As we begin our new sermon series— here is a helpful overview and introduction to the book of Philippians.
Title
Philippians derives its name from the Greek city where the church to which it was addressed was located. Philippi was the first town in Macedonia Paul evangelized and established a church.
Author and Date
The unanimous testimony of the early church was that the Apostle Paul wrote Philippians. The traditional view is that Philippians, along with the other Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon), was written during Paul’s first imprisonment at Rome (ca. A.D. 60–62). The most natural understanding of the references to the “imperial guard” (1:13) and the “saints … of Caesar’s household” (4:22) is that Paul wrote from Rome, where the emperor lived.
Background and Setting
The city of Philippi had military significance. It was named after Alexander the Great’s father, Philip of Macedon, and became the capital of the Greek Empire in 332 BC. Philippi was declared a Roman colony after the Roman conquest of Greece and Julius Caesar’s death in 44 BC. Being a Roman colony was the source of much civic pride for the Philippians.
The church in Philippi was the first church plant in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). Philippi evidently had a very small Jewish population. Because there were not enough men to form a synagogue (the requirement was for 10 Jewish men who were heads of a household), some devout women met outside the city at a place of prayer. Paul preached the gospel to them and Lydia, a wealthy merchant, became a believer. It is likely that the Philippian church initially met in her home.
Major Themes/Highlights
Christ Hymn
The book of Philippians is written as a series of short vignettes revolving around the Christ Hymn in Chapter 2 that retells the gospel story and references Adam's rebellion in Genesis and the Suffering Servant in Isaiah.
Joy
This book was written by Paul, in prison, to encourage the hearts of believers and stir them towards abundant, overflowing joy rooted in Jesus even when they are suffering. Joy is the dominant theme woven throughout the letter and reaches its pinnacle with a triumphant double imperative in 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (1:4, 18, 25, 26; 2:2, 16-18, 28; 3:1, 3; 4:1, 4, 10).
Unity
The church in Phillipi was a great church, yet they needed to seek unity. Even the best churches have to defend against gossip, forgive, and reconcile. Christian unity calls for selflessness and humility (1:27; 2:1-4) like our King, Jesus (2:5-11).
Frequently Memorized Verses
I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 1:6 (CSB)
For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. -- Philippians 1:21 (CSB)
I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ — which is far better -- Philippians 1:23 (CSB)
Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. -- Philippians 1:27 (CSB)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. -- Philippians 2:3-4 (CSB)
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father – Philippians 2:5-11 (CSB)
Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. -- Philippians 2:12-13 (CSB)
More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ — the righteousness from God based on faith. -- Philippians 3:8-9 (CSB)
My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead. -- Philippians 3:10-11 (CSB)
Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 3:12-14 (CSB)
Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. -- Philippians 3:20 (CSB)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! -- Philippians 4:4 (CSB)
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB)
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. -- Philippians 4:8 (CSB)
I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. -- Philippians 4:11 (CSB)
I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. -- Philippians 4:13 (CSB)
And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 4:19 (CSB)