WORD OF LIFE STUDY GUIDES

Transcription

1 WORD OF LIFE STUDY GUIDES By John Paul Miller Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 1

2 WORD OF LIFE STUDY GUIDES Pastor John Paul Miller J John Miller has been the Pastor of Calvary Chapel San Bernardino since He is married to Kristy and has four children. John's teaching is always based on an exposition of the Biblical text with a clear outline and application for daily living. 2

3 The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the PHILIPPIANS The letter to the Philippians has been called not only the tenderest letter that Paul ever wrote, but also the most delightful. It brims over with expressions of praise. confidence and rejoicing, despite the fact that this is one of Paul's prison epistles, written in Rome during his first imprisonment. You can find the background for this letter in the closing section of the book of Acts, and also in chapter 16, which tells of Paul's visit to Philippi and the founding of the church to which he later wrote this letter. You may remember reading of those exciting and danger-filled days when Paul and Silas were in Philippi together. They first met a group of women who were having a prayer meeting by the riverside. and to these women they spoke the Gospel. One of them, Lydia, a seller of purple goods (one who dyed garments for royalty and the wealthy), invited them into her home, and her name has been known throughout the centuries because of her kindness and hospitality to the Apostle. In Lydia's home the church of Philippi began. Paul's preaching throughout the city stirred up a great deal of interest and reaction. Finally it aroused the resentment of the rulers and he was thrown into jail. It was on that occasion, when he and Silas were locked in stocks down in the inner prison with their arms and heads held immobile, that an earthquake shook the prison, toppled the walls, and released the prisoners, setting them free. Then the Philippian jailer came running in and fell down before the Apostle. Thinking his life was forfeit because the prisoners had escaped, he cried out in those words that have been the subject of so many gospel sermons, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" The Apostle s answer was brief and to the point, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Paul later went on to the cities of Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and other places in Greece. But now as he writes to the Philippians, he is in Rome, a prisoner of Nero. Although he is allowed to stay in his own rented house, awaiting trial before the Emperor Nero, he is chained day and night to a Roman soldier. Paul knew his life could easily be forfeit when he appeared before Nero. And yet this epistle glows with radiance and joy, confidence and strength. It is a great encouragement to any downcast or discouraged heart to read this letter to the Philippians. If you are going through times of pressure and trial, I urge you to read this little letter. It will encourage you greatly, especially if you remember the circumstances out of which it comes. (taken from The Message of Philippians, by Ray C. Stedman - 3

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction and Prelude - Philippians 1:1-2 5 Joyful Christian Fellowship - Philippians 1:3-8 9 Paul s Prison Prayer - Philippians 1: Bound for Joy - Philippians 1: The Believer s Death Benefits Philippians 1: Fight the Good Fight Philippians 1: Joy in spite of People (Pt. 1) Philippians 2: Joy in spite of People (Pt. 2) Philippians 2: How to Live in a Dark World Philippians 2: There s Joy in Serving Jesus Philippians 2: Righteousness How? Philippians 3: Following Hard After God Philippians 3: Let s Win the Race Philippians 3: Follow the Leader Philippians 3: How to Conquer Worry Philippians 4: The Secret of Contentment Philippians 4:

5 PHILIPPIANS 1:1-2 - Introduction and Prelude INTRODUCTION: J.H. Jowett said the Epistle of Philippians is, a little volume of graciousness bound within the covers of grace. I love this epistle! It s unique place in the canon a prison letter written to the first church in Europe. The City of Philippi was a town of Macedonia in northern Greece. Named after Philip, King of Macedonia, and father of Alexander the Great. A Roman colony on the main road from Rome to the province of Asia. The church was started by the Apostle Paul on his second missionary journey through Troas with Timothy (Acts 16). The epistle was written from a Roman prison in 61AD. Purpose of Paul s writing: 1. to relieve their anxiety over his imprisonment (Chp. 1) 2. their need for unity and humility (Chp. 2) 3. Timothy s upcoming visit (Chp. 2) 4. Epaphroditus sickness (Chp. 2) 5. to warn them of false teachers (Chp. 3) 6. to urge two women who were quarreling to get along (Chp. 4) 7. to help them get victory over worry (Chp. 4) 8. to thank them for their gift Distinctive features: 1. Of all the epistles written to churches, Philippians is the most personal 2. Within the book is a strong emphasis upon the word gospel, found nine times in various constructions: fellowship in the gospel (1:5); defence and confirmation of the gospel (1:7); furtherance of the gospel (1:12); defence of the gospel (1:17); conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ (1:27a); faith of the gospel (1:27b); served with me in the gospel (2:22); laboured with me in the gospel (4:3); and beginning of the gospel (4:15). 3. This book has a traditional reputation of being the epistle of joy. Various forms of the words joy and rejoice are found eighteen times in the book. This theme can be seen in the key verse: Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (4:4). 5

6 4. One of the greatest christological passages occurs within this book (2:5-11) as an example or illustration to the Philippians of genuine humility and obedience. It speaks of Christ s eternal deity, incarnation, humiliation, death, resurrection, and exaltation via ascension. Theologians have called it the Kenosis passage, based upon the Greek text underlying the phrase: But made himself of no reputation (2:7). Philippians 1:1-2, Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I. The Salutation (vs. 1) 1. The Author: Paul 2. His associate: Timotheos (Timothy) 3. Their title: servants of Jesus Christ Literally: bond slaves 4. The readers: a. to all the saints in Christ Jesus saints set apart Four ways: 1. a distinction: being a saint and being saintly 2. it s in the plural not singular 3. it s all because we are In Christ Jesus b. bishops Greek: episkopos meaning oversight We get the word Episcopalian Illustration: 1 Peter 2:25, For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. Same word as elder or shepherd (pastor) Greek: presbuteros 6

7 All three are seen in Acts 20:17, 28, And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church... Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Notice the wrong views today over many churches Notice it s only men! Qualifications for a Bishop: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. deacons servants Literally: to throw dust Qualifications for a Deacon: Acts 6:1-7, And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, 7

8 II. The Blessing (vs. 2) and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 1. Grace Greek: charis - unmerited favor 2. Peace Hebrew: shalom a. With God: b. Of God: 3. Its Source Romans 5:1, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Jesus is God! 8

9 PHILIPPIANS 1:3-8 - Joyful Christian Fellowship INTRODUCTION: Philippians 1:3-8, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. John Fawcett was born of poor parents in Lidget Green, Yorkshire, England, in He was converted to Christ at the age of sixteen through the ministry of George Whitefield. At the age of twenty-six he was ordained as a Baptist minister. He accepted a call to pastor a small and impoverished congregation at Wainsgate in Northern England. After spending several years at Wainsgate where his salary was meager and his family growing, he received a call to the large and influential Carter s Lane Baptist Church in London to succeed the wellknown Dr. Gill. As the day for the scheduled departure from Wainsgate arrived, with the saddened parishioners gathered around the wagons, Mrs. Fawcett finally broke down and said, John, I cannot bear to leave. I know not how to go! Nor can I either, said the saddened pastor. The order was soon given to unpack the wagons. Out of that experience John Fawcett wrote the song: Blessed Be the Tie That Blinds. The first stanza of the song goes like this: Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds Is like that to that above. Paul also knew the joy of fellowship with the believers in the church at Philippi. Perhaps no other group of believers was so near and dear to the heart of Paul the apostle. The church was founded by Paul on his 2 nd missionary journey (Acts 16). Paul was now in prison writing them in very difficult circumstances. Yet Philippians is an epistle that overflows with Christian joy. 9

10 Key word = mind used 10 times Philippians 2:5, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: In chapter one, we see that Paul had joy in spite of his circumstances. [Circumstances can become a great joy stealer] How cold this be? Paul had a single mind. Philippians 1:20-21, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Paul knew that his suffering only served to strengthen his fellowship with the saints. This is true for us too! Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Paul found great joy in Christian fellowship. What made Paul s fellowship so joyful? Three things: 1. He was Thankful and Thoughtful (vs. 1-6) Philippians 1:1-6, Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Notice three things (vs. 1-2): 10

11 a. The Servants (vs. 1a) b. The Saints (vs. 1b) c. The Salutation (vs. 2) While in prison, Paul was not full of self-pity, rather he was thinking of others (vs. 3-6). No wonder he had joy! Philippians 1:3-8, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Notice Paul s use of you or your. Paul was: 1. Thankful (vs. 3) 2. Thoughtful (vs. 3) 3. Prayerful (vs. 4) What was Paul thankful for? for your fellowship in the Gospel (vs. 5) Notice our fellowship is in the Gospel! Not on the basis of affluence, intellect, education, race, sex, or social status. 2. He was Confident (vs. 6) Philippians 1:6, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: His confidence was in God not man! Notice he (God) which hath begun and it s a good work 11

12 Good Work: Salvation Sanctification Service Ephesians 2:8-10, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Workmanship (vs. 10) - Greek Word: Poiema - {Poy'-ay-mah} Meaning: (1) That which has been made (2) a work, (2a) of the works of God as creator Usage: AV - thing that is made, workmanship God will finish the work in them the job s unfinished Till the day of Jesus Christ (Rapture) Don t be discouraged, God isn t finished with you yet! Remember Jesus is the author and finished of our faith Hebrews 12:1-2, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Eternity magazine once published an interesting article called Encounter with Light, telling of a young atheistic student who had heard of C.S. Lewis and began corresponding with him. As this student unburdened himself of his doubts and questionings to the famous scholar, Lewis responded very simply: I think you are already in the meshes of the net. The Holy Spirit is after you; I doubt if you ll get away. Not long afterward, the atheistic student, pursued by God for so long, finally surrendered. He had found, as C.S. Lewis himself had found, that salvation is of God. He ran, but God successfully pursued him. Did you seek God? Of course you didn t. You resisted him, and he had to beat down your resistance until you yielded to him like a vanquished enemy. If in the struggle there was ever a moment you seemed to seek him, it was only because he was there beforehand moving you to do it. 12

13 I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me; It was not I that found, O Savior true; No, I was found of Thee. Paul found joy in seeing God work in the lives of others. How about you? 3. He was Loving and Caring for Others (vs. 7-8) Philippians 1:7-8, Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels (tender mercies and compassions) of Jesus Christ. We now move deeper, for it s possible to have others on our minds without loving them with our hearts. Christian love is the Tie that Binds It s the mark of the Christian (John 13) 1 John 3:14, We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Notice Paul says, you all it s all the believers not just the few you like. How do I know if I truly love others? 1. You will be concerned about others (vs. 7a) 2. You will be willing to suffer for others (vs. 7c) 3. Yow will show grace toward others (vs. 7b) Notice the intensity of Paul s love (vs. 8) how greatly I long one verb in the Greek used of the athlete who strained at the finish line to finish first. Bowels (tender mercies and compassions): today, heart It s Jesus love through us. Loving Christians are joyful Christians. 13

14 Both come from the Holy Spirit. Are You? Galatians 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 14

15 PHILIPPIANS 1: Paul s Prison Prayer INTRODUCTION: As Christians it s easy for us to fall into the trap of talking about prayer, but not talking to God in prayer. We believe in the power of prayer but we never pray. That s not the way it was with Paul. Paul prayed! Philippians 1:4, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, Philippians 1:9-11, And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Why did Paul pray? He loved them. Philippians 1:8, For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. If we love we pray! What did Paul pray for? He prayed for three things from his prison in Philippi: I. A Fuller Expression of Love (vs. 9) Philippians 1:9, And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; Paul does not pray that they might love him. He does not pray that they would love another. He does not pray that they would love God. No for love was not lacking in their lives. Paul is praying that their love would overflow. 15

16 To put it simply Paul was praying that they would be more loving. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; The word abound has the idea of a river overflowing its banks. The word Love is the Greek word Agape (1 Cor. 13). Is your life overflowing with Agape? F.B. Meyer,... when the love of God really fills the heart, the accent of the voice, the movements of our body, the look on the face, the demeanor, everything is affected. Too often we show the worried expression, the querulous tone, the over-strained nervous system, but through all this the love ought to pour, carrying away the discontented gloomy look, so that when we return to our dear ones at the close of the day, the entire household may feel that because we have come, sunlight and love of God are flooding the house, which during the day had missed the music of our presence. Let your love abound yet more and more. Our love is to overflow yet it s not to be out of control. It s not to be an indiscriminate love. Paul gives two guidelines for our love: 1. Knowledge it s a thorough, mental grasp of spiritual truth. Its knowledge of what Christ expects of us. How to we acquire it? Through His Word (the Bible) 2. Judgment true love is discriminate between good and evil. If we love the Lord we must hate evil. It s not a mamby, pamby, undefined, sentimental love. Its love and truth in our lives. 16

17 II. A Finer Evaluation of Life Philippians 1:10, That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Approve, literally means to test. It s used for assaying metals; it s a test with the sense of approval. Excellent, means the things which differ. It knows the difference, not between good and evil, but between the eternal and temporal. It knows what s of transcendent worth. The New International Version says puts it this way: Discern what is best. Why? So we will give our attention, strength and effort to primary things. Isaiah 55:1-2, Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Illustration: House, job, career, hobbies, sports, TV, books, etc. Hebrews 12:1, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, sin and the weight It s asking not just is it harmful, but is it helpful? It s having right priorities, first things first knowing and serving God. How about you? 17

18 III. A Fruitful Experience of Righteousness (vs ) Philippians 1:10-11, That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Sincere Literally judge by the sun without wax Illustration: An airport security check It has to do with motive (before God) It s having a transparent character. It s the opposite of Hypocrisy. Washing windows on a sunny day You can fool man but not God! Matthew 6:1-4, Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. We should pray, Search me O God! John 21:15-17, So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18

19 Love and truth go together. Romans 12:9, Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. W. Graham Scroggie,... it is required of us that we be pure, genuine, real, free from all foreign elements, without hypocrisy, being what we profess and appear to be; not feigned, not simulated, not assumed; clear of all base mixtures in short, perfectly open towards God. Are you? The test of your life is not what men think but what God thinks. Without offense your life lived man-ward Greek: skandalon originally part of a trap. It s a snare causing one to stumble and fall into a trap. We are not to cause others to stumble by the way we live. Walk in love not selfishness. We offend others when we live selfishly. Till the day of Christ the rapture From conversion to the day of translation. John 3:1-3, There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. When we have sincerity and consistency it results in character (fruit). Philippians 1:11, Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 19

20 It s an Old Testament expression for fulfilling the law. How? Romans 8:4, That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. It s by Jesus Christ John 15:5,... for without me ye can do nothing. The result of Christ like character: Philippians 1:11,... unto the glory and praise of God. John 15:8, Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Is your life overflowing with the love of Christ? Are you devoted to the things of Christ? Is your life lived in sincerity before God and without offense before men? 20

21 PHILIPPIANS 1: Bound for Joy INTRODUCTION: Philippians 1:21-21, But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. Paul the Apostle is experiencing very difficult circumstances yet his heart overflowed with joy and rejoicing (vs. 18b). How? He saw the obstacles as opportunities and his disappointments as divine appointments. He knew that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). God turned Paul s prison, not only into a place of prayer, but also into a pulpit for the furtherance of the gospel. (vs. 12) 1. The Philippians were discouraged over Paul s circumstances. 2. Paul says, I want you to understand ; it helped to further the gospel, it didn t hinder it. 3. Notice the things which happened (What things?) Lessons: A. Paul was not bitter (Have you?) 21

22 Every circumstance of life is a platform on which the transforming grace of God can be manifested in the life of the believer. B. The Righteous do suffer! However God can use it for our good and His glory. Joseph: Genesis 50:20, But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Billy Graham (The Road to Armegeddon), Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as adversity has done. Out of pain and problems have come the sweetest songs, the most poignant poems, the most gripping stories. Out of suffering and tears have come the greatest spirits and the most blessed lives. Paul did not find his joy in ideal circumstances; he found his joy in winning others to Christ. If his circumstances helped to further the gospel that was all that mattered. The word furtherance means pioneer advance. God used three (3) tools to further the gospel: I. Paul s Chains (vs ) Philippians 1:13-14, So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. The same God who used Moses rod, Gideon s pitcher, David s sling, Balsam s donkey, used Paul s chains. Paul could have complained about his chains, instead he consecrated himself and his chains to God, and asked God to us them for the pioneer advance of the gospel. 2 Timothy 2:9, Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. How did God use Paul s chains? 22

23 1. His Chains gave him Contact with Sinners (vs. 13a) the place the Praetorian he was chained to a Roman soldier 24 hours a day. The shifts changed every six hours so Paul could witness to at least four men each day (in 2 years it would be 3000 soldiers!) in all other places like what? Philippians 4:21-22, Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. Acts:28:30-31, And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Even in prison Paul was powerful in his preaching, writing and prayer. How about you? Are you chained in some way that you are unable to be used by God? Tied to a job, in the house, sick, etc. Susannah Wesley had 19 children Fanny J. Crosby was blind The key is a single mind! 2. His Chains gave Courage to the Saved (vs. 14) Philippians 1:14, And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. How? They saw his example: 23

24 Ephesians 6:19, And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, If Paul can in prison, so too can I Our lives are to be an example Note: without fear 2 Timothy 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. II. Paul s Critics (vs ) Philippians 1:15-18, Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. The many or most in verse 14 was divided into two groups, indicated by the double usage of some (vs. 15). Both preached the same message, but each group had different motives. 1. The Preachers with the wrong motives: a. Envy (vs. 15) it s the work of the flesh its jealousy b. Strife (vs. 15) wrangling or contention envy is the inward emotion, whereas strife is the outward expression. c. Contention (vs. 16) to canvass for office to get peoples support. Paul s desire was to glorify Jesus Christ! d. Not Sincerely (vs. 16) not pure e. They intended to aggravate Paul (vs. 16) supposing to add affliction to my bonds. 2. The Preachers with right motives: a. Good will (vs. 15) Lit: that which seems to be good b. Out of Love (vs. 17) for Paul, the lost, the Lord 24

25 (2 Corinthians 5) c. Truth (vs. 18) Both the content and motivation of their message was true. Notice Paul s attitude in verse 18: I rejoice How? Because Christ was preached. The key: Christ was Preached The motive was wrong yet the content was right! Paul had the single mind, there was no envy in his heart. It is a matter of historic record that the two great English evangelists, John Wesley and George Whitefield, disagreed on doctrinal matters. Both of them were very successful, preaching to thousands of people and seeing multitudes come to Christ. It is reported that somebody asked Wesley if he expected to see Whitefield in heaven, and the evangelist replied, No, I do not. Then you do not think Whitefield is a converted man? Of course he is a converted man! Wesley said. But I do not expect to see him heaven because he will be so close to the throne of God and I so far away that I will not be able to see him! Though he differed with his brother in some matters, Wesley did not have any envy in his heart, nor did he seek to oppose Whitefield s ministry. III. Paul s Crisis (vs ) Philippians 1:12-21, For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Because of Paul s Chains Christ was Known Because of Paul s Critics -- Christ was Preached Because of Paul s Crisis -- Christ was Magnified 25

26 Paul learned that the sufferings he had gone through, let him see that Jesus Christ is the one thing worthwhile in life. How about you? The things that happen unto me Are not by chance I know ---- But because my Father s wisdom Has willed to have it so. For the furtherance of the gospel As a part of His great plan, God can use our disappointments And the weakness of man. Mrs. J. S. King Philippians 1:21, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. What will happen when you die? 26

27 PHILIPPIANS 1: The Believer s Death Benefits INTRODUCTION: Philippians 1:21-26, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Paul was in prison awaiting trial, his future was uncertain. He didn t know if he would live or die; But for Paul it made no difference. Notice verse 21, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If Paul lives its Christ If Paul dies its gain I want to focus on the thought of death being gain. Philippians 1:23, For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: How wonderfully these words express the triumphant outlook of the believer as he looks toward eternity. The Bible says death for the believer is: 1. fearless Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 2. precious Psalms 116:15, Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 3. hopeful Proverbs 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:55, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Live in Christ, die in Christ, and the flesh need not fear death, John Knox. The best of all is, God is with us, John Wesley. 27

28 I have pain but I have peace, I have peace, Richard Baxter. Augustus Toplady, the author of Rock of Ages, was jubilant and triumphant as he lay dying at the age of thirty-eight. I enjoy heaven already in my soul, he declared; my prayers are all converted into praises. But unfortunately the unbeliever does not face death with the same triumphant outlook. I am abandoned by God and man! I shall go to hell! O Christ, O Jesus Christ! Voltaire, the infidel. Notice that Paul wanted to go to heaven. Philippians 1:22-23, But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: a desire a lust, an inner passion or desire. Lit: the desire having shows that it was a constant part of Paul s life. How about you? Why did Paul desire Heaven? Not because he was afraid to live Not because he was tired of suffering Notice the contrast with unbelievers a selfish way to escape Paul knew that death brought great benefits for the believer. 1. Freedom from Evil The unsaved may not desire this preferring to wallow in sin. The believer longs for a purity that they have never known on earth. The Christian longs to be free of sin, sorrow & sickness. There is an interesting image in verse 23 which conveys this thought, it s found in the word depart. It was used for: 28

29 1. The freeing of a slave. 2. The sailing of a ship. 3. The breaking up a camp. When the believer dies they leave behind all the sin, sorrow, and suffering of the world. Jesus said in Revelation 21:4, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Notice the contrast with the unbeliever. To convey the idea of peaceful freedom at death for the believer, the Bible uses the picture of sleep. Acts 7:60 And he (Stephen) kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. John 11:11, These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:15, For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:51, Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, It s only the body! There s no soul sleep or purgatory. Why would Paul call death far better? This freedom from evil comes to us in Heaven because we will be given new bodies (2 Corinthians 5). Oh, to think of heaven without Christ!... It is a day without the sun, existing without life, feasting without food, seeing without light.... It is the sea 29

30 without water; the earth without its fields, the heavens without their stars. There cannot be a heaven without Christ. He is the sum total of bliss, the fountain from which heaven flows. --Charles Haddon Spurgeon Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The righteous are put into their graves all weary and worn; but such they will not rise. They go there with the furrowed brow, the hollowed cheek, the wrinkled skin: they shall wake up in beauty and glory. The old man totters thither, leaning on his staff. The palsied comes there, trembling all the way. The halt, the lame, the withered, the blind, journey in doleful pilgrimage to the common dormitory. But they shall not rise decrepit, deformed, or diseased, but strong, vigorous, active, glorious, immortal. The winter of the grave shall soon give way to the spring of resurrection and the summer of glory. Blessed is death, since it answers all the ends of medicine to this mortal frame, and through the divine power disrobes us of the leprous rags of flesh, to clothe us with the wedding garment of incorruption! There is a land of pure delight, Where saints immortal reign; Infinite day excludes the night, And pleasures banish pain. 2. Intimate Fellowship with Christ (vs. 23) Philippians 1:23, For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: John 14:3, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:8, We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. A. Psalms 16:11, Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Wow, some think Heaven will be boring! B. We will share His glory. Colossians 3:4, When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 30

31 Paul said in Romans 8:18, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. C. We will see Him face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12, For now we see through a glass, darkly (Greek: enigma); but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Face to Face Face to face with Christ, my Savior. Face to Face what will it be? When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me! Only faintly now I see Him, With the darkling veil between; But a blessed day is coming, When His glory shall be seen. What rejoicing in His presence, When are banished grief and pain, When the crooked ways are straightened And the dark things shall be plain. Face to face O blissful moment! Face to face to see and know; Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so! Chorus: Face to face I shall behold Him, Far beyond the starry sky; Face to face, in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by! -Carrie E. Breck 1. By Faith 2. Seen in the Word 3. Faith turns to sight Heaven (an enigma ) D. We will be like Him 31

32 1 John 3:2, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. How? In: (1) righteousness, (2) knowledge, (3) love. 3. Reunion with Christian loved ones 1 Thessalonians 4 Will we know each other? Yes! Will I be married in heaven? Matthew 22:30, For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. We will be the Bride of Christ! No wonder Paul said: to die is gain. to depart is and be with Christ; which is far better. Heaven is far superior to earth, there can be no comparison. As believers we have every reason to look forward toward Heaven with joyous anticipation. But Heaven should not just be our final destination, it should also be a present motivation. Paul s inner desire for that which was better by far gave way to his love for others and his calling as a servant. Philippians 1:24-26, Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 1:26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of 32

33 the next. It is because Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this one. -C.S.Lewis ( ) For us: 1. Keep your mind focused on Heaven 2. Keep your hands busy serving others 33

34 PHILIPPIANS 1: Fight the Good Fight INTRODUCTION: Philippians 1:27-30, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. The theme of Philippians is joy. In chapter 1 we learn that we can have joy in spite of circumstances. Example: Paul in prison. Paul was joyful because his circumstances did three things: 1. Strengthened his fellowship in the gospel (vs. 5) 2. Helped in the furtherance of the gospel (vs. 12) 3. Gave the believers an opportunity to stand for the faith of the gospel (vs. 27) The faith of the gospel is that body of divine truth given to us in God s word, the Bible. Jude said in verse 3,... the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Paul warns us in 1 Timothy 4:1,... in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; We as Christians face a hostile world that is in many ways trying to destroy the faith. Paul now gives us admonitions explaining that there are three (3) essentials needed for us to fight the good fight of faith. 2 Corinthians 10:4, (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) I. Consistency (vs. 27) the power of a Holy life Philippians 1:27, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I 34

35 may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Mahatma Gandhi was once asked what the greatest hindrance to Christians missions in India; his answer, Christians! The word, conversation means walk not talk. Warren W. Wiersbe, the most important weapon against the enemy is not a stirring sermon or a powerful book; it is the consistent life of believers. The Greek verb comes from the word for city (polis) found within the names Indianapolis and Minneapolis ; which transliterates into the English term politics. The Philippians were citizens of Rome so, Paul was saying, behave as a good citizen of Heaven. Philippians 3:20, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Ask yourself, Am I conducting myself in a manner worthy of the gospel? In the home? on the job? Titus 2:9-10, Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Paul said,... whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (vs. 27) Even when no one is looking! It s a life lived without compromise. You are writing a Gospel, a chapter each day, by the deeds that you do and the words that you say. Men read what you write, whether faithless or true, say, what is the Gospel according to you? 35

36 - Author unknown II. Cooperation (vs. 27b) Philippians 1:27, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Paul now changes the illustration from politics to athletics. Notice the words, striving together which we get our English word athletics from. The church as a team must work together to win victory. The only problem is found in Philippians 4:2, I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. The key together There is only one goal: to honor Christ and do His will. Are you seeking to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? (Eph. 4:3) We need to stand together. We need to strive together. All for the faith of the gospel. Let s take the gospel to the world. Think of what we can do as a church! We are citizens of Heaven walk consistently We are members of the same team work cooperatively However there is a third essential for success as we face the enemy. That is: III. Courage (vs ) 36

37 Philippians 1:28-30, And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. 2 Timothy 3:12,... all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Notice the sequence. It happened to Jesus Why? He was to be a light in the darkness So are we! Jesus was not terrified before Pilate. The verb terrified was used of horses that were frightened or spooked into an uncontrollable stampede. Who were their adversaries? 1. Romans 2. Judaizers Our double citizenship brings us into conflict with the kingdoms of this world ruled by Satan. Don t be terrified In Luke 12:4, Jesus said, And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. Why does God allow it? 1. The conflict proves who is lost and who is saved (vs. 28). John 15:18-19, If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 2. The conflict is a Privilege (vs. 29) 37

38 Notice two things given to us: a. to believe b. to suffer It s not punishment; it s a gift (grace) The key: for His sake Not just suffering per se! 3. Others are experiencing the same conflict (vs. 30) Conflict literally: agony The same word is used to describe Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Lesson: Satan wants us to think we are alone in the battle, that our difficulties are unique. This is NOT true! We all have battles; it doesn t matter where you live. It s used by God to help us grow. You to can have joy in spite of your circumstances. the single mind (vs ) 1. Fellowship 2. Furtherance 3. Faith To glorify God and further His kingdom we need: 1. The consistency of a godly life. 2. Cooperation standing fast in one spirit and striving together for the faith of the gospel. 3. Courage don t be terrified by your adversaries. Philippians 1:21, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 38

39 PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4 - Joy In Spite of People (Pt. 1) INTRODUCTION: Philippians 2:1-4, If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. The apostle Paul is explaining how to experience joy. In chapter 1 he said we can have joy in spite of circumstances if we seek to cultivate the single mind (1:20-21). In chapter 2 Paul say s we can have joy in spite of people. If we have the submissive mind (2:3). Just as circumstances can rob us of our joy, so can people! By what they say and do. Someone once said, I love mankind, its people I can t stand. How about you? The steps to Joy: Chapter 1 Christ Chapter 2 Others Jesus Others You Often the reason there s no joy in your life is because you re putting yourself first. James 4:1 tells us, From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? In our text Paul does two things: 1. He pleads with us to have the submissive mind (vs. 1-4) 2. He presents us with the pattern of the submissive mind (vs. 5-11) I. The Plea (vs. 1-4) 39

40 Philippians 2:1-4, If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Joy is based upon attitudes and relationships. Paul could not have joy if the Philippians attitude was right toward him, but wrong toward others. The Conditions for Joy (vs. 1) Philippians 2:1, If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Paul pleads with them to get along together giving them a fourfold basis for unity (vs. 1): 1. Consolation in Christ (vs. 1.) It s encouragement from being united with Christ. They were no longer without hope in the world. Illustrations: 2. Comfort of Love (vs. 1) Lydia in her home The slave girl 1 Corinthians 13 Agape 3. Communion of the Spirit (vs. 1) The Holy Spirit He joins us in one body Galatians 5 His fruit 4. Compassion (vs. 1) Bowels and Mercies Bowels internal organs it speaks of the seat of our emotions and feelings. 40

41 The Nature of their Joy (vs. 2-4) In Christ we have tender mercy and compassion. God to us in Christ has been merciful and compassionate toward us. Compassion here is the opposite of indifference. When a person is loving they are compassionate. When they are loving they are actively engaged in helping, serving, assisting, and relieving the affliction of others. 1 John 3:17, But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? Philippians 2:2-4, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. I read an article recently which told of a church in Texas which had a major church split. One group sued the other for the church property. They later traced the origin of the dissension back to a church potluck dinner where an elder received a smaller serving than a young boy. This so enraged the elder that it eventually led to splitting the entire congregation. How sad! Paul describes how we can experience unity, harmony, and overflowing joy in our fellowship. Fulfill ye my joy How? 1. Be likeminded (vs. 2) have the same goals contemplate the same things 41

42 be unanimous in your decisions There s a difference between uniformity and unity. Uniformity comes from outside pressure. 2. Have the same love (vs. 2) This is where unity commences. Dr. R.L. Lauren emphasizes love rather than knowledge as the starting place if there is to be unity. He cites the mighty leaders of the Reformation as men of great intellect and unfaltering courage; but failing in their love, thus producing a group of quibbling theologians. There must be unity of affection for God s word, God s workman, and most certainly, we must share God s love for the world of lost mankind. God so loved the world (John 3:16) Thus if we re going to have the same mind as God, we need to love the world. 3. Being of one accord (vs. 2) The hearts of believers in every local assembly must be knit together mutually by the same urge, inspired by the same love, will have a common accord. 4. Being of one mind (vs. 2) It speaks of our mind, attitude, and outlook. Four times in five verses the word mind occurs. The idea is not so much of ones intellectual apprehension as of ones mental attitude. It is not the difference of viewpoints that makes for disunity among us, but rather a wrong attitude towards others whose viewpoint differ from our own. Philippians 2:3-4, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Paul starts with the negative side first. 42

43 Don t do anything in your service to the Lord for vainglory! Someone said, Vainglory is the disease whereas strife is the symptom. Vainglory = inward attitude Strife = outward actions But (the positive) lowliness of mind (vs. 3) Humility of mind - self-less Focused on Jesus (others) rather than ourselves. Esteem others concerns and interests more important than your own. look (vs. 4) we get our English word scope from this word It has the idea to scope out the things of others. 43

44 PHILIPPIANS 2: Joy In Spite of People (Pt. 2) INTRODUCTION: Philippians 2:5-11, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. I. The Pattern (vs. 5-11) Philippians 2:5-11, (Today s New International Version) In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very natured of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The Exhortation (vs. 5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: In the Greek the word mind refers to an attitude or outlook on life. It s the same Greek word translated in verse 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. It s the idea that my attitude or outlook be submissive just like Jesus was humble, sacrificial, and serving A clear statement of His Deity (vs. 6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 44

45 In what way is Paul affirming clearly the Deity of Jesus Christ? Consider the following Greek words: being as the very essence intrinsically of what Jesus is. form Two Greek words used for the English word form : morphe what something is intrinsically (as to His very nature) schema the outward shape or appearance In this verse Paul uses the word morphe References to the Deity of Christ John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Hebrews 1:8, But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. John 20:28, And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. Titus 2:13, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; John 5:17-18, But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. If Jesus claimed to be God his claim was either true or false. If it s false you have two options: 1. He knew it was false thus, he was a liar. 2. He was delusional, he was a lunatic. C.S. Lewis - I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don t accept His claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who is merely a man and said the sort of 45

46 things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. ( Mere Christianity - by C.S. Lewis [New York: Touchstone, 1996] 56) What does he mean by,... thought it not robbery to be equal with God:? He didn t need to hang on to the outward demonstration of his divine nature. He voluntarily chose not to use his divine attributes for his advantage. In that we see his unselfish sacrifice for others. Jesus took on humanity; He became a man (vs. 7) This is the great Kenosis passage! (from the Greek word ekenosen, "he emptied," v. 7). What did He empty Himself of? Not His Deity! The Kenosis passage (Phil.2:5-11) a. Jesus was truly God (existed in the form of God 2:6) but He took on true humanity (the form of a servant 2:7). b. Jesus temporarily relinquished the use of some of His divine attributes (kenosis emptied Himself 2:7). 1) He chose to do it ( Himself 2:7). 2) He did it obediently to provide man s redemption (2:8). 3) He could still utilize divine attributes: Omniscience (John 2:24); Omnipotence (miracles) 46

47 c. He permanently took on a human body. 1) His humanity was real. form of servant, likeness of man, appearance as man (2:7,8) 2) His humanity remains forever (Acts 1:3,9-11) Jesus did not cease to be God. He maintained His full Deity at the very same time He took on full humanity. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ was every bit God as though He were not man; and every bit man as if He were not God; in one person at the same time. Jesus... took upon himself the form of a servant. (vs. 7) He humbled Himself! 1 Peter 5: all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: John 13:14, If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, and have the mind of Christ; you are called to be a servant. To be a follower of Jesus Christ means that I am to sacrifice; I am to consider others more important; I am to serve and give of myself to others. The term likeness of men (vs. 8) - alludes to the fact that Jesus was without sin! What did Jesus do? (vs. 8) he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 47

48 A Turn in focus (vs. 9) Verse s 5-8 focus on what Jesus did Verse s 9-11 focus on what God the father has done for Jesus Paul declares Jesus Christ is Lord (vs. 10) He is Yahweh He is Jehovah This phrase comes from: Isaiah 45:20-23, Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. The same words are found in two New Testament passages too: Romans 14:11, For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Philippians 2:10, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; These are all clear references to Jesus being Yahweh or Jehovah (God) Why did Paul put this deep doctrinal statement concerning Christ in the middle of this practical epistle? He put it there because he wants us to: humble ourselves 48

49 to take on ourselves the form of a servant to wash one another s feet to consider the interests of others more important than our own to sacrifice, serve and give of our self When we do we will learn the lesson that God will highly exalt us. The Lesson: The way up is first down (in God s Economy) 1 Peter 5:6, Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: In closing there are five marks of the mind of Christ (or how to get along with others): 1. Humility (vs. 3) 2. Others are more important (vs. 3) 3. Put the interest of others first (vs. 4) 4. Serve others (vs. 7) 5. Sacrifice (vs. 8) The results: It brings glory to God (vs. 11) 49

50 PHILIPPIANS 2: How to Live in a Dark World INTRODUCTION: Philippians 2:12-16, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Mark Twain, Few things are harder to put up with, than the annoyance of a good example. Perhaps the thing most annoying about a good example is it s inability to accomplish the same achievements in our own lives. Others can inspire us but they cannot enable us. It takes more than an example on the outside; it takes power on the inside. How can I live out the life of Christ in this dark world of selfishness and sin? The answer can be found in verse 13, For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Its God s power working in us worketh Energy! Are we then just to be passive in this whole process or do we, as believers, have any part to play? Yes! The believer cannot become spiritual by himself nor can Christ live His life through an unyielded vessel. Notice what Paul says: we must obey (vs. 12a) Three things to do: I. Work out: your own salvation (vs. 12) Philippians 2:12, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 50

51 What did Paul mean when he said work out your own salvation? He s not telling them to work to be saved. Paul was writing to believers - Philippians 1:1,... to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi... Salvation is a gift - Ephesians 2:8, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: He didn t say work for your salvation, or work toward, or work at your salvation. He said, work out. You can t work out what God hasn t first worked in. Work out - in the Greek is an imperative. It involves a constant process of self-initiated activity. It means to work to full completion You don t become a Christian by living a Christian life; you re a Christian because you have been born again! Notice the three tenses of salvation: 1. Saved 2. Being Saved 3. Shall Be Saved Paul is talking about being saved sanctification. In verse 16, paul says that he was running and that he laboured. Each believer is responsible for his or her own growth in the Christian life. We can t blame others for our carnality. Are you working out your salvation? Notice the attitude we should have as we work out our salvation: 1. fear and trembling a reverence for God. 2. a dependence upon God not self We should never take the gracious gift of our salvation lightly. Work out! 51

52 How? II. Shine out (vs ) Philippians 2:14-15, Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Paul says we re to shine as lights in the world (vs. 15b). In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Where are we to shine? In the world The Christian is to be in the world but not of the world. Why? Notice Paul says, in the midst of. Illustration: Jesus He ate with sinners. The need for us to shine (vs. 15) in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. crooked implies that which is curved in contrast to that which is straight. perverse that which is permanently distorted and twisted. It s a picture of the world of ungodly men. God s Word is the standard. Light must shine where it s needed the most: in the darkness! Application: Your home, work, school, neighborhood It s like stars in a dark night. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said, Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are 52

53 in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. How do we shine? 1. By living without complaining or arguing (vs. 14) murmuring in the heart is always associated with rebellion. Half-concealed, half-uttered complaints with men and God. Illustration: Israel in the wilderness. disputings murmuring leads to arguing with God and people. It s a bad witness! 2. By living blamelessly (vs. 15) It s free from censure. Illustration: Daniel How about you? Daniel 6:4, Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 3. By living harmlessly it s to be mixed or unadulterated. It s used of solid gold jewelry which was without any alloy. In all our dealings with God and man, our thoughts and motives are to be pure. Psalms 139:23-24, Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. III. Hold out the Word of Life (vs. 16) It means to hold forth others. 53

54 With our words we share with others the Word of Life. What is the Word of Life? It s the gospel of Jesus Christ, the living Word - as found in the written word. It s something every Christian should do. The world is not only dark, it s dead! Ways to share: 1. Your testimony 2. Sharing the gospel 3. Tracts 4. Books 5. Tapes 6. Radio 7. Missions 8. Bring people to church Paul devoted his life to getting out the gospel, and paid a great price doing it. How about you? Are you just a pew warmer? Don t hold back hold out the Word of Life! Why Paul was so committed: Philippians 2:16, Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. That (the reason): 1. I may rejoice in the day of Christ. How about you? 2. I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. How about you? 54

55 In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul said, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. You may say, it s too hard. But remember verse 13, For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. What God commands us to do, He gives us the power to do it. Let God work in you to make the child of God move like the Son of God. F.B. Meyer, Will you begin now? He may be working in you to confess to that fellow-christian that you were unkind in your speech or act. Work it out. He may be working in you to give up that line of business about which you have been doubtful lately. Give it up. He may be working in you to be sweeter in your home, and gentler in your speech. Begin. He may be working in you to alter your relations with some with whom you have dealings that are not as they should be. Alter them. This very day let God begin to speak, and work and will; and then work out what He works in. God will not work apart from you, but He wants to work through you. Let Him. Yield to Him, and let this be the day when you shall begin to live in the power of the mighty Indwelling One. 55

56 PHILIPPIANS 2: There s Joy in Serving Jesus INTRODUCTION: In Philippians 2, Paul is teaching us how to have joy in spite of people. The key is having the submissive mind. Last week we saw: The plea (vs.1-4) Key: vs. 3 The pattern (vs. 5-11) Key: vs. 5 The power (vs ) Key vs. 13 At this point it s very likely that someone will say, but it s impossible for me to perfectly follow the example of Jesus Christ; He was God in the flesh! Yes, it is true that in this life you will never be completely like Christ, and that much of your sanctification will consist in realizing how much unlike Him you are. Yet, we are to become more like Him. Paul gives us the proof (vs ) Philippians 2:17-30, Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. 56

57 Paul cites the example of three people: 1. Himself as an apostle 2. Timothy as a pastor 3. Epaphroditus as a layman He wants us to know that the submissive mind is not a luxury enjoyed by a chosen few; but a necessity for Christian joy. I. The Example of Himself (vs ) Philippians 2:17-18, Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. Paul was not afraid to point men to himself as an example of the Christian life (4:9) Philippians 4:9, Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Paul knew that he must be, and do, all that God expects before he can require the same of others. Illustration: A Pastor A Parent To understand this verse we need to realize that Paul is using a potent image to convey his thoughts. It s the image of the drink offering, called a libation Wine poured on the sacrifice. The altar was hot so the offering would disappear in a puff of smoke. The sacrifice was the Philippians faith (vs. 17) Paul was living out Philippians 2:4-5 57

58 Philippians 2:4-5, Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: The results were joy and rejoicing. The queen of Sweden sold her jewels to provide her people with hospitals and orphanages. One day she visited a convalescent home she had helped provide for. When tears of gratitude from a bedridden woman fell on the royal hand, the queen exclaimed, God is sending me back my jewels again. Many Christians are not experiencing joy simply because they are serving self rather than the Savior. There is joy in serving Jesus! II. The Example of Timothy (vs ) Philippians 2:19-24, But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Timothy is one of my favorite Bible characters. He probably met Paul on his first missionary journey and was converted as a young boy. His mother and grandmother were believer s first. His mother was Jewish and his father was a Gentile. He joined Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 16) He possibly saw Paul stoned. Paul points out four special qualities in Timothy that made him an example to us of the submissive mind. 1. He was like-minded (vs ) 58

59 Philippians 2:19-20, But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. Like-minded Lit equal soul Paul is saying Timothy was just like Paul. They both had the mind of Christ (vs. 5) and shared the same spiritual goals. The conjunction for gives the explanation for the choice of Timothy. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. Paul was surrounded by men like Tychichus, Aristarchus, Mark, Luke and Epaphroditus. 2. He had concern (vs. 20b) Philippians 2:20b,... who will naturally care for your state A. He was a caring person - the word care is used of a self-destructive worry which profits no one. Timothy s care was for others, not himself! B. His concern was genuine naturally ; truly it s not phony. C. His concern was for the Church. He takes a genuine interest in your welfare. (NIV) He was a true shepherd. Do you have a genuine concern for God s people? 3. He was not selfish (vs. 21) Philippians 2:21, For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. He was not self-seeking he put the interest of Christ and others before his own. 59

60 If you put self interests ahead of Christ and others you will lose your joy! Matthew 6:33, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 4. He had learned to work with others (vs. 22) Philippians 2:22, But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. How often we want to be independent. It s my work; my ministry! A real man of maturity is the ability to work with others cooperatively for the common cause of Christ s kingdom. There s no generation gap. How about you? III. Epaphroditus (vs ) Notice Timothy s servant reward (vs. 23) Philippians 2:23, Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. He not only was Paul s son and servant, he became his substitute. He had been proven and found faithful. (vs. 22) proof His life was faithful and as he sacrificed and served others his heart overflowed with joy and rejoicing. Remember Timothy had his weakness : 1. He was young (social problems) 2. He was timed and fearful (emotional problems) 3. He was sick (physical problems) He s just like us. 60

61 Philippians 2:25-30, Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. Paul was a Jew Timothy was part Jew and part Gentile Epaphroditus was a full Gentile He was the member of the Philippian church who risked his life to carry their offering to Paul in Rome (4:18). His name means: charming (and he was) A. His Character 1. Brother Relationship is more crucial than responsibility Remember Paul said in Chapter 1 that he thanked God for their fellowship in the gospel. 2. Worker (companion in labor) Philippians 1:12... the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; Epaphroditus was working out what God had worked in. 3. Soldier (fellow soldier) Philippians 1:27,... that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 61

62 Closing Questions: 4. Messenger 5. Minister B. His Concern (vs ) 2 Timothy 2:4, No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Philippians 2:25,... your messenger... The word means apostle Philippians 2:25,... and he that ministered to my wants. Philippians 2:26-28, For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 1. His Compassion (vs. 26) 2. His Healing (vs. 26) 3. His Reunion (vs. 28) C. His Commendation (vs ) 1. What do people say about you? Philippians 2:29-30, Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. 2. Do your relationships with people grow deeper as time goes on? 62

63 3. Do people recommend you for significant and difficult tasks without fear of you letting them down? 4. Are you making excuses for not serving Jesus Christ? Late in the fifteenth century, two young woodcarving apprentices in France confided to each other their desire to study painting. But this plan would take money, and both Hans and Albrecht were poor. Finally though, they had a solution. One would work and earn money while the other studied. Then, when the lucky one became rich and famous, he in turn could help the other. They tossed a coin and Albrecht won. So while Albrecht went to Venice, Hans worked as a blacksmith. As quickly as he received his wages, he forwarded money to his friend. The months stretched into years at last Albrecht returned to his native land, an independent master. Now it was his turn to help Hans. The two men met in joyous reunion, but when Albrecht looked at his friend, tears welled in his eyes. Only then did he discover the extent of Han s sacrifice. The many years of heavy labor in the blacksmith shop had calloused and bruised Han s sensitive hands. His fingers could never handle a painter s brush. In humble gratitude to Hans for his years of sacrifice, the artist, the great Albrecht Durer, painted a portrait of the workworn hands that had labored so faithfully so that he might develop his talent. He presented this painting of praying hands to his devoted friend. Today this masterpiece, a symbol of friendship and sacrifice, is familiar to millions of people throughout the world. C.T. Studd If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him. 63