Philippians

The BACKGROUND OF PHILIPPIANS Is Important to Understand the People and Circumstances.

1. Paul visited Philippi after the Council at Jerusalem on his second evangelistic trip (Acts 16).
   1. Paul took Silas with him after he and Barnabas had a division over Mark (Acts 15:36-41).
      1. Paul did not have much respect for the slothful John Mark (Acts 15:38 cp 13:13).
      2. By comparing this event with Col 4:10, we see that Barnabas was guilty of nepotism.
      3. Who was right? Barnabas is Ignored further in Acts, and Antioch endorsed Paul (15:40).
      4. Mark later repents, changes his behavior, and becomes profitable to Paul (Il Tim 4:11).
   2. Luke joins up with Paul and Silas in Troas before they are called to Philippi (Acts 16:10).
      1. Luke wrote the books of Luke and Acts to instruct Theophilus (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1).
      2. The change in personal pronouns from third to first person IS Important (Acts 20:5).
   3. It was at Lystra that Paul reaps Timotheus from his previous trip (Acts 16:1-3 cp 14:1-23).
      1. Timothy was raised by mothers to be a godly young man (Ac 16:1; Il Ti 1:5; Il Ti 3:15).
      2. Timothy had a good report of the disciples at Lystra and Iconium (Ac 16:2; I Tim 3:7).
      3. Paul circumcised Timothy and didn’t circumcise Titus to save men (Acts 16:3; Gal 2:3).
      4. Circumcision was rejected (Ac 15:24) and deemed Christ (Ga 5:2), but Paul was wise.
   4. This period of Paul’s efforts was blessed with confirmation and much growth (Acts 16:4-5).
   5. Our sovereign God directed the gospel from Asia and Bythinia to Macedonia (Ac 16:6-10).
      1. It is God’s pleasure to reveal and blind as He pleases (Matt 11:25-27; Rom 11:30-33).
      2. Paul was allowed to preach the gospel extensively in Asia later (Acts
      3. Macedonia was the beginning of Greece; Philippi was named after Alexander’s father.
   6. Paul and the others show their obedience by immediate and positive action (Ac 16:11-12).
   7. As was Paul’s manner to seek the spiritually awakened, he converts Lydia (Acts 16:13-15).
      1. He did not go to bars, jails, hospitals, or boys homes; he went where prayer was made.
      2. While God opened the heart of Lydia to heed Paul, she already worshipped God (16:14).
      3. Though false teachers lead captive silly women, Paul evangelized women himself.
   8. Paul gets himself In trouble by exorcising a profitable demon from a soothsayer (16:16-24).
      1. He describes this event to the Thessalonians as being shamefully entreated (I Thes 2:2).
      2. When preaching destroys financial gain from superstition, look for trouble (Ac 16:19).
      3. Though Paul obeyed the call of God, he immediately faced trials and temptations.
   9. Maintaining a constant spirit, Paul and Silas reap the jailor that night (Acts 16:25-40).
      1. Need we be surprised that this jailor asked about salvation (Acts 16:17 cp 16:31)?
      2. Note Paul’s wisdom and fun at the expense of the city magistrates (Acts 16:36-39).
2. Paul visited Philippi again on his third trip when he preached In Ephesus of Asia (Ac 20:1-6).
3. Paul wrote the epistle to the church while he was Imprisoned in Rome (Phil 1:13; 4:22).
   1. he Philippians supported Paul while he was at other churches (Phil 4:15-16; Il Cor 11:9).
   2. With Paul in bonds at Rome, they sent Epaphroditus with gifts (Phil 1:7; 2:25; 4:10-18).
   3. Paul sent Epaphroditus back to Philippi with this epistle for the church (Phil 2:25-29).

The SALUTATION OF PHILIPPIANS Is the Formal Statement of Authors and Readers (Phil 1:1-2).

1. Paul and Timotheus are the two ministers of Christ who write with authority from Christ.
   1. Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, visited them his second and third trips (Ac 16:12; 20:6).
   2. Timotheus accompanied Paul the first visit, and Paul sent him there later (Acts 19:22).
   3. Timothy was Paul’s main man (Ro 16:21; 1 co 4:17; 16:10; 1 Th 3:2; 11 Ti 13:23).
   4. Timothy had enough authority and respect in the church to be sent there again (Phil 2:19).
   5. The title of servant describes their obedience (Rom 6:16) and their authority (Il Cor 5:20).
      1. The soothsayer spoke of Paul and Timothy as servants of the most high God (Ac 16:17).
      2. Jesus Himself became a servant (Phil 2:7). Should we not do the same (Heb 9:14)?
2. The epistle is addressed to the saints, elders, and deacons In Christ which were at Philippi.
   1. The address is obviously limited to the saints in the church or churches at Philippi
      1. The saints are addressed as being at Philippi along With the bishops and deacons.
      2. Paul put saints into churches (Ac 14:23), since he knew God’s will (Ac 2:41-47; 11:26).
      3. Paul and Timothy’s ministerial gifts were limited to local churches (I Cor 12:27-28).
      4. A disciple is not in God nor Christ fully until in a church (I Th 1:1; Eph 1:1; Col 1:2).
      5. Communion and fellowship occur in the local church (I Cor Hebrews 10:29).
   2. The saints at Philippi had bishops and deacons, but no ruling elders, cardinals, priests, etc.
      1. 1.  
3. The salutation includes an apostolic blessing of God’s grace and peace to them all (Phil 1:2).
   1. Instead of wishing good luck or other trite word, Paul admits God as the Giver (Js 1:17).
   2. He closes all epistles this way (Il Thess 3:17), and he opens most this way (Rom 1:7; etc.).

The INTRODUCTION OF PHILIPPIANS Covers Paul’s Thanksgiving and Request for Them (1:3-11).

1. Paul IS thankful to God for the Philippians each time he remembers them (Philippians 1:3).
   1. Paul’s thanksgiving varies (Ro 1:8; Ep l : 15-16; Co 1:3-4; Il Th 1:3 vs I Co Gal 1:6).
      1. Paul was thankful for their faith and love: Corinth and Galatia lacked them both.
      2. So do ministers have varying degrees of thanksgiving for different members (Heb 13:17).
   2. Paul IS particularly thankful for their fellowship in the gospel from the beginning (1:5-8).
      1. They showed fellowship in Philippi (Acts 16:15,34) and continued to do so (4:14-16).
      2. Fellowship is a major benefit of the gospel (Ac 2:42) and requires holiness (I Jn 1:3-7).
   3. He is confident that God would preserve the Philippians for the day of Christ (1:6-7).
      1. God’s work in calling will be followed by other works (2:13; Ro 8:28-39; I Th 5:23-24).
      2. God’s things do not Include conversion as Calvinists teach (Ja 5:19-20; Ph 3:12; Ti 3:8).
      3. God does a work in us, but not by us; and Jesus Christ will complete it (John 6:38-39).
      4. They proved God’s work by their fellowship and grace in affliction (1:7; Il Co 8:1-4).
      5. It is diligent effort and abounding fruit that evidences preservation (Il Peter 1:8-11).
   4. Paul swares by God that he has great longing in the bowels of Christ for them (1:8; 4:1).
      1. In order to provide greater weight to his words, he calls God to witness (Rom 1:9; 9: l).
      2. Bowels describe inner, affectionate emotions (Ge 43:30; I Ki 3:26; SS 5:4; I Jn 3:7).
   5. God’s elect ought to enjoy wonderful fellowship and bowels of compassion (Col 3:12-15).
2. Paul requested greater fruits of godliness for them to the glory and praise of God (1:9-11).
   1. Paul prayed their love would Increase beyond its present state (I Th 3:12-13; Ph 3:12-15).
      1. It was not a wasted request by Paul, since others lost their love (Ma 24: 12; Re 2:4).
      2. True love can only exist and flourish in an environment of truth (I Cor 13:6; Eph 4:13).
   2. The knowledge and judgment of love was to promote approval of excellent things (1:10).
      1. Approving excellent things requires knowing and using God’s word (Ro 2:18; I Th 5:21).
      2. Judgment discerns true doctrine and practice (Ro 14:13-23; 16:17; Pr 19:11; Jn 7:24).
   3. He desired them to be filled with the fruits of righteousness through such conduct (1:11).
      1. Such fruits of righteousness are by Jesus Christ as the Source of them (John 15:1-5).
      2. Jesus Christ by calling dead sinners to life is the Source of fruits (Eph 2:10; Phil 2:13).

The FIRST LESSON OF PHILIPPIANS Gives Understanding in Suffering Afflictions (1:12-30).

1. The Philippians had heard that Paul was in prison, so they were concerned (1:30; 4:14).
   1. They heard of his Jew troubles, shipwreck, and trip to Rome (Acts 21:27; 27:44; 28:16).
   2. Being the great apostle, they were obviously concerned about Paul’s gospel Influence.
2. Paul instructs them that this “bad news” had actually been a blessing to the gospel (1:12-14).
   1. Joseph (Gen 45:5), Moses (Ex 18:1 1), and Philip (Ac 8:4) knew God’s wisdom (Psalm 76:10).
   2. When he first arrived in Rome, Paul was treated well for two years (Acts
   3. He had reaped some spiritual fruit even in the palace of Caesar (1:13; 4:22; Il Tim 2:9).
   4. It was manifest to everyone he was suffering for Jesus Christ (Acts 26:32; Eph 3:1; 4: l).
   5. A leader who is brave in danger often motivates his followers (Jn 19:38-39; Il Ti 1:6-12).
3. Though some preached Christ for evil motives, Paul rejoiced that He was preached (l: 15-18).
   1. These evil men envied Paul’s ministerial success and aimed to afflict him in bonds (2:3).
   2. They had correct doctrine, but not motives (Matthew 23:1-7; I Cor 1:12; 13:1-2; Job 6:14).
4. Through their prayers and Christ’s Spirit, Paul was not worried by circumstances (l: 19-20).
   1. Paul was confident that even in prison prayer and the Spirit were not bound (Il Tim 2:9).
   2. Paul’s earnest expectation and hope was to boldly magnify Christ by whatever means.
5. Paul encourages them by his own courage in viewing death as a means to heaven (1:21-26).
   1. Paul did not buy the “soul sleep” of the Seventh-Day Adventists, Russellites, and others.
   2. He 1<new death would bring gain (Phil 1:21), Christ (1:23), and something better (1:24).
6. He encourages them directly to godly conduct and courage in spite of coming trials (1:27-30).
   1. Their conversation – manner of living – should become or adorn the gospel of Christ (1:27).
      1. Every church should realize that there can be no evangelism with an ugly gospel.
      2. Paul’s definition of becoming behavior is unity in the truth (1:27 cp 2:2; 3:16; 4:2).
      3. This theme is Paul’s favorite epistolary admonition (Rom 12:16; I Cor 1:10; Eph 4:1-3).
      4. Jesus prayed for unity before He died (Jn 17:20-23 cp Ac 1:14; 2:1,42,46; 4:32; 5:12)
   2. Their suffering provided a different token depending on the party considered (1:28).
      1. Paul exhorted them not to be terrified by their adversaries (Luke 12:4-5; Heb 13:6).
      2. Men who persecute God’s saints evidence reprobation (Il Thess 1:4-10; Acts 13:44-46).
      3. Enduring persecution evidences salvation (Ma 5:10-12; Il Tim 2:11-12; I Pe 4:12-14).
   3. We are called not only to faith in Christ, but also to suffer for Him (I Thess 3:3).
   4. They were receiving what Paul had received and was receiving (Phil l: 12-13; I Thess 2:2).

The SECOND LESSON OF PHILIPPIANS Teaches Unity and Humility By Christ’s Example (2:1-11). A.

1. Paul begins his exhortation by appealing to the benefits possessed by a child of God (2:1).
   1. The condition presented is rhetorical in force, since the condition IS obviously fulfilled.
   2. Is there any consolation in Christ (Lk 2:25; 11 Th 2:16; He 6:17-20; Ac 15:31; Ro 7:18-25)?
   3. Is there any comfort In God’s love (Isaiah 40:1-2; Rom 5:6-11; Eph 5:1-2; I John 4:16)?
   4. Is there any fellowship of the Spirit (Rom 8:14-16; Il Cor 13:14; Gal 4:6; Psalm 51:11-12).
   5. Are there any bowels and mercies in Christ (Philippians 1:8; Philemon 20)?
   6. Specifically note the consolation, comfort, fellowship, bowels, and mercies of chapter one.
2. Paul concludes from the benefits of grace the duty of practical unity and humility (2:2-4).
   1. Ministerial joy for the growth of each individual saint is important (He 13:17 cp Phil 2:16).
   2. Paul rejoiced in other churches as well (Colossians 2: 5; I Thessalonians 3:5-10).
   3. Paul’s joy of the Philippian saints was according to their love and unity together (2:2).
      1. Paul emphasized likemindedness – having minds alike (Phil 2:20; Rom 15:5-7; Phil 4:2).
      2. Having the same love results from love increasing in knowledge (1:9-10 cp Amos 3:3).
      3. One accord is harmony and reconciliation of parts (Acts 1:14; 2:1,46; 4:24; 5:12; 15:25).
      4. Discord – the lack of accord and harmony – is hated by God (Prov 6:16-20; Acts 15:39).
   4. Accord among the saints is obtained by practicing and avoiding certain things (2:3-4).
      1. Avoid conduct toward others that comes from strife or conflict (l: 15-16; Ja 3:14-16).
      2. Avoid conduct toward others that comes from personal ambition (I Cor 13:4-5).
      3. Promote humility that makes others better than yourself (Luke 14:7-11; Rom 12:10).
      4. Promote others’ things and not just your own (Ro 12:15; 14:19-22; 15:1; I Co 12:12-26).
   5. Consider and remember some practical instruction for the maintenance of peaceful accord.
      1. Believe and hope all things; think no evil (I Cor 13:5-7; Ec 7:21-22; Jn 7:24; I Tim 6:4).
      2. Bear, endure, suffer long, and pass over things (I Co 13:4-7; Pr 19:11;17:9; Is 29:18-21).
      3. When you perceive a problem, confront the party for agreement (Ma 18:15-17; Ga 6:1).
      4. Quickly and honestly admit your own faults and offences (Matt 5:23-24; James 5:16).
      5. Stop all backbiting and criticism of others in your presence (Proverbs 25:23; 26:20).
      6. In order to be of one mind and be in agreement, communication must occur (Jn 15:15). C.
3. Paul defines the mind we ought to have toward each other by Christ’s example (Phil 2:5-11).
   1. He has specified like mindedness and one mind; he defines that mind by Christ (Rom 15:5). 2.
   2. Paul doesn’t care what mind you were born with; he expects you to renew it (Rom 12:1-2).
   3. Jesus Christ is the preeminent pattern and examples for righteous conduct toward others.
      1. Jesus is the great example of a servant, which service we must emulate (Ma 20:26-28).
      2. Jesus, as Lord and Master, washed His disciples’ feet to show service (John 13:13-17).
      3. Jesus worked to support the weak and taught giving is superior to receiving (Ac 20:35).
      4. Paul called on Gentile saints to follow him, even as he also followed Christ (I Co 11:1).
   4. Christ’s Incarnation and crucifixion are infinite examples of humility and service (2:6-8).
      1. Prior to becoming incarnate as Jesus Christ, He was the Word of God (Jn
      2. The only begotten Son given to Israel is and was the Mighty God (Is 9:6-7; Micah 5:2).
      3. Setting aside His eternal glory, He assumed a lowly position In this world (Isaiah 53:2).
      4. He showed Infinite humility and service in dying for His enemies (Romans 5:6-10).
      5. He died a shameful death (Heb 12:2), as He died naked (Ma 27:35) with thieves (27:38).
   5. Paul uses Christ’s example to exhort us to greater humility and service.
      1. We should become of no reputation and condescend to men of low estate (Rom 12:16).
      2. Do we care enough about the welfare of others to suffer loss for them (Rom 14:21)?
4. Paul concludes his use of Christ’s example by showing the exaltation of the humble (2:9-11).
   1. God shall exalt those who humble themselves under His mighty hand (I Pe 5:5-6; Ja 4:10).
   2. Jesus said that humble service constitutes the greatest men (Ma 23:8-12; Lu 22:24-27).
   3. Jesus has been highly exalted for His humble obedience and service to God (Lu 24:26).
      1. David (Ps 110:1), Jeremiah (Je 23:6), and angels (Lu 2:11) prophesied of His Lordship.
      2. Jesus was crucified, but He is now exalted as Lord (Ac 2:32-36; 5:29-32; Ep 1:20-23).
      3. He received more than just the letters and syllables of “Jesus”: He received glory.
      4. The angels in heaven, men in the earth, and devils under the earth shall confess Him.
      5. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, and He shall soon reveal this fact (I Ti 6:13-16).
      6. He is Lord of the wicked (Pr 16:4), of chance (Pr 16:33), of kings (Pr 21:1), of the elements (Mark 4:41), of angels (He 1:4), of judgment (He 10:30), of holiness (He 12:14), of the future (Ja 4:15), of discrimination (I Pe 3:12), of the Lord’s day (Il Pe 3:10-11), of Satan (Jude 9), of power (Re 19:1-6), of lords (Re 19:11-16), and of all (Ac 10:36).
      7. When the man God hath ordained shall sit in judgment, all shall be subject (Rev 20:11).
5. The next lesson takes off immediately from this exalted state of Jesus Christ (Phil 2:12-16).

The THIRD LESSON OF PHILIPPIANS Exhorts to Obedience By Christ’s Exaltation (2:12-18).

1. Paul uses Christ’s example of humiliation, obedience, and exaltation to motivate them (2:12).
   1. “Wherefore” refers directly to Jesus Christ’s example of obedience and position as Lord.
      1. Paul had exhorted them to the same mind as Christ Jesus – humble obedience (2:5).
      2. Since Jesus is Lord and every creature shall worship Him, we should obey now (2:9-11).
   2. Though the Philippians were a very obedient church, Paul presses for diligence (1:3,5).
   3. Salvation is worked out by bearing fruit (Jn 15:1-8; Ga 5:22-23; TIt 3:8,14; Il Pe 1:8-10).
   4. Fear reflects Christ’s Lordship (He 10:23-31; 12:28-29) and deceitful hearts (He 4: I-Il).
   5. Obedience in good works is the only evidence of a child of God (Ja 2:14-26; Romans 2:10).
2. Any desire or ability we have toward righteousness is created in us by God Himself (2:13).
   1. Without God’s quickening work, man would never will nor do God’s pleasure (Rom 8:7-8).
   2. In regeneration, God creates us unto good works (Ephesians 2:10; 4:24; Titus 2:14).
   3. This verse does not teach the fatalistic idea of man as an automaton doing God’s pleasure.
      1. Calvinists are notorious for ascribing our passive obedience to the Spirit of God.
      2. Observe that this work in us is closely associated with our own working by “for.”
   4. To will and to do” are infinitive verb forms expressing ability or purpose of verb action.
      1. The phrase “for the purpose of willing” is equivalent to the infinitive “to will.”
      2. The phrase “the ability of willing” is equivalent to the infinitive “to will.”
      3. Do not miss the intent of the infinitive: God regenerates for a purpose – His pleasure.
      4. Other examples of comparable infinitives are I Kings 8:58; I Chr 29: 19; Ezra l : 5; 7:27).
   5. Paul knew that “to will” was present with him, but working it out was hard (Rom 7:18-25).
   6. With God’s power and protection, we are able to will and do if we choose (I Cor 10:13).
   7. The present tense “worketh’l shows the Spirit’s activity beyond regeneration (Heb 13:21).
      1. God’s Spirit is a power in us unto good works (Ro 8:14-15; Il Co 4:16; Ep
      2. We work through the Spirit: we are not passive (Ro 8:13; I Co 14:32; 15:10; Ga 5:25).
      3. Sin neutralizes God’s spirit (Ep 4:30; 1 Th 5:19; Ps 51:11; Is 63:10; 1 Ti 4:14; 11 Ti 1:6).
      4. The spirit works while we work (Ps 27:14; 138:3; Ga 5:16-25; Eph 6:10; Phil 4:13).
      5. Do not we lead and strengthen our children as they actively obey us (Heb 12:9-16)?
3. God’s good pleasure is our blameless and harmless reputations in a perverse nation (2:14-15).
   1. An important part of being blameless and harmless is to avoid murmurings and disputings.
      1. If we practiced Paul’s previous instructions (2:1-4), we would not murmur or dispute.
      2. Murmuring is to complain or grumble (Nu 14:27; Ma 20:11; Mk 14: 5; I Co 10:10; Ja 5:9).
      3. Disputing is to debate or argue (Mk 9:33-34; Ro 14:1; I Co 3:3-5; Il Co 12:20; Ja 1:20).
      4. We do not become God’s children by obedience, but we show it (Ma 5:45; Il Co 6:18).
      5. The world will see Christ in us by the unity and love we have (John 13:35; 17:23).
   2. Since we live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, our conduct should shine.
4. Paul’s ministerial success and joy depended on the degree the Philippians obeyed (2:16-18).
   1. He desired the Philippians to hold forth the word of life by their conduct (I Thess 1:5-10). 
   2. Paul appealled to his own efforts (Gal 4:11) and the coming of Jesus Christ (I Thess 2:19).
   3. If Paul were to be martyred with the Philippian obedience in mind, he would rejoice.
   4. In order to comfort them in their worrying for him, he exhorts them to rejoice also.

The FOURTH LESSON OF PHILIPPIANS sets Forth Paul’s Opinion of Two Ministers (2:19-30).

1. Paul intends to send Timothy shortly after Epaphroditus to know their state (2:19-24).
   1. A minister IS and should be concerned about the state of his flocks (Pr 27:23; Heb 13:17).
   2. A minister’s comfort is increased by (l) knowing his flock and (2) knowing good things.
   3. Timothy was a unique minister in Paul’s estimation – he did not know of another like him.
      1. Timothy, unlike other ministers not so careful, had natural concern (I Cor 10:24, 33).
      2. Timothy had proved himself well as a “chip off the old block” ministerially (Ac 19:22).
   4. He comforts the Philippians that he was trusting the Lord to be able to come himself.
2. Paul commends Epaphroditus by whom he sends the epistle to the church at Philippi (2:25-30).
   1. Though Timothy and he stayed in Rome, he sent Epaphroditus back to them for their need.
   2. He had come to Rome to serve Paul and bring news and a financial gift from Philippi.
   3. Epaphroditus was another minister who had very great concern and care for them.
      1. Though he was sick physically, he worried about them worrying about him.
      2. Though he was very sick, Paul was thankful for God’s comfort in restoring his health.
   4. Paul reduced his sorrow for the Philippians by sending Epaphroditus to cheer them.
      1. Being their pastor, and a zealous and careful pastor, Paul exhorts gladness (Gal 4:14).
      2. Being their pastor, Paul exhorted them to hold such a man in reputation (I Th 5:12-13).
   5. Epaphroditus was near to death in serving Paul and Christ, since only he could travel.

The FIFTH LESSON OF PHILIPPIANS Is a Warning Against Pharisee Legalism (3:1-11).

1. Before Paul begins his doctrinal lesson, he summarizes their duty by exhorting to joy (3:1).
   1. Being concerned about his bonds, they had needed his comforting arguments
   2. Paul expected them to rejoice as he was rejoicing in several things (1:18; 2:17-18).
   3. Since Epaphroditus arrived With the epistle, Paul exhorts them to joy in him (2:28).
   4. A Christian’s life ought to be characterized by joy (Gal 5:22; Ro 14:17; 15:13; Col 1:8-11).
   5. Since Paul commands this Christian fruit, we Will study it further at that place (Phil 4:4).
2.  An important part of a minister’s work is reminding (3:1 cp Il Pet l: 12-15; 3: l; I John 2:21).
   1. Obviously he had warned them many times while he was in Philippi (4:18 cp Ac 20:31).
   2. Success In any endeavor IS usually doing the basics well, not resorting to complexity.
3. Paul warns carefully against any who would return to Judaism and its legal bondage (3:2-3).
   1. The dogs to avoid are fools rather than sodomites (Deut 28:18 cp Prov 26:11; Il Pet 2:22).
      1. But the victorious nature of dogs must be transferred also (Psalm 22:16,20; Matt
      2. Paul names a specific example of a dog in warning Timothy to beware (Il Tim 4:14-15).
      3. How would a modern, cultured preacher use such rude speech (Matt 15:26; Tit 1:12)?
   2. The evil workers are men who corrupt their ministerial work (3:18-19 cp Il Cor I l: 13-15).
   3. The concision IS a sarcastic allusion to Jews who gloried in their physical circumcision.
      1. The early church had to fight this Judaizing heresy (Acts 15: l; Gal 2:3-5; 5:2; 6:12).
      2. The sarcastic use of “concision” makes the Jews guilty of a pagan rite (Le 19:28; 21:5).
      3. We must still fight it in dietary laws, Jewish millemums, sabbaths, rituals, and works.
      4. We must stand against the false imposters who call themselves Jews (Rev 2:9; 3:9).
   4. The true circumcision from God’s viewpoint are regenerate saints (3:3 cp Rom 2:28-29).
      1. We have been circumcised by the circumcision made without hands (Colossians 2:10-17).
      2. We worship God by a Spirit-renewed heart (Tit 3:5) in the Spirit (Jn 4:24; Rom 8:5-6).
      3. We rejoice In Christ – not Moses, John Paul Il, or Billy Graham (Ga 6:14; I Co 1:29-31).
      4. We have no confidence in the flesh before or after renewing (Jn 1:13; Ro 8:8; 7:18-25).
4. If any man had reasons for confidence in the flesh, Paul the Pharisee certainly did (3:4-6).
   1. Paul used supposition and boasting to build credibility (Il Cor 11:5-12,16-33; 12:1-1 1).
   2. Paul was not a Jewish proselyte, but was dedicated by God’s due order (Gen 17:12).
   3. He descended from the stock of Israel; he was a genuine Jew (Rom I l: l; Il Cor 11:22).
   4. He knew his tribe (Ezra 2:59-63), and It was Benjamin (Ge 44:20; I Ki 12:21; Ezra 1:5).
   5. He was a definite Hebrew, by descent from Abraham and language (Ge 14:13; Ac 22:2).
   6. Religiously he was a Jewish Fundamentalist – the conservative sect (Acts 26:5; 23:6).
   7. As to his application of these great benefits, he was a very zealous Jewish Pharisee.
      1. He was raised tn Jerusalem and taught by notable Gamaliel (Ac 5:34; 22:3; Ga 1:14).
      2. He showed h1S zeal by persecuting Christians (Gal 1:13; Acts 9:1; 22:4-5; 26:9-12).
      3. It is good to be zealous in a good thing (Gal 4:18; Il Kings 10:16; I Tim l : 12-13).
   8. As to his personal morality, he perfectly kept the righteousness of the strict Pharisees.
      1. Practical obedience may be considered blameless (Lu 1:6; I Ti 3:2; Ge 6:9; Job 1:1).
      2. Blameless righteousness may be had by modifying the law (3:5 cp Matt 5:20;23:25).
      3. No man is blameless when God’s law is seen in Its breadth (Ro 7:7-11; Matt 5:22,28).
5. Paul gave up all his fleshly achievements in order to achieve the resurrection (3:8-11).
   1. True justification must be sought in Christ, not in the works of the law (Galatians 2:16). 2.
   2. The true followers of Jesus Christ look for things to lose for Christ (Matthew 10:39).
   3. Compared to the glories of the exalted Christ, Paul counted all loss and dung relatively.
      1. There is much excellence in knowing Jesus Christ (Eph l: 17-18; 3:8-9,18-19; I Pet 2:7).
      2. An excellent objective is to win Christ’s approval and interest (Ma 13:44-46; He 3:14).
      3. Paul cared only for Christ (I Cor 2:2), and he did suffer loss (I Co 4:13; Il Co 11:23).
   4. The only safe place to be found when It comes to righteousness IS in Christ (Romans 8: l).
      1. We are chosen In Christ, justified In Christ, and quckened in Christ (Eph 2:5-6).
      2. We shall yet be resurrected (I Cor 15:22) and glorified (Rom 8:28-39) in Jesus Christ.
      3. We are found In Him by baptism (Gal 3:27) and practical holiness (Romans 13:11-14).
      4. We need the righteousness of Christ’s faith (Rom 5:19; Heb 3:1-2; Rom 3:22; Gal 2:16).
      5. Righteousness is by God’s own faith (Ro 3:24-26; Ps 89:30-33; 11 Ti 2:13; 1 Th 5:23-24).
   5. We must know Christ in an affectionate relationship that indicates our position as sons.
      1. The power of His resurrection saved us (Eph l: 19-20) to newness of life (Rom
      2. If you know this resurrection (John 5:25), you shall miss the second death (Rev 20:6).
      3. Fellowshipping in HIS sufferings is also evidence (Ro 8:17; Il Tim 2:11-12; I Pe 4:12-14).
      4. But we must also suffer in the same manner as He did (I Peter 2:21-24; Heb 12:1-4).
   6. One resurrection (Ac 24:15), but a great division (Ma 25:31-46; Jn 5:28-29; Re 20:11-15).

The SIXTH LESSON OF PHILIPPIANS Is an Example and Exhortation to Perfection (3:12-21).

1. True faith, like true repentance, will work mightily according to God’s glory (Il Cor 7:11).
2. Though converted to a great degree, Paul denies any confidence in his attainments (3:12-14).
   1. Though he counted all things loss for Christ, Paul was not satisfied with his situation.
      1. Compared to other men, Paul appeared great; but he knew better (Il Cor 10:12).
      2. He knew he was not perfect by the continual warfare inside (Rom 7:15-25; Gal 5:17).
      3. The perfecting of the saints is not achieved absolutely (Eph 4:12; Col 1:28; Heb 13:21).
      4. Good Intentions and diligent effort may be perfection (Job l: l; Il Chr 15:17; Il Co 7:1).
   2. He continues to follow hard after Christ’s calling to work God’s pleasure (Phil 2:12-13).
      1. Jesus Christ accomplished salvation to create a holy people (Titus 2:11-15; Eph 2:10).
      2. He follows after this call to holiness by diligent and disciplined effort (I Cor 9:24-27).
      3. No man has ever sought Christ, but that Christ first sought him (Gal 4:9; I John 4:19).
      4. The resurrection will reveal eternal life, but we lay hold of it now (I Ti 6:11-12,17-19).
   3. Repeating himself, Paul again states that he does not rest in the accomplishments listed.
      1. Is there one ambition in your life that exceed all others (Psalm 27:4; Luke 11:34-36)?
      2. Forgetting past good and bad things, Paul strains forward after Christ’s holy calling.
      3. We must continually deny the “historical mentality”; we must emphasize the future
      4. If we look back and reconsider our former lives, we are fools (Luke 9:62 cp Ge 19:26).
   4. Paul describes his Christian experience as “pressing” God’s high calling in Jesus Christ.
      1. Jesus said that men entered the kingdom by pressing and violence (Lu 16:16; Ma 11:12).
      2. Practical salvation is work and warfare (I Tim 5:10; 6:11; Il Tl 4:7; He 12:4; Il Pe 1:10).
      3. Do you hunger and thirst after God as you ought to (Psalm 42: l; 63:1-3,8; 84:2)
      4. Our light affliction in this world does not compare with eternity (I Th 2:12; Il Co 4:17).
3. Paul then sets forth the objective for the Philippian saints to also press forward (3:15-16).
   1. Having denied perfection, Paul now uses the term In a relative sense (Rom 15: l; Gal 6: l).
   2. He exhorts the saints to the same mind that he has – the mind of forgetting and reaching.
      1. If there is some area in our lives that we are missing, God shall reveal it (Prov 4:18).
      2. We work hard and ask God to reveal faults (Ps 139:24-25; Lu 11:13; Jn 7:17; Ja 1:5).
   3. In those areas where we feel accomplished, we ought to work for proper unity (Gal 6:16).
4. Paul reminds the Philippians of the value of human examples to follow in pressing (3:17-19).
   1. As Christ’s apostle to the Gentiles, Paul beseeches them to follow him (4:9 cp I Co 4:16).
      1. They were to mark other men like Paul, so as to have several to follow (Psalm 37:37).
      2. A primary purpose of the ministry is to set an example (I Tim 4:12; Tit 2:7; I Pet 5:3).
      3. A minister’s faith should be worthy of following by his purpose and duty (Heb 13:7).
   2. A real need for such examples is added protection against false teachers and examples.
      1. There are many evil teachers in this world – more than we wish (3:18 cp Matt 7:22-23).
         • As Israel was plagued by false prophets, we shall have false teachers (Il Peter 2: l).
         • Paul warned the Ephesians of false teachers arising in the church (Acts 20:28-31).
      2. All teachers must be known by their fruit – the effect of their ministry (Matt 7:15-20).
         • Do not use “fruits” as their personal, spiritual fruit: the fruits are only an analogy.
         • The effects of their ministry must be weighed. Do they work charity? righteousness?
      3. Many false teachers are not ignorant: they are belly-worshipping enemies of Christ.
         • Their end IS destruction, since they were appointed to it (Jude 4; Il Peter 2:12).
         • Their God is their own personal benefit (Rom 16:17-18; Micah 3:5,11; Ezek 13:19).
         • The sons of Eli used the priesthood for physical food and women (I Sam
5. An emphasis on earthly things indicates a false teacher, since Paul was otherwise (3:20-21).
   1. Our conduct is not based on this world – it is in heaven (Col 3:2; I Co 15:19; Ma 6:19-21).
   2. We look forward to the redemption of our sinful bodies into glorious ones (I Cor 15:50-58).
      1. True conversion is a life confirming this prospect (I Th 1:9-10; Tit 2:13; Il Pe 3:14).
      2. We shall either experience confidence or shame at His appearing (I John 2:28-29).

The SEVENTH LESSON OF PHILIPPIANS Is a Collection of Miscellaneous Exhortations (4:1-9).

1. Paul first exhorts them to stand fast in the Lord as he has just instructed them (4: l).
   1. His conclusion (“therefore”) reflects the heavenly conduct and reward of the just (3:20-21). 
   2. is verbal affection is sincere (1:8), and it makes the rebuke easier to receive (Phil 8-9)
   3. They were Paul’s joy and crown, as were also the Thessalonians (Ph 2:16-17; I Th 2:19-20)
   4. The crown is a symbol of reward and honour (Prov 12:4; 16:31; 17:6; I Cor 9:25; Js 1:12)
   5. They were to stand fast (“so”) in pressing forward with their conversation in heaven.
   6. Standing fast is to be fastened in a place (1 co 1:27; 1 Th 3:8; 11 Th 2:15).
2. Paul then rebukes Euodias and Syntyche for their differences and exhorts them to unity (4:2).
   1. Though he has already given the general instruction (2:2), he applies it specifically here.
   2. As a father would not be vague with a family, neither is Paul with a church (I Cor 1:11).
3. Paul also exhorts Epaphroditus to take care of several elect ministers and women (Phil 4:3).
   1. The singular address (“thee’ and “yokefellow”) must refer to Epaphroditus, who is reading.
   2. Women are able to labor in the gospel by prayer (Il Cor 1), hospitality (Ac 16:15), etc.
   3. Women have sufficient opportunity in the church to earn great respect (Romans 16:1-15).
   4. Having your name written in the book of life is a great blessing (Luke 10:20 cp I The 1:4).
4. Paul exhorted them to rejoice, and this rejoicing was to be in the Lord and for alway (4:4).
   1. This verse is not descriptive nor suggestive; it is an imperative command to behave w Isely. 
   2. Wall<ing in the Spirit brings joy (Gal 5:22; Rom 14:17; 15:13) that IS visible (Pr 15:13).
   3. Full joy is promised those who are fruitful in obedience (John 13:17; 15:10-12; Col 1:9-11).
   4. The early church enjoyed this state of joy and gladness (Acts 2:46; 8:8; 13:52; 15:3).
   5. Joy is a state of the heart. We can easily convince ourselves of joy or grief (Pr 15:15).
   6. No matter what the circumstances, we are to be joyful (James 1:2; I Peter 4:12-14).
   7. There is tribulation in the world, but we must remember our Victor (John 16:33; I Pet 1:8).
   8. God’s judgment awaits those who are not joyful with all things (Deut 28:47 cp Ro 8:28-32).
5. Paul reminds them of their duty to moderation. He promotes such by Christ’s presence (4:5).
   1. The world should know us for our moderation. How would ten worldly associates rank you?
      1. Temperance – self-restraint – is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23; Il Pet 1:6; Tit 1:8; 2:2).
      2. Our generation is characterized by incontinence (Il Tim 3:3). Are you Impulsive or not?
      3. How do you relate to flexibility, compromise, conformity, self-discipline, patience, etc?
   2. Moderation particularly applies to eating, wine, money, speech, anger, patience, etc. 
6. The strategy for a “care-free” life is to trust the Lord with a thankful heart (4:6-8).
   1. God has commanded us to limit the care In our lives (Matthew 6:25; I Corinthians 7:32-35). 
   2. By trusting the Lord as we are here taught, our thoughts will be established (Prov 16:3).
   3. Trusting the Lord by faith in His word will bring perfect peace (Prov 3:21-26; Isaiah 26:3).
7. A child of God should cultivate those thoughts and influences that promote godliness (4:8-9).
   1. The BJU Art Museum claims, ^I‘ Whatsoever things are lovely . . . think on these things.”
   2. Applying this text absolutely would require condemning much of scripture, history, etc.
      1. Are Genesis 19 and Ezekiel 23 very true? honest? just? pure? lovely? virtuous? etc?
      2. Can we read the history of Nazi Germany? of the Roman Caesars? of Chappaquiddick?
      3. The things we consider or our perspective of them must promote these virtuous ends.
   3. As in the previous chapter (3:1 7), Paul gives himself as an example for the right things.
   4. The blessings of God’s peace comes through such obedience (Isaiah 57: 17-21; Psalm 37:37).

2.  

The EIGHTH LESSON OF PHILIPPIANS Covers Contentment and Their Giving (Phil 4:10-19). 

1. Paul is grateful for and commends their financial care of him while in bonds
   1. A good minister exhorts to liberal giving to benefit the givers (4:17; I Co 9:15; Il Co 9:6).
   2. Paul rejoiced in their giving, since it was a sign of life (Ma 25:40; Il Co 9:9-14; Ac 10:4).
2. Paul had learned that no matter what he did or where he was to be content (Phil 4:11).
   1. By Christ’s strength, Paul could handle both good and evil situations well (Phil 4:12-13).
   2. Contentment sees God’s sovereignty (Job 1:20-22) and the right perspective (Psalm 37:16).
   3. Will it be the travail of discontent or the gain of contentment (Eccl 4:6; Prov 30:8-9)?
   4. Contentment is a great commandment (Luke 3:14; I Tim 6:5-10; Heb 13:5; Eph 5:5).
   5. When we become content with our things, God will supply our needs (4:19 cp Ma 6:24-34).

The CONCLUSION OF PHILIPPIANS Includes Final Greetings and His Salutation (Phil 4:20-23).

1. The purpose for our existence in this universe is the glory of God (Prov 16:4; Rev 4:11).
2. Observe the use of  “and”in an explanatory sense (4:20). Compare I Thessalonians
3. Though communion is a function of the local church, all the saints may salute one another.
4. Paul closes with his regular salutation – his token in every epistle (Il Thess 3:17; Col 4:18).