Philippians study:
1:1-2
-a greeting
-shows that the author is Paul and Timothy
-both had missions in work with the gentiles (non-Jews/non-Christians)
-the book of Philippians is addressed to the people of Philippi
-"to all followers"
-not that it also says "Pastors and ministers included" (msg translation)
-this shows no one is excluded
-everyone needs guidance from Him
1:3-6
-Paul is so excited for his brothers and sisters in Christ
-they clearly live for Him all the day
-they let Him guide them
-Paul says he is excited to pray for them, "Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer" and "i find myself praying with a glad heart"
-(msg translation)
-this re-enforces the statements said in vs.3-4
1:7-8
-Paul shows his love for his brothers and sisters in Philipi
-he knows the love they have for Christ
-this is a new level to connect with the people of Philipi
-"sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does" (msg)
1:9-11
-Paul's prayer:
-That Philipi would be filled with the love of Christ
-love that is serious and not feeling, and emotional
-"not sentimental gush"
-that the Holy Spirit would engulf Philipi and that it would fill that place
Reflection: 1:1-11
Paul opens this letter up with so much encouragement. He sees how the church in Philipi has held strong and has put Christ first. However it's not all "rainbows and butterflies", he still is straight up and blunt with them, however is in encouragement.
1:12-14
-Paul is in prison when he writes this letter
-but continuing with is theme of encouragement
-he continues to say, "don't worry about me"
-he shows how his actions, even in jail, have been an example to everyone
-this is not boastful, but rather selfless
-he is saying "share your faith by your actions and lifestyle, not by your words"
1:15-17
-He warns of others who will try to take, as he puts it "the spotlight" while he is gone
-he says that others are there who are true, and supportive
-however there are others who "merely do it out of greed"
-these people want control
-and take pleasure in the fact that Paul is suffering
-however the very suffering he is going through is the one thing that continues to proclaim his message
1:18-21
-Paul shows his spiritual maturity here to the max!
-after calling people out on being self absorbed, he then proceeds to support them
-vs.18 shows this when he basically says;
-"I know they are being selfish, and self absorbed, and trying to benefit from my imprisonment, however they are still doing God's work, therefore I will support them, encourage them and continue to pray for them!"
-Wait what?! are these not the people who are happy that Paul is in prison, b/c now they can have some "spot light"
-yes, but Paul sees past that, and sees, that even though the means they are doing it are not very mature, Christ is still using them
-Paul then states that the prison he is in is a missions field, like anywhere, of itself
-he doesn't feel bad for himself, but rather praises God that he can be in prison to share the gospel to those there
1:22-26
-the first verse says it all; "As long as I am in this body there is no greater work for me to do.If I was to choose right know, I hardly know which one to choose."
1:27-30
-Paul opens up with telling them that there faith should be there to impress anyone
-he says "let nothing in your conduct hang on, whether I come or not"
-he encourage them to go beyond simply trying to look good for him and actually have and experience a real faith in Christ
-he then says that this will be tough, but that will bring strength to their relationship with Christ, making it a blessing in the end
1:1-30 reflection:
The first chapter of Philippians can be summed up in one word, HOPE, or, ENCOURAGEMENT. This first chapter screams those two words, Paul wants to support his brothers and sisters in Philipi, and so by example we to should do this. This world is filled with hopelessness, discouragement and no support, even in our own modern churches. But look to the word! Here we see the church of Philipi, a true church, seeking not numbers, or to please everyone but to fully experience and express the true love and salvation of Christ. The church of Philipi shows spiritual maturity, and so we should look to them for an example of a God filled, God centred, God striving, God loving church. And remember that yes, life is hard, yes life is uneasy, yes life is tough, yes life is filled with empty discouragement, however as followers of Christ we look beyond that and see hope, encouragement, and love, so don't focus on the negatives in life, but rather the positives He brings! And if you do this, everything, every situation and happening will be seen not through your eyes, but Christ.
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