Letter

Speaks to joy; it is thankful

Gospel

Joy

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (3:13 - 3:14)

One of the great Scripture promises: "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (4:19)

Personal missionary letter

Joyous; warmly affectionate. Thanking the church for their support

1. He wanted to explain why he was sending Epaphroditus back to them (2:25–30)

2. He wanted to let them know of his plan to send Timothy to them (2:19–24)

3. He wanted to thank the Philippian church for their concern for him and their generous gifts to him (4:10–20)

4. He desired to inform them of his own circumstances and the advancement of the gospel (1:12–26)

5. He wanted to exhort the church to live in humility, fellowship, and unity (1:27–2:11; 4:2–3)

6. He also needed to warn them concerning the false teachings of legalism, perfectionism, and careless living (3:1–4:1)

1. We learn the importance of church unity (1:27–30) and Christian humility (2:1–4)

2. Christ’s humility serves as the basis of Christian humility, which is the key for genuine Christian unity

3. Paul’s suffering during his imprisonment also serves as a foundation for teaching abasement and humility (1:12–18; 4:10–13)

4. Alongside abasement and suffering is joy, the great theme of the letter. In all of life’s circumstances believers can experience joy. For it is in suffering and sacrifice that true joy is found

5. Paul’s exhortation to rejoice is a much-needed and practical word for believers at all times in all situations

Live faithfully to the Gospel in communal unity and confidence (1:27 - 1:30)

Thanks for their faith and support

Center their lives in Christ and be content in all situations

Joyfully imitate the example of Jesus Christ

Quitter never wins, winner never quits. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (4:13)

What goes into our minds comes out in our actions. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." (4:8)

God never fails

Lasting joy comes only through a relationship with Jesus Christ

Christians have problems, but Christ is the power to overcome

No basis for pride, except in our perfect example, Jesus Christ

Outline

Chapter headings

Jesus

Paul the Apostle (the author)

Timothy

The people of Philippi, including

Bible

Halley's Bible Handbook

HarperCollins Bible Dictionary

Oxford Bible Atlas

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament (Wesley)

The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Vol. 11

Logos: Holman Bible Handbook

Book: Philippians

Chapters: 4

1, Number of times read

4

2. Notes on the book

A. Category: Letter

B. First Impressions: Speaks to joy; it is thankful

C. Key words:

Gospel - Paul shares the significance of the "gospel" in his relationship 
with God and with other people...

The letter came 10 years after Paul founded the church and three or four years after his prior visit.

It was his most personal letter.

There is some question as to whether it is actually a composite of multiple letters.

Church in the Macedonian (northeastern Greece) city in Philippi

Primarily Gentile

This was the first church Paul established in Europe, early in his second missionary journey (around A.D. 51).

Luke (author of Luke and Acts) was the pastor for the first six years.

Select something the Lord spoke to me about and write a personal, practical, possible, and measurable application on that truth

What attitude do I need to change?

What should I start doing or stop doing?

What should I believe or stop believing?

What relationships do I need to work on?

What ministry should I have with others?