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The church at Philippi was founded by Paul during his second missionary trip. The church at Philippi was the first church that Paul started in Europe. Philippi was a city founded by King Philip of Macedonia. It was a small city where the battle between Brutus and Cassius and Antony and Octavian took place in 42 BC. Philippi later became a Roman settlement.
The church at Philippi had great respect and love for Paul. The people of the Philippi church were always deeply concerned with what was happening with him. The Philippi Church had given Paul financial help at least twice prior to the writing of this letter. When the Philippi Church heard about the imprisonment of Paul they sent gifts with the messenger Epaphroditus.
The book of Philippians is a letter from Paul to the Church giving them his deepest and most sincere thanks for their help and love for him. This letter is Paul’s most personal letter of all that he wrote. Even though it would seem on the outside that nothing could be wrong in this church, there were still problems:
· Personal aspirations and rivalries amongst the people
· Judaism teaching
· An influence of antinomian libertines
This book was written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Even though many believe he was in Ephesus and others say it was written in Caesarea, it most undoubtedly was in Rome. The reason for this belief is that Paul mentions the praetorium, which is a Roman body of soldiers that were assigned to guard the emperor of Rome. Therefore, this leads one to believe the writing was in Rome, which would put it around the year 61. Paul speaks about the trial he will be facing and that his life was in danger and made reference that the trial would be before Caesar in Rome (1:20; 4:22) Even though Paul was imprisoned for a time in Caesarea the decision pertaining to his final trial was not determined during that time.
The keynotes of Philippians can be found in:
Philippians 2:5-8, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Other keynote passages deal with prayer:
Philippians 4:6-7, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
In addition, an autobiographical sketch can be found in:
Philippians 3:4-14, "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians contains thanksgivings and prayers, expressions of affection and exhortations and professions to the glorification of the people and of Christ.
An Outline of Philippians
A Greeting of gratitude and love 1:1-11
A. Timothy helped Paul in founding this church
B. Paul extends compliments to the people
C. God will continue His good works
D. Approve the issues that matter
The Preaching of Christ and Paul’s Personal problems 1:12-30
A. The imprisonment of Paul is spoken of
B. Paul knew he was facing a great ordeal even to the point of death
C. Paul said he existed only to spread the Gospel of Christ
D. The praetorian guard is spoken of
E. Paul rejoices even in trials
The humility of Christ and the pattern of living for Christians 2:1-30
A. The people are exhorted toward humility
B. By following Christ all things written in these verses can be done
C. Take on the attitude of Christ
D. Walk in humility
E. Set examples for others
Christ’s knowledge and its worth and value for the believer 3:1-21
A. A warning is given against the teaching of Judaism
B. Paul gives his life as an example
C. A call to exhort all people is given
The Presence of Christ in the Christian Life 4:1-23
A. Believers should be at peace with one another
B. Believers should be at peace with self
C. Believers should find peace with the things that happen in their life
D. Paul gives his closing words of love to the people
Resources:
King James Version Holy Bible
New International Version Holy Bible
Sermon Notes by Pastor Thomas E. Miles, Sr.
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