
Love without discernment causes many to be led into
false doctrines. They search for affection, but use
no knowledge and discernment in finding it.
(vs 10) "So that" -- reason behind his desire for them to have
knowledge and discernment.
"THAT THEY MAY APPROVE OF THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT"
"Approve" -- word used here denotes the kind of trial to
which metals are exposed in order to test their
nature.
Try, approve, discern that which is true and real.
"excellent" -- right, wholesome, good, proper, etc. Paul
desired that they would be able to know right
from wrong, things that differ.
INTELLIGENT CHRISTIANS -- How much they are needed today
"Sincere" -- unmixed, taken from the image of precious
metals from which the dross has been removed;
hence, (KJ) "pure" -- without alloy.
"Void of offence" -- arriving at one's destination,
uninjured by any obstacles in the road.
cf. Acts 24:16; 1 Cor. 10:32.
(vs 11) POSITIVE SIDE OF PAUL'S PRAYER:
Not only should these brethren be void of offence; but
they must fill their hearts and lives with the
fruits of righteousness.
"Righteousness" -- comes through obedience to Word.
Gal. 5:22, 23 -- fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
meekness, self control -- AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO
LAW....
The intelligent Christian will produce fruit: active,
working, in harmony with God's will.
NOTE: All comes through Jesus Christ. He guides, leads.
"unto praise, glory of God" -- God provided
salvation, and all things should be done to
emphasize His mercy and grace.
OUTLINE (II. 2) PAUL'S CONDITION IN ROME: HIS STATE OF MIND--1:12-30
(vs 12) Most of us would feel that to be imprisoned would be
tragic as far as our work for Christ would be
concerned. Not so with Paul.
NOTE: How much SELF-PITY fills the world.
Very little is right; everything wrong, complaints
Even Paul's bonds were turned to the glory of Christ.
His imprisonment in Rome led to the gospel being
made known to the palace.
cf. 4:22 -- "Caesar's household"
The work of Christ can be done under great hardship.
No doubt the Philippian brethren had expressed their
great concern for His welfare in Rome. Paul now
eases their feelings.
Paul says these difficulties have resulted in the spread
of the gospel. Paul went to Rome as a prisoner, yet
the gospel went to Rome.
NOTE: 1. Joseph cast in pit, sold into slavery; yet,
through him God's people blessed, song of
deliverance.
2. Job, deprived of children, earthly goods,
health; yet, in the end, blessed of God.
3. Jesus Christ, condemned, abused, nailed to the
cross; yet, Victory through Him.
4. Peter and John, imprisoned; yet, became bolder.
5. Acts 8, early disciples, through persecution,
spread the word.
(vs 13) Paul was under constant guard -- Acts 28:16, 20, 30.
These hardened soldiers, presumably the very last to be
affected by the story of the cross, were moved by
Paul's life and message.
They no doubt would hear Paul as he talked with
his visitors, as he dictated his letters, as Christ
Jesus was the very center of his life -- WHAT AN
IMPRESSION THIS MUST HAVE MADE.
The news spread, from guard to guard, to the
families, to Caesar's household.
"And to all the rest" -- inhabitants of Rome, in general
(vs 14) "Most of the brethren" -- members of God's family in
Rome. Paul's example motivated them to be confident
and bold.
(vs 15) "Some preach Christ even of envy and strife..."
The motive behind some was wrong.
No false doctrine involved in this, they were not
preaching a different gospel.
All were preaching a pure gospel--"Christ is proclaimed"
Yet, not all were moved by pure motives.
NOTE: There was a congregation in Rome before Paul came,
Rom. 1. Thus, certain of them gained a degree of
preeminence among the brethren. When Paul arrived,
the aged, well respected apostle, his name spread
throughout the city. These preachers thus lost some
of their former prestige. Their influence may have
suffered some, their ego was dented; thus, they
became envious of Paul. A PARTY SPIRIT AROSE. They
sought to increase their own position among the
brethren at the expense of Paul.
"some also of good will" -- There were others who did
not envy Paul of his position nor authority. They
preached Christ out of love for Him, the gospel, and
this man who had meant so much to the spread of
truth.
Their motives were pure and wholesome. They know
Paul's desire to defend the gospel, and rejoiced in
this.
(vs 16) "Set for the defence of the gospel" -- How wonderful if
each member was set for this defence. So few really
have a desire to defend the truth. They make so
little preparation; little study.
They can tell the names of all the players, the
soap-box operas; political scandals; etc., but have
trouble finding passages on Faith and Baptism.
(vs 17) Paul again refers to the selfish motives of some:
Ambitious leaders who create parties for their own
purposes.
There have always been those who desire honor and
prestige among men; even those who will use the
church for these purposes.
They preach Christ for selfish motives.
They would even.....
"raise up affliction for me...." They would aggravate
Paul's bonds, if it served their own selfish ends.
(vs 18) "What then" -- What is really important, what really
matters?
What a great man this was!!!
Paul's own feelings never entered the picture; if Christ
and the gospel was preached. Paul does not have any
self-pity because certain ones were seeking to win
honor at his expense.
Paul did not approve of their attitude toward him, yet,
if Christ was proclaimed, he rejoiced.
NOTE: Is it possible that such selfish motives can
spread the gospel? Yes, for those who hear do not
know the selfish motives. The hearer hears the
gospel, obeys it and is cleansed. They hear good
preaching, they do not see the bad motive.
NOTE: Is it possible to have Christ preached today from
motives that are not pure and wholesome reasons? No
doubt, this same problem continues to exist in the
church, and will continue.
People worship from different motives.
(vs 19) "My salvation" -- Perhaps, Paul has reference to his
deliverance from bondage, not his eternal salvation.
Power of prayer.
Paul received his strength from Christ Jesus.
(vs 20) It was Paul's desire, that regardless of his own
problems, Christ would be magnified. His desire was
that none of his own personal problems would cause
him to detract from the work of the gospel.
If Christ is increased in the eyes and hearts of men, it
was of small matter what happened to Paul.
He faces the future, though now in chains, with
assurance and the calmness and serenity of life that
the faithful Christian can possess. Whatever life
offers, we should face it with calmness and the
eternal hope of salvation.
The apostle was ready to die, if this would serve Christ
Jesus. He was so possessed by the desire to see the
cause of Christ increase that he was willing to be
sacrificed if needful.
(vs 21) "to live is Christ, to die is gain...."
We sing the glories of heaven; we pray for that entrance
into the celestial city; but how many truly want to
go to heaven now, if there is the possibility of
staying here on earth.
The only person who can say, "To die is gain" is the one
who has learned, as this aged apostle, "to live is
Christ...."
(vs 22) "To live in the flesh" --- to continue living in this
present world.
NOTE: In Paul's writings the word "flesh" has different
meanings:
(1) the chief substance of the body, whether of man
or of animals --- 1 Cor. 15:39.
(2) the body itself, in distinction from the spirit,
mind, heart --- Col. 2:5.
(3) earthly existence --- Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:22,24.
(4) a human creature, viewed as a weak, earthly,
perishable creature --- 1 Cor. 1:29; Gal. 2:16.
(5) physical descent or relationship --- Rom. 9:8.
(6) the human nature, without any disparagement ---
Rom. 9:5.
(7) human worth and attainment, with emphasis on
hereditary, ceremonial, legal, and moral
advantages; the self apart from regeneration
grace; anything apart from Christ on which one
bases his hope for salvation --- Phil. 3:3.
(8) the human nature regarded as the seat and
vehicle of sinful lust and desire --- Rom. 7:25;
8:4-9, 12; Gal. 5:16-18; 6:8.
The great choice in the apostle's life. Whether to
continue in the flesh, or to go to be with Christ.
Yet, if he lived, fruit would continue to be produced in
his life. Paul retained his zeal for life, though
aged and no doubt tired.
NOTE: Our labor should produce FRUIT.
(vs 23) Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 5:8; 2 Tim. 4:7; Phil. 3:14.
HERE: THERE:
(1) temporary residence..........permanent abode
(2) suffering mixed with joy.....joy unmixed
(3) suffering for little while...joy forever
(4) absent from the Lord.........at home with Lord
(5) fight........................feast
(6) realm of sin.................freedom, deliverance
(vs 24) Paul understood the strength of his presence to them.
He was not motivated by any selfish desires to please
self, and leave these beloved brethren, but he knew
his presence would be of benefit to them.
He places the objective need of the Philippians over his
own subjective desire. The needs of the church weigh
greater upon the apostle, than the desire of his own
feelings.
(vs 25) "Progress" -- Growth, maturity:
(1) in love --- 1:9
(2) in knowledge --- 1:9
(3) in fruitfulness --- 1:11
(4) in obedience --- 2:12
"Progress" leads to:
"joy" -- happiness in Christ
"in the faith" -- only source of complete joy,
Jude 3.
(vs 26) His desire to visit them again.
(vs 27) EXHORTATION TO STEADFASTNESS, UNITY, FEARLESSNESS:
(KJ) "conversation"
Their lives must be worthy of the gospel.
"to be a citizen" (3:20).
Present problems should not make their faith fluctuate.
"One spirit"-- unity (Not the Holy Spirit, but their
spirit.)
"One soul"-- Acts 4:32 -- one mind.
"Striving" -- effort, togetherness.
BASIS -- "The faith of the gospel" -- Jn. 8:32;
Jn. 17:17; Rom. 1:16.
"The faith" is "the gospel."
UNITY AND PEACE:
Rom. 12:5; 12:12; 1 Cor. 1:10; 10:17; Gal. 3:28;
2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 2:11-22; 4:3, 13.
Struggling side by side, against a common foe.
(vs 28) "adversary" -- 3:1-3, 18-19.
(1) the heathen world of idolatry.
(2) The Judaistic teachers.
But, whether against Jew or Gentile, legalist or
sensualist, it is the same conflict.
"frightened" -- of the action of a horse in a race,
which becomes scared and runs away; bolts away.
War horses will stand the booming of the canon,
the bursting of shells.
NOTE: Some Christians run like scared rabbits. They jump
at the first adversary who says "Boo." They shy at
every shadow. They have to be nursed and coddled if
they are to do the ordinary duty as Christians.
"evident token of perdition" -- To the unbeliever, the
boldness of the Christian is a sign of their own
destruction. The unbeliever would see the Christian
suffer rather than denounce Christ, thus the
Christian's choice brought on his own destruction.
"but of your salvation"-- The world misunderstands; the
faith of the Christian leads to their salvation.
The unbeliever sees the Christian suffer -- he concludes
that the gods do not like him, thus, the gods strike
out against him;
But, the believer knows his salvation will be the
end results of his faithfulness.
And, "THAT FROM GOD"
(vs 29) Privilege to suffer with and for Christ.
2 Tim. 2:12; Acts 5:41; 1 Pet. 3:14; Jas. 1:3-5, 12.
NOTE: Belief and suffering -- go hand in hand.
"granted" bestow a favor -- How seldom do Christians
look upon suffering as a favor.
(vs 30) They stood on common ground with Paul -- how genuine.
In Philippi Paul had been slandered, beaten, thrown in
dungeon, shamefully treated.
They had seen this conflict between light and darkness.
A "conflict" unto death.
VERSES 12--30:
(1) Paul regards his imprisonment as an advantage for
the gospel. The optimistic prisoner.
Road-blocks set up by Satan have been stepping-
stones for the progress of the message of salvation.
Paul's bonds have had good effect on: (1) guards,
(2) rest.
(2) All is not wonderful though; teachers divided:
(a) Some filed with envy, petty jealousy, would add
to Paul's suffering, if they can build their own
popularity.
(b) Others, proclaim gospel from good will.
Paul rejoices when the gospel is preached.
(3) Paul's desire that Christ be magnified in him, in
life or death.
His desire to depart and be with Christ.
Far better for their sake for him to remain...
(4) Paul urges them:
(a) Stand fast, continue to exercise heavenly
citizenship in a manner worthy of the gospel.
(b) With one soul striving side by side for the
faith.
(c) Withstand the adversaries; whether emperor
worshippers, Judiazers, materialists,
sensualists, etc.
Remembering that together they have a
conflict to share.
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