STUDYING THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS #1
Phil. 1:1-5
By David J. Riggs
Intro.
A. The book of Philippians has been called "the epistle of joy."
1. The words "rejoice" and "joy" appear often in this inspired
letter.
2. Paul's occasion for rejoicing, and a key phrase, is:
"Rejoice in the Lord."
B. The theme of Philippians is a striking contrast to the
pessimism of the world.
1. The fear, frustration, and unhappiness of the world are real
contrasts to the peace, joy, and happiness of those who have
reason to rejoice in the Lord.
C. The epistle makes evident the fact that joy and happiness are
not at the mercy of external things.
1. The example of a man whose life is filled with joy, and his
exhortation to "rejoice in the Lord" do not come form an
ivory tower of peace and security.
2. Paul was happy even though he was in bonds at this time.
Phil. 1:13-14
D. A former President of Harvard University once observed, "The
world is looking for a creed to believe and for a song to
sing."
1. Christians have the creed: "Jesus Christ, the Son of the
living God.
2. Christians have a song to sing:
a. It is a song of redemption from sin.
b. It is a song of peace in the heart.
c. It is a song of purpose for one's life.
d. It is a song of security for the soul.
e. It is a song of hope for the future.
3. God's people have reason to rejoice.
I. Phil. 1:1 - Paul's introduction.
A. Timothy's name is added as co-sender of the epistle. Timothy
was well-known to the Philippians. He came there with Paul on
both visits to Philippi. Acts 16:11-40; 19:21-22; Phil. 2:22
1. While Timothy's name is joined with Paul's, the frequent
references to "my" and "me," instead of "our" and "us,"
shows that Paul was indeed the sole author.
2. While Paul and Timothy sent the letter, in the truest sense,
it is Christ's letter to the church.
B. Paul calls himself and Timothy servants - literally, "slaves"
or "bond-servants" of Christ.
1. The word "servant" simply means "one bound to another."
a. We often think of a slave as one who under cruel
bondage or servitude.
b. However, the servitude expressed here is a voluntary act
of surrender on the grounds of love. 2 Cor. 5:14
c. Let us say with the Psalmist, "I delight to do thy will,
O God." Psalm 40:8
d. The happiest person in the world is the one who in the
true sense of the word is a servant of Jesus Christ.
(1) With complete surrender of everything to Christ, all
fears and anxieties will vanish.
C. The saints at Philippi were the holy ones, or the separated
ones.
1. The fundamental meaning of the word "saint" is that of
setting apart or being devoted to God. Ex. 19:5-6
a. In Christ Jesus, we are set apart from the world,
acquitted from all sin, and called to a life of good
works.
D. The Philippian church was organized with bishops and deacons.
1. The bishop (this word means "overseer" or
"superintendent") is the same officer as the one elsewhere
called "elder" or "pastor." Acts 20:17,28; Titus 1:5-7; 1
Pet. 5:1-3; Eph. 4:11
a. "Elders" (more than one) were appointed in each
church. Acts 14:23
b. Having one man over a church (e.g., a young man as the
"Pastor") or being one man over a number of churches
(e.g., as the "Bishop") is contrary to the New
Testament.
2. Deacons were men selected and appointed to an "office" to
do the various services required by the church as the need
arose. Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:8-13
a. It is a great honor to be a deacon in the Lord's church.
1 Tim. 3:13
II. Phil. 1:2 - Grace and peace from God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
A. To gain and maintain God's grace and peace is a wonderful
blessing for the Christian.
1. We can experience grace and peace amidst persecution,
hardship, or poverty.
2. Paul prayed for deliverance from his thorn in the flesh, and
God's reply was - 2 Cor. 12:9a.
a. Paul was quick to answer - 2 Cor. 9:b.
3. Frequently, we encourage our fears by looking for trouble,
rather than trusting God for grace and peace.
a. A man's sleep was frequently disturbed by a crowing
rooster which belonged to his neighbor. He spoke to his
neighbor about it, but the neighbor said, "He only crows
three or four times during the night." The man replied
"That may be, but if you only knew how I suffer waiting
for him to crow!"
(1) Many of us are like that. Failing to trust in God
who longs to sustain us by His grace and peace, we
anticipate trouble.
(2) How we need to recognize our assurance in God,
and worry no more.
b. As part of a contest, a number of artists were invited to
paint a picture of perfect peace. Eventually, the judges
narrowed their choice to two entries. The first
contestant created a scene of a quiet lake high in the
mountains. The second one depicted a thundering
waterfall above which the branch of a birch tree was
bending. On the fork of that limb and in the gentle
spray, a robin sat undisturbed in her nest. Both
paintings were equally beautiful and spoke of
tranquility, but the second won the prize. It showed by
contrast, and in graphic detail, the absolute calmness
that can be found in the midst of turbulent surroundings.
c. Christians can have serenity and tranquility regardless of
the circumstances.
III. Verses 3-4 - He thanks God for them, and prayers for them.
A. These verses need to be imitated more than interpreted.
1. We, too, need to give thanks for our brethren and pray for
them.
2. Paul's prayers were never selfish and self-centered.
B. Paul was praying for them "with joy."
1. "Joyful" prayers could not be made for other churches.
2. For example, the Corinthian church was in constant turmoil
because of their problems and divisions.
a. Paul marveled that the Galatian Churches were so soon
removed from the gospel.
C. However, the Philippian brethren were worthy of special praise.
1. Of course, they were not faultless, but they were faithfully
serving the Lord, regardless of the obstacles and
difficulties.
IV. Phil. 1:5 - Paul praises them for their "fellowship" in the
gospel.
A. In the preaching of the gospel, God established a partnership.
1. Every Christian in a sense is a preacher or minister of the
gospel; however, some Christians, instead of working on the
front lines, care for the supply lines.
a. They established an ordinance in Israel. 1 Sam. 30:23-25
2. Because of God's partnership, every Christian has a mission
to fulfill in the spreading of the gospel.
B. For those caring for the supply lines:
1. Paul was the preacher in the field, while the Philippians,
at home, were having fellowship by providing financial
support. Phil. 4:15-16
a. We need to be willing to sacrifice that the gospel might
be preached.
b. Personal comforts should be secondary.
(1) We live in a wicked world. Sin is rampant! The
forces of Satan have been unleashed!
(2) The fields are indeed white unto harvest.
2. They were also having fellowship with him by praying for
him, and for the success of his work.
a. Prayer should be at the top of our lists of things to do.
b. Let us pray for the preachers of the gospel - the men out
in the fields. Let us pray that the doors might be
opened. Eph. 6:19-20; 2 Thess. 3:1-2
c. No doubt, doors have been closed in foreign fields
because God's people have not prayed as they should.
d. Consider this old illustration from "Living Victoriously"
by J. Allen Blair, p. 17-18: "Years ago a young
missionary couple was honored at a farewell service by
their home congregation prior to leaving for Africa. The
young husband said, 'My wife and I have a strange
dread in going. We feel as if we are going down into a
pit. We are willing to take the risk and go, if you will
promise to HOLD THE ROPES.' One and all promised
their support. Less than two years had passed when the
wife and the little baby died due to a dreaded fever. The
husband, too, became ill. He was forced to return home.
Arriving during the prayer meeting hour, he went
directly to his home congregation. He listened to the
prayers, after which he was invited to say a few words.
The people were filled with remorse as he said, 'I am
your missionary. My wife and child are buried in Africa,
and I have come home to die. This evening as I listened
anxiously, as you prayed, for some mention of your
missionary - to see if you were keeping your promise -
but in vain! You prayed for everything connected with
yourselves and your congregation, but you forgot to
mention your missionary. I see now why I am a failure
as a missionary. It is because you failed to hold the
ropes!'"
e. When Aaron and Hur failed to hold up Moses hands,
Israel was defeated. Ex. 17:11-13
Concl.
A. Applications from verses 1-5:
1. Let us be joyful servants of Jesus Christ.
2. May the grace and peace of God always be upon us.
3. Let us remember to pray for our brethren.
4. Let us enter into a partnership with those who have gone
forth to preach the gospel.
a. Let us invest much of what we possess in fulfilling the
Savior's commission in reaching the lost.