An Overview of Philippians

We are such weak Christians in America. Let's face it; we have no real challenges for being a Christian. Oh, maybe our family or friends will make fun of us from time-to-time, but the plain truth is we can be Christians in America and live a pretty uneventful life.

That is not the case in other parts of the world. Consider the country of Turkey for example. According to a July 2007 report in Christianity Today magazine, "Turkey has become more and more hostile to its tiny Christian minority. Though the nation is 99 percent Muslim, the government and media look at any activities of Christians with great suspicion." Within the last year several Christians have been murdered. Why? Because they are Christians.

On Wednesday morning, April 18, German missionary Tilmann Geske, a 43 year father of three, kissed his wife goodbye and headed to work -- His job entailed editing a Turkish Christian Study Bible. Another man, who was a pastor, went to the same building for a Bible Study. Earlier, two Muslims had befriended both men and had expressed interest in Jesus Christ. They showed up at the building and began discussing faith in Jesus Christ with the Christian. Several minutes later three other Muslims entered carrying guns and knives. The two Christians were bound hand and foot and the Muslims began stabbing them, slowly and deliberately. Another Christian showed up and they began torturing him too. Three hours after the torture began; someone heard the noise and called police. Before the police could intervene, the Muslims slashed the Christians throats, killing all three of them.

This type of persecution is almost like a fantasy to Christians living in America. We can't imagine what it must be like to be susceptible to torture for faith in Jesus Christ. Yet Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). While we have not felt the blows of persecution in the U.S. the time is coming when we will. Those who profess Jesus as "The way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) will be labeled narrow minded and intolerant. Already the media has turned against and mocks those who have true faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to gain eternal life. Persecution is coming. The question is, are you ready?

That's what the book of Philippians is all about. It is God's handbook on how to be content in whatever circumstance we find ourselves.

Background

The book of Philippians, found in the New Testament, is really a letter. The apostle Paul wrote letters to many of the churches in order to encourage them in faith, or to give them some instruction from God. The apostle Paul was a missionary. He would travel all over most of the known world and share the message of Jesus Christ to all who would listen.

The saga of Paul's close relationship with the Philippians began on his second missionary journey. Philippi was the leading city of the district of Macedonia and was also a Roman colony. It was a military outpost. The first convert to Christianity in that city was not a military person; it was a woman named Lydia. Before Paul came to Philippi, Lydia was a believer in God, but had not yet believed in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. When she heard Paul's message, the Lord opened her heart and she became a follower of Christ.

Maybe that is what your life is like now? Perhaps you believe in God, but have never made a conscious decision to believe in Jesus. Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me has eternal life" (John 6:47). You see, just believing in God is not enough. We must believe in the one God sent as a sacrifice for our sins. In Acts 16:14 we read this about Lydia, "The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul." It is the Lord that opens hearts. Your responsibility is to be willing to allowing him access to your heart. "Lord, help me in my unbelief" was the prayer of a father whose son was filled with a demonic spirit in Mark 9:24. When the father cried out to Jesus, immediately, Jesus healed the boy. If you are unsure of your relationship with Jesus Christ, make that your prayer. Cry out to God and ask him to help you in your unbelief.

Paul’s Gratitude and Prayers (Philippians 1:1-11)

Paul wrote this letter along with his co-worker, Pastor Timothy. He points out in verse 4 that whenever he prays for the Philippians, he prays with joy because of their unwavering faith in the Lord, a faith that has remained strong since Paul first started the church in that city. He calls them partners in the gospel. In other words, they weren’t just bystanders; they participated in sharing the gospel of Jesus with others.

In verse 6 Paul makes a wonderful statement that applies to all of us today: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” There are three major things to consider in this verse:

1. Jesus Christ begins the work. That “good work” is the saving knowledge of Christ and following him. Remember, it is God who chose us. He begins the work in your life. You can’t do it on your own.
2. Jesus perfects the work in us: We can do nothing to get better or become less sinful except to obey him. We can’t change on our own. We owe all of our growth to the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus will continue to perfect us until the Second Coming: It is a lifelong process of spiritual growth and perfection will never be achieved while we are on earth.

In verse 9 Paul explains his prayer; that the Philippians will grow in knowledge and discernment. That would be my prayer for all who are reading this Bible study. Our goal should be to grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ so that through our testimony others might believe and gain the gift of eternal life.

Two Methods of Preaching the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-18)

Paul notes that there are two ways to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1. Some preach the gospel from “envy and rivalry”: Meaning they do it for their own self-interest. That can happen today. Some churches strive to have the biggest and best program. Just take a look during Easter or Christmas and see what methods some churches will use to bring people in the door. Last Easter one church in Fresno advertised a former American Idol as the main feature. I thought Jesus was the main attraction? There is nothing wrong with encouraging people to go to church, but our methods must be carefully evaluated to ensure we are not doing it to build up our own church or our own selves.

2. Others preach the gospel from “good will” and “love.”: We should always build up Christ Jesus. Our goal should not be to make ourselves look good, but to glorify and lift up Jesus.

But Paul makes and interesting statement, “Whether in pretense (insincere) or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

Paul is saying that is doesn’t matter what the motives are; the important thing is that the name of Jesus is proclaimed. That reminds me of a shopping trip I took during Christmas. As I walked through the mall, the last thing on people’s minds was the fact that Jesus was born in a manger and that he came to die for their sins. But in the background, behind all the noise of the hustle and bustle, I could hear the song O Little Town of Bethlehem playing over the speakers. People weren’t consciously aware of it and the music wasn’t being played sincerely to introduce people to Christ, nevertheless Jesus was being preached.

Don’t Be Frightened (Philippians 1:19-26)

Paul wanted to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, even while in prison. He wasn’t worried about dying in fact he said, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” In other words it is great to live because we can live for Christ, but if we die we will be with the Lord, we gain eternal life.

Because of that, he told the Philippians to not be “frightened” by those who seek to kill Christians. In fact he goes on to say that suffering as a Christian has been “granted” to you for the “sake of Christ.” It is a privilege to suffer for Jesus Christ.

What Are the Marks of a Christian (Philippians 2:1-18)

Have you ever wondered what the marks of a Christian are? Paul lists them for us in this passage:

1. Be of the same mind (2:2): That means don’t be argumentative on everything. Trust Christ, have faith in him and work together to spread the gospel.
2. Have the same love for each other (2:2): Our love for each other should be consistent. We should love all who call themselves Christians.
3. Don’t be competitive or conceited (2:3): In other words, don’t think you are better than other Christians.
4. Treat others as better than yourself (2:3): Being humble is a great virtue. Make others feel that they are more significant than you.

Paul gives the example of Jesus. Even though he was God, as a man he didn’t try to prove that he was better than God, instead he became a servant – he made himself nothing. He went so far that he even died for the sins of mankind. He didn’t have to do that, he was God! But he did so in order that our sins might be forgiven and we might inherit the free gift of eternal life.

In verse 12 Paul tells them to “work out their salvation.” This does not mean that salvation comes from works. You can’t work your way to heaven! Some cults will try to convince you from this verse that you can. But they forget to read the next verse; “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

When Paul talks about “working out your salvation” he is referring to carrying out our obedience to the finish. How do we do that? He tells us in vs. 14-16:

1. Don’t grumble (2:14)
2. Don’t question (2:14)
3. Be blameless (2:15)
4. Be innocent (2:15)
5. Shine as a light to the world (2:15)
6. Hold fast to God’s Word (2:16)

Consider Yourself a Citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:1-21)

There is a lot of great stuff in this chapter, but I want to point out a couple of key points.

1. Nothing is more important than knowing Christ. Everything else is rubbish (3:7,8): Gaining Christ is the most important thing a person can do. All other earthly pleasures and possessions are worthless.
2. Our citizenship is in heaven, not on earth (3:20): It’s okay to be patriotic and to love ones country, but we must always remember that our true citizenship is in heaven. This world is not our home. We are only here temporarily, and then we will spend eternity somewhere. If we know Jesus Christ we are promised eternal life with him.

The Boundaries For Living a Joyful Christian Life (Philippians 4:1-8)

Paul doesn’t give a list of things we cannot do in this passage, rather he lists the things that we should be dwelling on in our daily lives. He gives the boundaries of where the Christian’s mind should be:

1. Whatever is true
2. Whatever is honorable
3. Whatever is just
4. Whatever is pure
5. Whatever is lovely
6. Whatever is commendable
7. Whatever is excellent
8. Whatever is worthy of praise

“…Think about these things.”

Paul ends the letter with a promise for everyone in verse 19:

“And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Notice that he says “according to his riches” not according to our riches or our desires. God supplies what we need not what we want. It may be that you will suffer for Christ someday – if that is the case, then God will supply the necessary strength to endure the persecution.

This Week: Read the book of Philippians everyday this week. Paul’s message to the Philippians is as relevant today as it was back in the first century. Live your life pure and pleasing to the Lord. Don’t be afraid to suffer for the Lord and pray for boldness to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in love.