Book of Philippians Philippians 2:14-30

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Beverly Cunningham
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1 Book of Philippians Philippians 2:14-30 It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If that is true then what we have here speaks volumes about being a Christian servant. We find the supreme example of Christ and the worthy examples of Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. Philippians 2 focuses on the necessity and nature of a servant spirit in the body of Christ: The reasons for a servant spirit (vs. 1) The requirements for a servant spirit (vs. 2-4) The role models for a servant spirit (vs. 5-30) 1. Paul s command and commitment to the church (vs ) A. Live without grumbling (vs. 14) Why would Paul move from such profound statements about Christ and our salvation to such a command about grumbling? Paul has been speaking of working out our salvation, and this is one of the practical ways we do that. It begins with the right attitude. There should be no murmuring (grumbling) or disputing (arguing) either among Christians or with God. Someone said there are sins of commission, sins of omission, and sins of disposition. Paul has also been speaking about the need for obedience (vs. 12), and our obedience can be voluntary or grudging. One little boy said, On the outside I may be sitting down, but on the inside I m still standing up. B. Live with integrity (vs. 15a) We are sons of God by regeneration, but we must live as sons of God by sanctification. The word blameless means above reproach, not sinless. Harmless means pure or unmixed. It was used to describe precious metal that was refined and without impurity. Jesus told his disciples they were to be harmless as doves. This world is perverse, which means permanently crooked or morally warped. C. Live as lights in a dark world (vs. 15b-16a) We must live right in a crooked world and we must shine brightly in a dark world. We must shine brightly because this world is dark and getting darker. The darkest places need the brightest lights. Jesus said, As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world, and He told the disciples, You are the light of the world. Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. Light shines, penetrates, and exposes because that is the nature of light. We hold forth the word of life so others can have eternal life. God s plan is to use His Word to give life to the dead and to give light to people walking in darkness. D. Live with joy (vs. 16b-18) The concept of joy runs throughout this book. What is the source of Paul s joy? Paul looked forward to the day of Christ (vs. 16), the day of judgment when the Lord evaluates our

2 Christian life and our service for Him. Paul lived so he would rejoice in that day. He would have joy because he had not run in vain (without purpose). He was running with a purpose and with a goal in mind (1 Cor. 15:58). How can you invest your life so it will not be in vain? Paul referred to himself as a drink offering poured out upon the burning sacrifice on the altar. To Paul the important thing was the sacrifice of their faith. Compared to that, he saw his own life as incidental and secondary. In effect Paul said, If I must sacrifice my own life in order to serve you, I will take joy in that, and you can rejoice with me. See 2 Timothy 4:6, where Paul uses similar language. When Raphael was working on his famous paintings in the Vatican, a couple of Catholic leaders stopped by to watch and criticize. One said, The face of the Apostle Paul is too red. Raphael replied, He blushes to see into whose hands the church has fallen. Paul considered it an honor and a joy to pour out his life in service and sacrifice for the Lord. 2. Paul s confidence in Timothy (vs ) A. Timothy cared about other people (vs ) Paul mentioned Timothy 24 times in his letters. He was one-of-a-kind in his concern for others. He was likeminded (lit., of like soul) as Paul. B. Timothy had proven to be faithful (vs. 22) Paul wrote: You know of his proven worth (NASB). Timothy was with Paul at Philippi when the church was founded (Acts 16). He had a close relationship with Paul, as a son with his father. They served together in the gospel. C. Timothy and Paul planned to visit soon (vs ) 3. Paul s commendation of Epaphroditus (vs ) A. Epaphroditus filled many roles (vs. 25) His name means charming, lovely. He was a brother in Christ He was a companion in service He was a soldier in battle He was a messenger He was a minister B. Epaphroditus was concerned about the church (vs. 26) C. Epaphroditus had been very sick (vs. 27) He had brought a gift to Paul and became very sick and almost died while he was in Rome.

3 D. Epaphroditus deserved their respect (vs ) Paul was now sending him back to Philippi with this thank-you letter and he wanted the church to appreciate the character of this man who put his own life at risk to serve him. Both Timothy and Epaphroditus were faithful servants of the Lord who were willing to go anywhere, help anyone, and sacrifice anything. What would others say about your character, conduct, and commitment to the Gospel? What would you risk in your life for the Gospel? Sources: Corry, Trey, Anderson, Jennings, and Jones, eds. Philippians: Fellowship in the Gospel. Hendriksen, William. New Testament Commentary: Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. MacArthur, John, ed. The MacArthur Study Bible. Sproul, R. C., ed. The Reformation Study Bible. Walvoord, John, and Roy Zuck, eds. The Bible Knowledge Commentary.

4 Book of Philippians Philippians 2:14-30 It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If that is true then what we have here speaks volumes about being a Christian servant. We find the supreme example of Christ and the worthy examples of Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. Philippians 2 focuses on the necessity and nature of a servant spirit in the body of Christ: for a servant spirit (vs. 1) for a servant spirit (vs. 2-4) for a servant spirit (vs. 5-30) 1. to the church (vs ) A. Live without (vs. 14) Why would Paul move from such profound statements about Christ and our salvation to such a command about grumbling? B. Live with (vs. 15a) We are sons of God by regeneration, but we must live as sons of God by sanctification. C. Live as (vs. 15b-16a) We must shine brightly because this world is dark and getting darker. The darkest places need the brightest lights. D. Live with (vs. 16b-18) The concept of joy runs throughout this book. What is the source of Paul s joy? 2. in Timothy (vs ) A. Timothy (vs ) B. Timothy (vs. 22) Timothy was with Paul at Philippi when the church was founded (Acts 16). He had a close relationship with Paul, as a son with his father. They served together in the gospel. C. Timothy and Paul (vs ) 3. of Epaphroditus (vs ) A. Epaphroditus (vs. 25)

5 B. Epaphroditus (vs. 26) C. Epaphroditus (vs. 27) D. Epaphroditus (vs ) Both Timothy and Epaphroditus were faithful servants of the Lord who were willing to go anywhere, help anyone, and sacrifice anything. What would others say about your character, conduct, and commitment to the Gospel? What would you risk in your life for the Gospel? Sources: Corry, Trey, Anderson, Jennings, and Jones, eds. Philippians: Fellowship in the Gospel. Hendriksen, William. New Testament Commentary: Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. MacArthur, John, ed. The MacArthur Study Bible. Sproul, R. C., ed. The Reformation Study Bible. Walvoord, John, and Roy Zuck, eds. The Bible Knowledge Commentary.

The Christian Arsenal

The Christian Arsenal PHILIPPIANS 2:12-30 Last week, we saw in the first eleven verses of Philippians 2 that Paul told us that the Lord Jesus Christ emptied Himself and took on the form of a bondservant and was made in the