So now we have seen the context for Philippians, who the author was and what he was going through when he wrote the book, we can now start into our study of Philippians!
For the next two weeks we are going to be looking at Philippians Chapter 1 - "Joy in Suffering", then our speaker will be covering the topic "Joy in Suffering" at Interface on Saturday 22nd October. It would be great if you guys have some background for this before then and have some of your own ideas to bring to that evening! Also feel free to write some of those thoughts at the comments section at the bottom!
So - Check it out!
Read: Philippians Chapter 1
Paul, while in chains, wrote about people spreading the gospel through love. How can we see things more positively when we are suffering?
Sometimes we face oppotsition because of our faith - how can we overcome this?
It seems through this passage that Paul's suffering is so great that he is debating whether he would rather die and be with Christ than have to go on living. v24 - 26 sees him decide what his choice would be - what is his reasoning? How can your life or suffering serve as a positive witness to others?
Verse 4 is the first of many times Paul used the word joy in his letter. The Philippians were remembered with Joy and thanksgiving whenever Paul prayed. By helping Paul, they were helping Christ's cause. The Philippians were willing to be used by God for whatever he wanted them to do. When others think about you, what comes to their minds? Are you remembered with joy by them? Do your Acts of kindness uplift others?
Commentaries to assist with reading the passage: (taken from Life Application Bible)
v1 This is a personal letter to the Philippians, not intended for general circulation to all the churches. Paul wanted to thank the believers for helping him when he had a need. He also wanted to tell them why he could be full of joy despite his imprisonment and forthcoming trial. In this uplifting letter, Paul counselled the Philippians about humility and unity and warned them about potential problems.
V4, 5 The Philippians first heard about the gospel about ten years earlier when Paul and his companions visited Philippi and founded the church there.
v5: When Paul said that the Philippians were partners in the gospel, he was pointing out their valuable contribution in spreading God's message. They contributed through their practical help when Paul was in Philippi, and through their finacial support when he was in prison. As we help our ministers, missionaries, and evangelists through prayer, hospitality and financial donations, we become partners with them.
v6: the God who began a good work in us continues it throughout our lifetime and will finish it when we meet him face to face. Gods work for us began when Christ died on the cross in our place. His work in us began when we first believed. Now the Holy Spirit lives in us enabling us to be more like Christ every day. Paul is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that began when we accepted Jesus and continues until Christ returns.
v6: Do you sometimes feel like you're not making progress in your spiritual life? When God starts a project, he completes it! As with the Philippians, God will help you grow in grace until he had completed his work in your life. When you are discouraged, remember that God won't give up on you. He promises to finish the work he began. When you feel incomplete, unfinished or distressed by your shortcomings, remember God's promise and provision. Don't let your present condition rob you of joy of knowing Christ or keep you from growing closer to him.
v7: When he said "in chains" Paul was probably referring to his imprisonment in Philippi, that we saw in the last Blog. Whenever Paul was in prison, he faithfully preached the Good News. Remember Paul's inspiring example when hindrences, small or large, slow down your work for God.
v7, 8: Have you ever longed to see a friend with whom you share fond memories? Paul had such a longing to see the Christians at Philippi. His love and affection for them was based not merely on past experiences, but also on the unity that comes when believers draw upon Christ's love. All Christians are part of God's family and thus share equally in the transforming power of his love. Do you feel a deep love for fellow Christians, friends and strangers alike? Let Christ's love motivate you to love other Christians and to express that love in your actions towards them.
v 9: Often the best way to influence someone is to pray for him or her. Paul's prayer for the Philippians was that they would be unifed in love. Their love was to result in greater knowledge of Christ and deeper insight. Their love was not based on feelings, but on what Christ had done for them. As you grow in Christ's love, your heart and mind must grow together. Are your love and insight growing?
v10: Paul prayed that the Philippian believers would "discern what is best" - in other words, that they would have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad.
v10: the "day of Christ" refers to the time when God will judge the world through Jesus Christ. We should live each day as though he could return at any moment.
v11: The "fruit of righteousness" includes all of the character traits flowing from a right relationship with God. There is no other way for us to gain this fruit of righteousness than through Christ.
v12 - 14: Being imprisoned would cause many people to become bitter or give up, but Paul saw it as one more opportunity to spread the Good News of Christ. Paul realised that his current circumstances weren't as important as what he did with them. Turning a bad situation into a good one, he reached out to many people. How we act in situations like this will reflect what we believe. Like Paul, look for ways to demonstrate your faith even in bad situations. This will help your faith grow stronger.
V14: When we speak fearlessly for Christ, or live faithfully for him during difficult situations, we encourage others to do the same. Be an encouragement by the way that you live.
1:15 - 18: Paul had an amazingly selfless attitude. He knew that some were preaching to build their own reputations, taking advantage of Paul's imrisonment to try and make a name for themselves. Despite this Paul rejoiced that the gospel was being preached. Some Christians serve for the wrong reasons. Paul wouldn't condone, nor does God excuse their motives, but we should be glad if God uses their message.
v19 - 21: this was not Paul's final imprisonment in Rome, but he didnt know that. Awaiting trial, he knew that he would either be released or executed. However, he trusted Christ to work it out for his delieverance. Paul's prayer was that when he stood trial that he would speak courageously for Christ and not be timid or ashamed. Whether he lived or died, he wanted to exalt Christ.
v20, 21; To those who don't believe God, life on earth is all there is and so it is natural for them to strive for this world's values. For Paul, however, to live meant to develop eternal values and to tell others about Christ, who alone could help them see life from an eternal persepective. Paul's whole purpose in life was to speak boldly for for Christ and to become more like him. Thus Paul could confidently say that dying would be better than living because in death he would be removed from worldy troubles and he could see Christ face to face.
v24: Paul had a purpose for living when he served the Philippians and others. We also need a purpose for living that goes beyond providing for our own physical needs. Whom can you serve or help? What is your purpose for living?
v 27: Paul encourages the believers to be unifed, as they "stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith." How sad that much time and effort is lost in some churches by fighting against one another instead of uniting against the real opposition. It takes a courageous church to resist in - fighting and maintain the common purpose of serving Christ.
v29: Paul considered it a priveledge to suffer for Christ. We do not consider suffering to be a priveledge. Yet, when we suffer we should faithfully represent Christ in order to affect us and others for the good.
Suffering has these additional benefits:
1) it takes our eyes of earthly comforts
2) it weeds out superficial believers
3) it strengthens the faith of those that endure
4) it serves as an example for those who may follow us.
v 30: Throughout his life Paul suffered for spreading the gospel. Like the Phi;lippians, we are in conflict with anyone who would discredit teh saving message of Christ. All true believers are in this fight together, uniting against the same enemy for a common cause.
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