12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.Yes, and I will rejoice.
Three perspectives on life that the Church will clearly see when Christ & gospel are at center:
1. The Christian life priorities making gospel progress, no matter the circumstances (verses 12-13)
2. The Christian life encourages others to more boldly preach the gospel (verse 14)
3. The Christian life cares more about gospel proclamation than self-reputation (verses 15-18)
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Theme: The What and the Whys of Your Prayers for Each Other
I. The “What” (or, the Petition)
For abounding, discerning Love – v. 9
II. The “Whys” (or, the Purposes)
To gain ability to choose what is best in life – v. 1:10a
To grow in genuine blamelessness before the Lord – v. 1:10b
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Theme: Four Principles of mature Christian fellowship in which all Christians should strive to grow together
Mature Christian fellowship is grounded in prayer to God for each other – vv. 3-4, 9-11
Mature Christian fellowship is blessed by partnering in gospel ministry together – vv. 5, 7
Mature Christian fellowship is helped by trusting God’s perfecting work in each other – v. 6
Mature Christian fellowship is marked by profound affection for each other – vv. 7, 8
1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Things Paul is Thankful for in this church
Why Paul Wrote the Letter
To report his circumstances
To express his appreciation for their gift
To encourage them in their partnership in the Gospel
To warn them about false teachers
Christian joy through having a Christ centered, Gospel focused mind
All believers are saints
Therefore we should act like saints
The establishment of the church at Philippi during Paul’s second missionary journey
The response of Lydia – Acts 16:13-15
The attack by Satan – Acts 16:16-21
The salvation of the Philippian jailer – Acts 16:22-24
Paul’s greeting to the Philippians – Philippians 1:2
