Philippians

The historical record of how the Lord used the apostle Paul to start the church at Philippi during his second missionary journey is found in Acts 16.  This epistle of 4 chapters, 104 verses, and 2,183 words was written around 62 AD when Paul was a prisoner in Rome.

Philippians is a very practical book.  Like most churches today, the church at Philippi was having trouble keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:1-6; Phil 1:27; 2:1-3, 14-15; 4:2).  The worthy walk of our high calling is a lowly walk of service.

In the second chapter Paul gives four great examples of sacrificial service in this epistle:

  1. Christ (Phil 2:1-11)

  2. Paul (Phil 2:12-18)

  3. Timothy (Phil 2:19-24)

  4. Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25-30)      

Philippians is known as the joy book because joy is referred to 18 times.  Paul was joyful as a prisoner who had endured much suffering.  How so?  True and lasting joy is found in Christ (Phil 1:21) and in the pathway of sacrificial service.  The name “Christ” is mentioned 37 times in this epistle.

 

Outline:

I. The Personal Circumstances of Paul (Phil 1:12-30) — the preaching of Christ

Il. The Pattern of Christ (Phil 2:1-30) — the humility of Christ

Ill. The Prize of Christ (Phil 3:1-21) — the knowledge of Christ

IV. The Peace of Christ (Phil 4:1-23) — the presence of Christ