A Deeper Look: Studying the Book of Philippians (Part 1 of 4)
This week will offer a different reading than other posts because we will really be diving into the book of Philippians. This is part 1 of 4 starting in Philippians chapter 1. So, grab your Bible and read along, or feel free to read along with the Bible text.
FAITH
Dani Fielder
4/22/20265 min read
Philippians is a book full of practical advice for living life as a Christian. It packs lots of truths into just 4 chapters. This week, we'll start studying Philippians going through each of the verses and diving into the significance they hold.
What is the background of the book?
Philippians was written by one of the most notable apostles in the Bible: Paul. His writings actually constitute roughly a quarter of the New Testament. The book Philippians is actually named after the people of Philippi, the group it was written for. Philippi is located in north-eastern modern-day Greece. The city would be about ten miles from the modern-day port city of Kavalla. About AD 61, Paul was under guard while awaiting trial for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. During his house arrest, Paul wrote to the Philippians to thank them for sending him money to help with his living expenses (Philippians 4:10-18). Philippi was where Paul planted his first church on European soil (Acts 16:11-40), so he also wrote to them to warn them against false teachers and urge them toward unity. As we continue into Philippians, pay attention to Paul's ideas on life and the practical tools he gives to help reshape the way the Philippians thought, and consider how his writings are still practical knowledge for today's time.
Philippians 1 (and notes)
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul starts by greeting the people in Philippi.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 - God will complete the work of salvation when Christ returns. If we trust in God, profess with our mouth that "Jesus is Lord," and believe in our heart, then we are already saved (Romans 10:9-10). God's work in our lives, however, continues until Jesus returns (1 John 3:1-3, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10).
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Abound: Exist in large numbers
Discern: To judge well; distinguish between good and evil
Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Paul's house arrest and imprisonment inspired and emboldened people to preach even more
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Paul was concerned less about the motive as to why people were preaching and more about the outcome.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Philippians 1:21 is a popular verse that you can often hear quoted in churches. The popularity generally stems from the intensity of Paul's statement. He desired to be in Heaven with Christ, but understood that he had a work to continue on earth, which was to bring more people to follow Christ. Paul's sentiment is deep because he feels that even though he would rather be in Heaven, while he is on earth, he committed his life to serving Christ fully. In turn, he was not afraid of death because he knew that after death, he'd have eternal life with Christ in heaven. He was content with death or life because he understood this.
Do you consider your life in the same way Paul considered his?
Life Worthy of the Gospel
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
How does your life reflect Christ?
Philippians 1: NIV bible: Youversion. YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com. (n.d.). https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.1.NIV