61, possibly at the end of Acts 28:30.. His affections for His brethren and His desire to fulfill the Fathers will were what motivated His self-sacrifice. As a result, the Philippian jailer, and his household, believed and were baptized (Acts 16:25-34). 1:1218 ). He did not count his own comforts, opinions, dreams, reputation, wealth, and health as more important than his calling to proclaim the gospel of Christ. we will unpack one of the most beautiful passages of scripture about the humility and attitude of Christ. To lead the Philippians to this truth, Paul took them directly to Jesus, teaching them that a community of believers living in harmony with one another comes only through mutual humility modeled after the While the central message of the Bible for Gods people is his great love for them in Christlove that has eliminated the need for anyone to work his way into Gods favorthis does not mean Christians around the world are encouraged to be passive or apathetic. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? But because their own sacrifice was so great they began to doubt Gods continued provision. As we gaze upon the meaning behind these verses we see that Christ maintained an attitude of humility and love. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation.

WebThe predominant theme of the epistle to the Philippians is joy. If you follow the suggestions above, you will begin to see distinct sections that are all united by common themes. Chapter 2:1-4 captures this important theme of unity and peace and fellowship within the body of Christ. Read the letter more than once if you can. -To tell them that Epaphroditus had recovered from his dangerous illness. Philippians brims over with often quoted passages: He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6), To live is Christ and to die is gain (1:21), and I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (4:13) are just a few. Philippians may be divided as follows: Introduction, 1:1-7 I. Christ the Christians Life: Rejoicing in Spite of Suffering, 1:8-30 II. Throughout Philippians Paul exhorts his readers to give of themselves gladly for the sake of Christ and others. He recounts the things about himself that others might regard as an impressive spiritual resume and says that he has renounced all of that for the sake of knowing Jesus. Themes: Hardship, humility, hope beyond suffering.

Although Paul had faced severe hardships, poverty, beatings, illness, and even his current imprisonment, in every circumstance he had learned to be content. 19 But I hope, in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. As Chuck was talking, Christ was also talking to my heart. After looking back to Genesis in Philippians 2, Paul looks ahead in Philippians 3 to the end of history, when Jesus will return (Phil. This chapter gives us a glimpse into the mind and attitude of Christ. Philippians reaches its pinnacle at 2:5-11 with the glorious and profound declaration regarding the humiliation and exaltation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Theres no time for quarreling amongst Christians. Section 2: Pauls Imprisonment 1:12-26 Step Two: Look for the Literary Devices The New Testament letters are ancient works of literature. While the letter to the Philippians does not actually quote a single Old Testament passage, the book is clearly built on the Old Testament (see Phil. SUBSCRIBE HERE. Athletics The Christian life compared to a foot-race Pressing toward the goal. Here are the main points of the humility of Christ: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. WebThe Philippian letter is very carefully written and centered on two early Christian hymns, proclaiming who Jesus Christ is as Lord (2:6-11) and Savior (3:20). Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon). And Philippians 2 tells us that this Son was in the form of Godthat is, he was the perfect image of God (see also Rom. Founded by Paul in approximately 52 AD, the church in Philippi was made up mostly of Gentiles. Prophets Pauls imprisonment and hardships havent meant his ruin; rather, they are the very way God has blessed him (and others through him) and through which he has experienced Gods strengthening in any circumstance. In a startling connection, Paul here identifies Jesus as destined to receive the worship only God himself deserves. WebTheme Paul encourages the Philippians to live as citizens of a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve God and one another. 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. At the crux of the chiasm (point D), Paul draws the other ideas together around Jesus crucifixion. Not only that, but He continues to work in us by giving us the desire to work for His pleasure. The Old Testament He also writes of his plans to send Timothy soon (Phl 2:19-24), and why he considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to them (Phl 2:25-30). Biblical repetition comes in many forms. The Philippian letter is very carefully written and centered on two early Christian hymns, proclaiming who JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are Gods saving act for humanity More Christ is as Lord (2:6-11) and Savior (3:20). With the conversion of Lydia (Ac 16:13-15) and the Philippian jailor (Ac 16:25-34), the church was established at Philippi. Because of his suffering on the cross, he is now glorified as Lord and Christ (, Opponents of the Gospel: Where Does Righteousness Come From? Perceiving that the Lord was calling them to go to Macedonia, they sailed from Troas (Luke having joined them) and eventually arrived at Philippi (Ac 16:6-12). Date Written: Most scholars believe the letter was written around AD 62, while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. WebPhilippians brims over with often quoted passages: He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus ( Philippians 1:6 ), To live is Christ and to die is gain (1:21), and I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (4:13) are just a few. Warnings in the letter introduce Pauls concern for what is taking place in Philippi. Then, we will discover how we, as children of God and fellow heirs with Christ, should respond to all that He has accomplished for us. Early in the letter, Paul devotes much time to outlining and reflecting upon precisely what this example ishe details what, precisely, Jesus did. Its easy for readers of Pauls letters to latch on to one powerful verse that inspires them.

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The Jews knew that association with a sayer was contrary to Gods law (Deuteronomy 18:10). Staff Login GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Who works in and who works out? It was in this imprisonment that Paul and Silas sang hymns to God and experienced an earthquake that shook their shackles free and opened the prison doors. Author: Philippians is one of the Apostle Paul's four Prison Epistles. 1 Greeting Thanksgiving Prayer For Spiritual Maturity The Progress Of The Gospel Stand Firm For The Gospel Living Is Christ To Live Is Christ Paul Honors Christ Whether He Lives Or Dies Paul's Life For Christ Ch. Through the use of literary devices, structure, and repetition, Paul is trying to get the people of Philippi to sink deep roots into the reality of what Jesus has done, so that they will be able to live transformed lives. Theres the theme of unity in the book of Philippians. 1:1218). As we do this, God is able to shape us more into the image the form of His Son. Pauline Epistles range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed His tender love for the believers in Philippi is apparent in this most personal of Paul's writings. His affections for His brethren and His desire to fulfill the Fathers will were what motivated His self-sacrifice. Philippians 2:1-4 Explained Belief Determines Behavior, The first thing we should notice is the word therefore. Savior. WebMain Theme and Purpose of Philippians Purpose: One Commentary, suggests these reasons for Pauls writing: -To thank the Christians at Philippi for the gifts that they had sent him by Epaphroditus. But because their own sacrifice was so great they began to doubt Gods continued provision. Johannine Writings 1 Epistles Ch. The ministry at Philippi marked Pauls entrance into Macedonia, which came about as a result of a vision he had in the city of Troas, just across the northeastern corner of the Aegean Sea from the port city of Neapolis and its close neighbor Philippi (Acts 16:812). -To inform the Christians at Philippi about his own circumstances. Her new podcast, Old Ladies Know Stuff, just launched. Whatever our circumstances, whether we are rich or poor, comfortable or afflicted, we are called to rejoice in God (4:1013). Just received Chuck's "Stuff I've Learned That I'll Never Forget" CD in the mail yesterday. The church had sent gifts to Paul while he was in chains. One of the major trade routes between Europe and Asia, Philippi was a chief commercial center with a mixture of different nationalities, religions, and social levels. The New Testament As Paul referred to the Philippians as partners in the gospel, let this be said of us. The call of God To man is High. In our pursuit of a life of faith, centered on Jesus, we can come together as a community to support each other and to participate in Gods Shalom. WebThe Central Themes At the heart of the Book of Philippians is a call to lean into the example set by Christ Jesus. Joblessness, homelessness, illness, hunger, marital strife, economic hardship, persecution of believers both publicly and privatelythe challenges of life in a sin-ravaged world quickly feel overwhelming. Pauls central theme is to unify the church while rejoicing and giving thanks to God for all things. But none of these can provide lasting joy. These two centers of the letter call the Philippians from lives of self-centeredness to experience the gift of life centered in ones identity in Christ. Rhonda is the author of 6 books and appears on numerous radio programs, including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today and Dr. James Dobsons FamilyTalk, & hosts The No Regrets Hour. The lack of a synagogue seems to indicate that Jews were not prevalent and so the church may have consisted primarily of Gentiles. Jesus put off the form of glory to put on the form of flesh. Although Paul had faced severe hardships, poverty, beatings, illness, and even his current imprisonment, in every circumstance he had learned to be content. 4:19. The first concern expresses: I earn my own salvation (3:2-11); the second: I am already perfected (3:12-16); and the third: I will do what pleases me (3:17-19). He was equal with God, but He did not hold on to or grasp that equality. H. Theme. There Paul preached the gospel. The letter to the Philippians breaks down into the following sections. Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Major Prophets Jesus is worthy of our greatest praise, glory, and honor. Among them was Lydia, the seller of purple. Acts 16:14 says, One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Tyyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. [5] If there is any fellowship in Christ Jesus, if there is any compassion, make my joy complete, Paul says in chapter 2. Verse 2:7: But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant., C Jesus Humility. Assurance that Jesus strengthens and preserves us in all things and a desire to share the love of God with all he encountered move Paul to rejoice and give thanks even in the midst of challenging circumstances. 1:1218 ). Paul says he is straining forward and pressing on in the upward call of God in Christ (Phil. Because she was a known fortune teller. He then goes on to encourage the Philippians to give their fears and troubles in prayer to God, who will guard them in Jesus, the one who has passed into death and back again. As the Old Testament unfolds, however, we see that Adam failed to do this, as did all those who followed him. Basically, in these first two verses Paul is asking them what they believe. Paul selflessly sacrificed his life. These verses show us that Christ Jesus had an attitude of humility and servanthood. Pauls affection for these people is clear throughout the letter as he encouraged them to live out their faith in joy and unity (1:35, 2526; 4:1). 16 holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. Forms of the words joy, rejoice, and gladness appear in 15 of the letters 104 verses. Minor Prophets

-To tell them that Epaphroditus had recovered from his dangerous illness. to practice for yourself. If we have Christ, we have everything. To continue finding the structure, pay attention to any changes of topic that mark new sections and ask yourself how each idea relates to what came before and what came after. Ac 28:16,30-31). It is the turning point which shows how far Jesus was willing to go to serve his people. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible All rights reserved.

It is with good reason that the Book of Philippians is such a studied and well-loved part of Scripture. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Through these and other methods, Paul and his co-senders have left literary breadcrumbs so readers can follow the main ideas. The general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome (cf. WebTHEME OF THE EPISTLE: Throughout this short and rather personal epistle, one keynote resounds again and again. The Old Testament The letters are not a jumble of random thoughts; they are carefully structured and cohesive works that follow a flow of ideas from start to finish.

D Jesus Death. the idea of adjustment or parts, external appearance, the form by which a person or thing strikes the vision. Pauls joy at the mere thought of the Philippian church is undeniable in the letter, and its that same joy that he wanted the recipients to possess as well. Or consider the Gospels, to learn more about the story of Jesus Christ. Pentateuch Historical Books 1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1) and encourages his readers to rejoice (3:1; 4:4). Section 2: Pauls Imprisonment 1:12-26 Step Two: Look for the Literary Devices The New Testament letters are ancient works of literature. Paul uses this occasion not only to thank them, but to comfort them concerning his situation as a prisoner for Jesus Christ (Phl 1:12-14). Philippians 1:29-30. [5] Purpose Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison. In order to have the form, or attributes, of God, He must be God. They live out their own Real Life Romance writing books and speaking at their No Regrets Marriage Conferences, but their favorite ministry is their family. PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: The church at Philippi had sent a gift to Paul in Rome by the hand of Epaphroditus (Phl 4:10,18). He holds an M.A. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Pauls central theme is to unify the church while rejoicing and giving thanks to God for all things. -To warn them about false *doctrine, especially that of Jewish Christians who insisted on circumcision for Gentiles. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/book-of-philippians-701040. Notice the contrast in these verses. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul..

Doing things with grumbling and disputing would cause this light to be stifled. Look for connecting words (since, therefore, finally, but, etc.) Luke-Acts 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. One of the best ways to start is to read along and write out what you think the main idea of each section is. Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus try to be good examples as well. As you read them over and over again, you will begin to see new meanings emerging like a picture developing before your eyes. In these verses we see Paul giving the church more instructions. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. If their answer was yes, then verse 2-4 describe the proper response and how that belief should have motivated them to love each other. Philippians may be divided as follows: Introduction, 1:1-7 I. Christ the Christians Life: Rejoicing in Spite of Suffering, 1:8-30 II. (NKJV), Philippians 4:6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (NKJV), Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthymeditate on these things. Besides expressing thanks to the believers in Philippi for their gifts and support, Paul took the opportunity to encourage the church concerning practical matters such as humility and unity. As His children, we have been called, equipped, and anointed to proclaim the glory and excellencies of our Father. Philippians 2:5-11 Explained The Humility of Christ. Major Prophets For this reason, the epistle to the Philippians has often been called Paul's "hymn of joy" in which the theme is: "Rejoice in the Lord! Paul had first visited the city during his second missionary journey and was instrumental in founding the church there. The joy of the Christian experience is the dominant theme running through the book of Philippians. Cookie Notice: For to you it has been granted for Christs sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Being familiar with these literary devices helps us understand the meaning the author is wanting to communicate. Shes an evangelist and speaker at womens events, College Womens Chapel, Pastors Wives Conferences, MOPs and Homeschool Conventions. The source of his joyous contentment was rooted in knowing Jesus Christ : The sickness of sin impartially infects all peopleunbelievers and believers, Western and Eastern, rural and urban, rich and poor. THEME OF THE EPISTLE: Throughout this short and rather personal epistle, one keynote resounds again and again. Here is how God rewarded Christ for His humility and obedience: just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. General Epistles Here are a few tips: Start with a video. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, 1 Epistles Ch. We need to lay aside our own selfish desires and consider others, especially those belonging to the family of God. From these definitions we see that Paul is commanding the Philippians, in ALL THINGS, to not engage in secret disputes (gossip) among each other, or within our own private thoughts (anxiety or stewing). But because their own sacrifice was so great they began to doubt Gods continued provision. There are a few different sections in this chapter. He calls for them to suffer in peace, as he has and continues their good work in the service of the Lord.