PHILIPPIANS
Theme: Joy
Author: Paul
Time: 62 AD towards the end of Pauls’ life
Series of books - Prison Epistles
Prison allowed Paul to be reflective
Key Words:
JOY - 18 times
Mind 10 times
Key Scripture:
Philippians 3:8
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
This is the source of all of Paul’s joy in a way that no one else understands.
Structure:
Philippians 1-2 Opening and Greeting
Philippians 3 Small warning against people who would pervert the gospel
Philippians 4 Final Greeting, Exhortation, Contentment
Philippians was under persecution when he was writing to them
Paul was beaten and imprisoned in Philippi
The key to life is that knowing Jesus is the key to joy
Persecution or anything can’t take away his joy
Encouraging the Philippians to have the same mind as him
Purpose of the Book:
1. To thank them of their gifts and inform them of his intended visit
Philippians was not well off but Paul accepted their gift because it was out of their sacrifice and didn’t want to get in the way of their blessing
2. Warns of false teachers…. Judaizers trying to bring Judaism into Christianity
3. Exhort them to be like-minded by having the mind of Christ
4. Rejoice in all circumstances
Joy is used all throughout: in prayer, opposition, faith, unity, ministry, sacrifice, victory, in the Lord, always, all circumstances.
Like the book of Ephesians. Not writing to correct but to encourage the church of Philippi.
Message of the Book:
1. The Christian life is one of joy and rejoicing which is independent of all circumstances and suffering
Constantly had joy and maintained it because it was in Jesus
2. The key to unity (being like-minded) is having the mind of Jesus
Bringing people an understanding of who Jesus is.