Philippians 1
Philippians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 5 viewsPhilippians 1 explores the apostle Paul's joy and gratitude for the fellowship he shares with the Philippians, his perspective on suffering for the Gospel, and the exaltation of Christ as the ultimate purpose of life.
Notes
Transcript
Context
Philippians is one of the apostle Paul's prison epistles, written during one of his imprisonments in Rome, likely between AD 60-62. The church at Philippi was the first European church established by Paul on his second missionary journey, around AD 50 (Acts 16:12-40). Paul's affection for the Philippians is evident throughout the letter, as he expresses his deep gratitude for their partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:5) and his longing to be with them (Philippians 1:8).
Historically, the city of Philippi was a Roman colony, a status that granted its citizens certain rights and privileges. This background is significant, as Paul uses the language of citizenship to describe the believers' status in heaven (Philippians 3:20). It's worth noting that the church in Philippi was also diverse, comprising of people like Lydia, a businesswoman, and the Philippian jailer, among others. This diverse background might be the reason Paul emphasizes unity and humility throughout the letter.
While writing from prison, Paul's circumstances are far from ideal, but his letter is filled with joy and encouragement. His circumstances serve as a backdrop for the major themes in the letter, including joy in suffering, the advancement of the gospel, and the encouragement to live worthy of the gospel regardless of external circumstances.
Theme and Outline
Philippians 1 can be summarized around the theme of "The Progress of the Gospel and the Believer's Confidence in Christ."
Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians (1:1-11)
Paul and Timothy greet the believers (1:1-2)
Paul's deep affection and gratitude for the Philippians (1:3-8)
Paul prays for their spiritual growth and discernment (1:9-11)
The Gospel Advances Despite Paul’s Imprisonment (1:12-18)
Paul's circumstances have furthered the gospel (1:12-14)The gospel is preached both with pure and impure motives (1:15-18)
Paul's Confident Expectation in Life and Death (1:19-26)
Paul's confidence in deliverance through the Philippians' prayers and the Spirit's help (1:19)Christ is magnified in Paul's life, whether in life or death (1:20-21)The dilemma of desiring to be with Christ vs. staying for the believers' benefit (1:22-26)
Exhortation to Live Worthy of the Gospel (1:27-30)
The call to stand firm in unity and without fear (1:27-28)Suffering for Christ is a gift and privilege (1:29-30)
Brief Explanation of Each Point:
Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians (1:1-11)
Paul, in his affectionate manner, begins with gratitude, reflecting on the partnership he's enjoyed with the Philippians in the gospel. His prayer is rooted in love, desiring that they abound in knowledge and discernment, producing righteous fruits.
The Gospel Advances Despite Paul’s Imprisonment (1:12-18)
Despite being in chains, Paul's situation has actually served to advance the gospel. This sets the tone for the entire letter, emphasizing that external circumstances don't define the success of the gospel mission.
Paul's Confident Expectation in Life and Death (1:19-26)
With Christ as the focal point of his life, Paul grapples with the tension of his personal desire to be with Christ and his pastoral care for the Philippians. Yet, his confidence remains that Christ will be magnified in every situation.
Exhortation to Live Worthy of the Gospel (1:27-30)
Living as "citizens of heaven" implies unity, courage, and faithfulness. Paul also introduces the idea that suffering for Christ is not just an inevitable experience but a privilege, which he will elaborate on further in the epistle.
Proposition
You should magnify Christ.
Brief Explanation:In Philippians 1, Paul’s central desire and aim is that Christ would be magnified or glorified in his life, whether through life or death (Philippians 1:20-21). This sentiment becomes the crux of his message, demonstrating that every situation, even dire ones like imprisonment or the possibility of death, can serve to elevate and honor Jesus Christ. For Paul, to live is Christ, meaning that his entire existence, purpose, and mission revolve around Christ. This should resonate with every believer, urging them to center their lives around Christ, ensuring that in every circumstance and through every action, Christ is magnified.
Illustrations
Abraham's Faith in God's Promise (Genesis 22)
Abraham, when asked by God to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, obeyed without hesitation. Even in a situation that appeared completely contrary to God's promise, Abraham believed God would provide. And as he raised his knife, ready to obey, God intervened, providing a ram for the sacrifice. Abraham’s obedience magnified God's faithfulness and provision. This story serves to illustrate the lengths to which we should be willing to go to magnify God, trusting in His promises even when circumstances seem contrary.
Daniel in the Lion's Den (Daniel 6)
Despite the decree that forbade praying to any god except King Darius, Daniel continued to pray to the Lord openly. As a result, he was thrown into a den of lions, a certain death by human standards. However, God miraculously shut the lions' mouths, protecting Daniel. The following day, not only was Daniel found unharmed, but King Darius issued a decree that the God of Daniel be revered. In the face of death, Daniel’s steadfast faith magnified God before a pagan king and his entire kingdom.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)
When King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image and commanded all to bow down and worship it, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. In response to their defiance, they were thrown into a blazing furnace. However, instead of being consumed by the flames, a fourth figure (often believed to be a pre-incarnate Christ) appeared with them, and they emerged unscathed. Their willingness to face death rather than compromise magnified God's power and sovereignty, leading even Nebuchadnezzar to praise their God.
Each of these individuals, faced with life-threatening circumstances, chose faithfulness to God above all else. Their unwavering commitment, even in the face of death, served to magnify God's character, power, and faithfulness before those who did not know Him. Similarly, believers are called to live in a manner that magnifies Christ, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness regardless of the circumstances.
Reasons You should magnify Christ
Because Christ advances (1:12):
The word "advance" is translated from the Greek word "prokope" (προκοπή), which conveys the idea of progress or growth. In Galatians 5:7, Paul uses the same word, asking, "You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?" (προετρέχετε). The context of Philippians shows that despite Paul's chains, the gospel was not chained but continued to flourish.
Because Christ comforts (1:19):
The term "deliverance" or "salvation" in this verse is from the Greek "soteria" (σωτηρία), which often refers to salvation in a spiritual sense. Yet, its broader meaning encompasses rescue or deliverance from peril. In Acts 27:34, Paul encourages shipwrecked sailors with the word, urging them to eat for their "salvation" (σωτηρίας). Paul believed that through the Spirit and the Philippians' prayers, he would find comfort and rescue in his situation.
Because Christ enriches life (1:21):
The phrase "to live is Christ" is profound. The word "live" here is "zao" (ζάω) in Greek. In John 14:6, Jesus uses the same verb when He declares, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (ζωή). Paul's statement indicates that his very existence and purpose are rooted in Christ.
Because Christ instills purpose (1:25):
The term "progress" is translated from the Greek word "prokope" (προκοπή), suggesting advancement or growth. This same term appears in 1 Timothy 4:15, where it's said, "Progress (προκοπή) will be evident to all." Paul's confidence in staying alive was rooted in his belief that he had more to contribute to the believers' growth in faith.
Because Christ grants courage (1:28):
The believers' lack of fear was a sign of their opponents' destruction and their salvation. The word "sign" is translated from the Greek "endeixis" (ἔνδειξις), used in Romans 3:25-26 to speak of Christ's death as a "demonstration" of God's righteousness.
Because Christ gifts suffering (1:29):
The term "granted" comes from the Greek "charizomai" (χαρίζομαι), which has roots in "charis," meaning "grace" or "gift." In 2 Corinthians 2:10, Paul uses the same term when he speaks of forgiving others. Here, Paul paints suffering for Christ not as a burden but as a grace-gift, a perspective also seen in Peter's writings (1 Peter 4:13).
Each of these reasons offers a compelling basis for magnifying Christ in our lives. From the advancement of His gospel to the enriching of our very existence, Christ's centrality becomes evident. The Apostle Peter, for instance, magnified Christ when he rejoiced in suffering for His name (Acts 5:41), and Stephen, when he gazed upon Christ even as he faced martyrdom (Acts 7:55-56).
Ways You should magnify Christ
By living worthy (1:27):
The phrase "manner of life" in this verse originates from the Greek word "politeuomai" (πολιτεύομαι), which pertains to one's conduct or citizenship. In Acts 23:1, Paul uses the cognate verb when he says, "I have lived my life (πεπολίτευμαι) before God in all good conscience up to this day." This emphasizes living in a way that reflects our heavenly citizenship.
By standing firm (1:27):
The term "stand firm" is derived from the Greek "stēkō" (στήκω). In 1 Corinthians 16:13, the Apostle Paul uses the same term, urging believers to "stand firm in the faith." This suggests unwavering commitment and steadfastness in beliefs and convictions.
By striving together (1:27):
"Striving together" is from the Greek "sunathleo" (συναθλέω), which conveys a sense of teamwork, as in athletes working together in a contest. The same root appears in 2 Timothy 2:5, where Paul talks about competing according to the rules to win the prize. Striving together emphasizes the collaborative effort in the faith journey.
By avoiding fear (1:28):
"Not frightened" in the verse comes from the Greek "pturo" (πτύρω), a term used here in the New Testament to depict the unyielding courage of believers in the face of opposition.
By believing in Him (1:29):
"Believe" is from the Greek "pisteuō" (πιστεύω), which is a call to place one's trust and confidence in Jesus. In John 1:12, the same term is used, declaring that to those who "believed" in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.
By enduring conflict (1:30):
The term "conflict" is translated from the Greek "agōn" (ἀγών), which can refer to a struggle or contest. In Colossians 2:1, Paul describes his "struggle" (ἀγών) for the believers. The call here is to endure challenges and opposition as a testimony to Christ.
The ways outlined in Philippians 1 present a holistic approach to magnifying Christ—both in personal conduct and in community. For example, Joseph exemplified living worthily, maintaining his integrity even when faced with Potipar's wife's advances (Genesis 39:9). The early church modeled striving together as they devoted themselves to fellowship, prayer, and the apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42-47). David's refusal to fear Goliath, trusting God's deliverance, showcases not being daunted by adversaries (1 Samuel 17:37). All these lives and moments serve as reminders that in various ways, we can, and should, magnify Christ.
Pointing to Christ
Philippians 1 reveals multiple themes and doctrines that point to the supremacy, sufficiency, and centrality of Jesus Christ in the believer's life and in the progression of the gospel.
Christ as the Source of Joy and Partnership in the Gospel (1:4-5): Paul's gratitude is intertwined with the Philippians' "partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." This partnership is centered around Christ, who is the gospel's very essence. This recalls John's declaration, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4).
The Work of Christ in Believers (1:6): Paul's confidence in the Philippians' spiritual growth hinges on the work begun by Christ, ensuring it will be carried to completion. This aligns with Christ's promise in John 10:28 that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand, reinforcing the security believers have in Him.
Desire to be with Christ (1:23): Paul's deep longing "to depart and be with Christ" mirrors the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers. Christ Himself promises this closeness in John 14:3, saying He will take His followers to be with Him.
Living is Christ (1:21): To live is equated with Christ, emphasizing that every aspect of life should exude Christ. This reflects Christ's own words in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Suffering for Christ (1:29): The privilege of not just believing in Christ but also suffering for Him underscores the honor of being associated with the Savior. Christ elucidated this principle in the Beatitudes, declaring the blessedness of those persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:10).
Each of these doctrines and themes, as presented in Philippians 1, funnels back to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire chapter, whether discussing partnership in the gospel, the growth of believers, the desire to be with Christ, the essence of life, or the privilege of suffering, constantly and consistently magnifies Jesus Christ. It stands as a testament to His preeminence and His pivotal role in every facet of the believer's journey.
Gospel Invitation
Brothers and sisters, Philippians 1 beckons us to a profound realization. It's not merely about Paul's imprisonment, his deep love for the Philippians, or the challenges faced by the early church. At its heart, this chapter illuminates the transformative power of the gospel through Jesus Christ.
You see, the gospel isn't just good news or a historic event. It's the life-changing message that through Jesus Christ, we can be delivered from the penalty of our sins. Every one of us has sinned, and that sin separates us from God. But Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took our place on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins so that we might be reconciled to God.
Yet, the gospel doesn't stop at the cross. Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and through His resurrection, He offers us victory over the daily power of sin. As Paul asserts, "For to me, to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21). This isn't merely living for Christ but living in Him, being transformed by His power daily. It's in this transformative relationship with Jesus that we find the strength to stand firm, strive together, and magnify Christ in every aspect of our lives.
But there's more. The gospel not only delivers us from the penalty and power of sin but promises a future where we will be free from the very presence of sin. This is our hope, our anchor, as we navigate the challenges and trials of this life.
So, if you've never trusted in Jesus Christ, I urge you today: Recognize your need for a Savior. Believe in the finished work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection. Embrace the life, purpose, and hope He offers. For in Him, we find salvation, sanctification, and the promise of eternal glory.
Come to Jesus. Let Him transform your life, just as the gospel transformed the Philippians, Paul, and countless others throughout history. For in Christ, you will find life, and that life will be the light to guide your path.