1)
BACKGROUND
INFORMATION
The
book of Philippians was written around 62AD by Paul while he was a prisoner in
Rome. The Philippian church was founded in 50AD by Paul on his second
missionary trip (Acts 16). It was the first church to be founded in Europe.
Philippi
was located in northern Greece (called Macedonia in biblical times). It was
thriving commercial centre between the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Because of his imprisonment, Paul could not
personally oversee them, so he wrote this letter.
The Purpose of the
Book:
- To make Christ our focus in life
- To experience the joy of Christ
- To thank them for their support
- To encourage them to preach amidst trials
- To teach them how to live
- To address specific problems
The Outline of the
Book
- Chapter 1 (Christ our life) - Living for Christ
- Chapter 2 (Christ our Example) - Becoming like Him
- Chapter 3 (Christ our Goal) - Pressing on to His Call
- Chapter 4 (Christ our Sufficiency) - Experiencing His Goodness
The key verse - Phil.1:21 For to me, to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.
One
of the key words in Philippians is “Joy.” It is mentioned more than 18 times. Remember,
repetition of words show emphasis of truth.
·
Joy in Living (Phil.1)
·
Joy is Service (Phil.2)
·
Joy in Fellowship (Phil.3)
·
Joy in Reward (Phil.4)
2)
LIVING
WITH CHRIST (Philippians 1)
Paul and Timothy, bondservants
of Jesus Christ – that’s our title in ministry. As in all letters, Paul follows
the format of his day (Phil.1:1-2)
·
Identification of sender
·
Identification of recipient
·
Greeting
What are the 7
powerful truths on how to live with Christ?
a)
Be thankful and prayerful (1:3-5)
Have a heart for people. Even in prison, Paul prayed for the Philippians,
Remember, the best way to influence people is to pray for them.
b)
Trust God to complete His work (1:6)
God’s work for us
started when Christ died for us. God’s work in us started when we believed on
Christ. God’s work in us continues as Christ lives in us. God’s word will be
completed when Christ comes again
c)
Abound in love for people (1:7-9)
Living with Christ involves loving people. Our love for Christ is reflected
in our love for His Church and His people. Love people, serve people.
d)
Discern what is best (1:10, 11)
We need to have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong,
good and bad, vital and trivial. Be sincere and without offense. Have righteous
character traits that flow out of a right relationship with Christ.
e)
Proclaim Christ at all times (1:12-18)
Whatever the circumstance that you go through, it is a God-given
opportunity to proclaim Christ.
f)
Magnify Christ with your life (1:19-26)
Magnify Christ, yield to Him and follow His leadership. As long as we
insist on our own way, He is helpless to help us. As you magnify Him, He
becomes more real to you.
g)
Stand fast in conduct and unity (1:27-30)
Cultivate
responsibility, accountability, unity and a steadfastness in adversity
For me to live is CHRIST
•
Live for Him
•
Live in Him
•
Live with Him
•
Live through Him
Don’t
run away from what God is doing in your life. You will miss the opportunity to
get it right. Christ must become our all, our motive for action, our goal for
life, our source of strength. Our whole life focus must be Christ. Jesus must
be the centre of our lives.
·
Is Christ everything to you?
·
Is magnifying Christ you main purpose and
aim?
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