INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS

Philippi was a Roman colony and a leading city in Macedonia. A main highway to Rome passed through the center of town. There were few Jews there, and no synagogue. Acts 16:11-40 describes how Paul pioneered the church in Philippi. He preached to some women by the riverside, and Lydia was converted. This event marked the entrance of the gospel into Europe. It changed the course of world history. The Philippian Christians were active in their support of Paul, and this letter is a missionary letter, thanking them for their support, and reporting on his work. At the time of writing, Paul was under house arrest in Rome. Even though he writes from prison, he is full of joy and thanksgiving. This letter has been called the 'Epistle of Joy.' Let's learn Paul's secret of joy in all circumstances.

Outline of the Contents

1:1-11 -- Greetings, thanksgiving, and prayer

1:12-30 -- Paul's chains advance the gospel

2:1-18 -- Have the same attitude as Jesus

2:19-30 -- Timothy and Epaphroditus

3:1-4:1 -- The greatness of knowing Jesus

4:2-9 -- Exhortation to rejoice and pray

4:10-23 -- Thanksgiving for gifts and final greetings

1. Grace and peace (1-2)

Paul describes himself and Timothy as servants of Jesus Christ. God's blessing of grace and peace is not just a formal word. Life and forgiveness and mission are God's gifts of grace; peace is his best blessing.

2. God will finish what he started (3-8)

The believers in Philippi are his partners in the gospel. They were the first European believers, and they continue to be his most faithful supporters in prayer and in material things. Whenever Paul remembers them, he is full of joy and gratitude. He is confident that God will finish the good work he started in each of their lives. Even though he is in a Roman prison, he is full of joy and thanksgiving.

3. Prayer topics (9-11)

Paul prays that love may abound in knowledge and insight. Real love is not a selfish emotion. Love seeks the highest and best good of the loved one. Real love keeps us pure and blameless, and produces the fruits of righteousness. This makes our lives glorify God.

Application: Lord, for the sake of your name, finish the good work you have started.
One Word: God will finish what he started