Philippians -- Chapter One

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The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, Chapter One
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   THE WORD happiness evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, responding with unbridled laughter to a comedian, or vacationing in an exotic locale. Everyone wants to be happy; we make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit: spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. But if happiness depends on our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money is stolen, and the party's over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in.
   In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God's love and work in our lives - that he will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ.
   Philippians is Paul's joy letter. The church in that Macedonian city had been a great encouragement to Paul. The Philippian believers had enjoyed a very special relationship with Paul, so he wrote them a personal expression of his love and affection. They had brought him great joy (4:1). Philippians is also a joyful book because it emphasizes the real joy of the Christian life. The concept of rejoicing or joy appears sixteen times in four chapters, and the pages radiate this positive message, culminating in the exhortation to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (4:4).
   In a life dedicated to serving Christ, Paul had faced excruciating poverty, abundant wealth, and everything in between. He even wrote this joyful letter from prison. Whatever the circumstances, Paul had learned to be content (4:11, 12), finding real joy, as he focused all of his attention and energy on knowing Christ (3:8) and obeying him (3:12,13).
   Paul's desire to know Christ above all else is wonderfully expressed in the following words: "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him . . . I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death" (3:8-10). May we share Paul's aspiration and seek to know Jesus Christ more and more. Rejoice with Paul in Philippians, and rededicate yourself to finding joy in Christ.

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VITAL STATISTICS
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PURPOSE:
To thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent Paul and to strengthen these believers by showing them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone

AUTHOR:
Paul

TO WHOM WRITTEN:
All the Christians at Philippi and all believers everywhere

DATE WRITTEN:
About A.D. 61, from Rome during Paul's imprisonment there

SETTING:
Paul and his companions began the church at Philippi on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). This was the first church established on the European continent. The Philippian church had sent a gift with Epaphroditus (one of their members) to be delivered to Paul (4:18). Paul was in a Roman prison at the time. He wrote this letter to thank them for their gift and to encourage them in their faith.

KEY VERSE:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (4:4).

KEY PEOPLE:
Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Euodia, and Syntyche

KEY PLACE:
Philippi

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THE BLUEPRINT
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1. Joy in suffering (1:1-30)
2. Joy in serving (2:1-30)
3. Joy in believing (3:1-4:1)
4. Joy in giving (4:2-23)

Although Paul was writing from prison, joy is a dominant theme in this letter. The secret of his joy is grounded in his relationship with Christ. People today desperately want to be happy but are tossed and turned by daily successes, failures, and inconveniences. Christians are to be joyful in every circumstance, even when things are going badly, even when we feel like complaining, even when no one else is joyful. Christ still reigns, and we still know him, so we can rejoice at all times.

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MEGATHEMES
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THEME:
Humility

EXPLANATION:
Christ showed true humility when he laid aside his rights and privileges as God to become human. He poured out his life to pay the penalty we deserve. Laying aside self-interest is essential to all our relationships.

IMPORTANCE:
We are to take Christ's attitude in serving others. We must renounce personal recognition and merit. When we give up our self-interest, we can serve with joy, love, and kindness.

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THEME:
Self-sacrifice

EXPLANATION:
Christ suffered and died so we might have eternal life. With courage and faithfulness, Paul sacrificed himself for the ministry. He preached the gospel even while he was in prison

IMPORTANCE:
Christ gives us power to lay aside our personal needs and concerns. To utilize his power, we must imitate those leaders who show self-denying concern for others. We dare not be self-centered.

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THEME:
Unity

EXPLANATION:
In every church, in every generation, there are divisive influences (issues, loyalties, and conflicts). In the midst of hardships, it is easy to turn on one another. Paul encouraged the Philippians to agree with one another, stop complaining, and work together.

IMPORTANCE:
As believers, we should contend against a common enemy, not against one another. When we are unified in love, Christ's strength is most abundant. Keep before you the ideals of teamwork, consideration of others, and unselfishness.

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THEME:
Christian living

EXPLANATION:
Paul shows us how to live successful Christian lives. We can become mature by being so identified with Christ that his attitude of humility and self-sacrifice rules us. Christ is both our source of power and our guide.

IMPORTANCE:
Developing our character begins with God's work in us. But growth also requires discipline, obedience, and relentless concentration on our part.

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THEME:
Joy

EXPLANATION:
Believers can have profound contentment, serenity, and peace no matter what happens. This joy comes from knowing Christ personally and from depending on his strength rather than our own.

IMPORTANCE:
We can have joy, even in hardship. Joy does not come from outward circumstances but from inward strength. As Christians, we must not rely on what we have or what we experience to give us joy, but on Christ within us.

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Paul's Profile
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    No person, apart from Jesus himself, shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul. Even before he was a believer, his actions were significant. His frenzied persecution of Christians following Stephen's death got the church started in obeying Christ's final command to take the gospel worldwide. Paul's personal encounter with Jesus changed his life. He never lost his fierce intensity, but from then on it was channeled for the gospel.
    Paul was very religious. His training under Gamaliel was the finest available. His intentions and efforts were sincere. He was a good Pharisee, who knew the Bible and sincerely believed that this Christian movement was dangerous to Judaism. Thus Paul hated the Christian faith and persecuted Christians without mercy.
    Paul got permission to travel to Damascus to capture Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem. But God stopped him in his hurried tracks on the Damascus road. Paul personally met Jesus Christ, and his life was never again the same.
    Until Paul's conversion, little had been done about carrying the gospel to non-Jews. Philip had preached in Samaria and to an Ethiopian man; Cornelius, a Gentile, was converted under Peter, and in Antioch in Syria, some Greeks had joined the believers. When Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to check on this situation, he went to Tarsus to find Paul and bring him to Antioch, and together they worked among the believers there. They were then sent on a missionary journey, the first of three Paul would take, that would carry the gospel across the Roman empire.
    The thorny issue of whether Gentiles believers had to obey Jewish laws before they could become Christians caused many problems in the early church. Paul worked hard to convince the Jews that Gentiles were acceptable to God, but he spent even more time convincing the Gentiles that they were acceptable to God. The lives Paul touched were changed and challenged by meeting Christ through him.
    God did not waste any part of Paul - his background, his training, his citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to let God do the same for you? You will never know all he can do with you until you allow him to have all that you are!

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Paul's Strengths and Accomplishments
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1. Transformed by God from a persecutor of Christians to a preacher for Christ
2. Preached for Christ throughout the Roman empire on three missionary journeys
3. Wrote letters to various churches, which became part of the New Testament
4. Was never afraid to face an issue head-on and deal with it
5. Was sensitive to God's leading and, despite his strong personality, always did as God directed
6. Is often called the apostle to the Gentiles

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Paul's Weaknesses and Mistakes
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1. Witnessed and approved of Stephen's stoning
2. Set out to destroy Christianity by persecuting Christians

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Lessons from Paul's Life
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1. The Good News is that forgiveness and eternal life are a gift of God's grace received through faith in Christ and available to all people
2. Obedience results from a relationship with God, but obedience will never create or earn that relationship
3. Real freedom doesn't come until we no longer have to prove our freedom
4. God does not waste our time - he will use our past and present so we may serve him with our future

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Paul's Vital Statistics
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1. Where: Born in Tarsus, but became a world traveler for Christ
2. Occupation: Trained as a Pharisee, learned the tentmaking trade, served as a missionary
3. Contemporaries: Gamaliel, Stephen, the apostles, Luke, Barnabas, Timothy

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Key Verses
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"For to me, to live is Christ and to die gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body" (Philippians 1:21-24).

Paul's story is told in Acts 7:58-28:31 and through his New Testament letters.

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Timothy's Profile
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    Painful lessons are usually doorways to new opportunities. Even the apostle Paul had much to learn. Shortly after his disappointing experience with John Mark, Paul recruited another eager young man, Timothy, to be his assistant. Paul's intense personality may have been to much for John Mark to handle. It could easily have created the same problem for Timothy. But Paul seems to have learned a lesson in patience from his old friend Barnabas. As a result, Timothy became a "son" to Paul.
    Timothy probably became a Christian after Paul's first missionary visit to Lystra (Acts 16:1-5). Timothy already had solid Jewish training in the Scriptures from his mother and grandmother. By Paul's second visit, Timothy had grown into a respected disciple of Jesus. He did not hesitate to join Paul and Silas on their journey. His willingness to be circumcised as an adult is clearly a mark of his commitment. (Timothy's mixed Greek/Jewish background could have created problems on their missionary journeys, because many of their audience would be made up of Jews who were concerned about the strict keeping of this tradition. Timothy's submission to the rite of circumcision helped to avoid that potential problem.)
    Beyond the tensions created by his mixed racial background, Timothy seemed to struggle with a naturally timid character and a sensitivity to his youthfulness. Unfortunately, many who share Timothy's character traits are quickly written off as too great a risk to deserve much responsibility. By God's grace, Paul saw great potential in Timothy. Paul demonstrated his confidence in Timothy by entrusting him with important responsibilities. Paul sent Timothy as his personal representative to Corinth during a particularly tense time (1st Corinthians 4:14-17). Although Timothy was apparently ineffective in that difficult mission, Paul did not give up on him. Timothy continued to travel with Paul.
    Our last pictures of Timothy come from the most personal letters in the New Testament: 1st and 2nd Timothy. The aging apostle Paul was near the end of his life, but his burning desire to continue his mission had not dimmed. Paul was writing to one of his closest friends - they had traveled, suffered, cried, and laughed together. They shared the intense joy of seeing people respond to the Good News and the agonies of seeing the gospel rejected and distorted. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the young church there (1st Timothy 1:3,4). He wrote to encourage Timothy and give him needed direction. These letters have provided comfort and help to countless other "Timothys" through the years. When you face a challenge that seems beyond your abilities, read 1st and 2nd Timothy, and remember that others have shared your experience.

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Timothy's Strengths and Accomplishments
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1. Became a believer after Paul's first missionary journey and joined him for his other two journeys
2. Was a respected Christian in his hometown
3. Was Paul's special representative on several occasions
4. Received two personal letters from Paul
5. Probably knew Paul better than any other person, becoming like a son to Paul

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Timothy's Weaknesses and Mistakes
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1. Struggled with a timid and reserved nature
2. Allowed others to look down on his youthfulness
3. Was apparently unable to correct some of the problems in the church at Corinth when Paul sent him there

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Lessons From Timothy's Life
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1. Youthfulness should not be an excuse for ineffectiveness
2. Our inadequacies and inabilities should not keep us from being available to God

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Timothy's Vital Statistics
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1. Where: Lystra
2. Occupations: Missionary, pastor
3. Relatives: Mother Eunice.
                   Grandmother: Lois.
                   Greek father
4. Contemporaries: Paul, Silas, Luke, Mark, Peter, Barnabas

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Key Verses
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"I have no one else like him [Timothy], who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel" (Philippians 2:20-22).

Timothy's story is told in Acts, starting in chapter 16. He is also mentioned in Romans 16:21; 1st Corinthians 4:17; 1st Corinthians 16:10,11; 2nd Corinthians 1:1,19; Philippians 1:1; Philippians 2:19-23; Colossians 1:1; 1st Thessalonians 1:1-10; 1st Thessalonians 2:3,4; 1st Thessalonians 3:2-6; 1st and 2nd Timothy, Philemon 1; Hebrews 13:23.

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1. Joy in suffering

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1. Who are Paul and Timothy servants of, whom is this letter written to, and who does he give them grace and peace from?

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   This is a personal letter to the Philippians, not intended for general circulation to all the churches as was the letter to the Ephesians. Paul wanted to thank the believers for helping him when he had a need. He also wanted to tell them why he could be full of joy despite his imprisonment and upcoming trial. In this uplifting letter, Paul counseled the Philippians about humility and unity and warned them about potential problems.
   On Paul's first missionary journey, he visited towns close to his headquarters in Antioch of Syria. On his second and third journeys, he traveled even farther. Because of the great distance between the congregations that Paul had founded, he could no longer personally oversee them all. Thus he was compelled to write letters to teach and encourage the believers. Fortunately, Paul had a staff of volunteers (including Timothy, Mark, and Epaphras) who personally delivered these letters and often remained with the congregations for a while to teach and encourage them.
   The Roman colony of Philippi was located in northern Greece (called Macedonia in Paul's day). Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great) took the town from ancient Thrace in about 357 B.C., enlarged and strengthened it, and gave it his name. This thriving commercial center sat at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. In about A.D. 50, Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke crossed the Aegean Sea from Asia Minor and landed at Philippi (Acts 16:11-40). The church in Philippi consisted mostly of Gentile (non-Jewish) believers. Because they were not familiar with the Old Testament, Paul did not specifically quote any Old Testament passages in this letter.
   Overseers (bishops or pastors) and deacons led the early Christian churches. The qualifications and duties of the overseers are explained in detail in 1st Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. The qualifications and duties of deacons are spelled out in 1st Timothy 3:8-13. The saints are all those who believe in Christ.

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Thanksgiving and Prayer
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2. What did Paul say he did every time he remember the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, how did he say he prayed in all his prayers for all of them, why did he say he did this, and being confident of this, what did he say God who began a good work in them would do?

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   This is the first of many times Paul used the word joy in his letter. The Philippians were remembered with joy and thanksgiving whenever Paul prayed. By helping Paul, they were helping Christ's cause. The Philippians were willing to be used by God for whatever he wanted them to do. When others think about you, what comes to their minds? Are you remembered with joy by them? Do your acts of kindness lift up others?
   The Philippians first heard the gospel about ten years earlier when Paul and his companions visited Philippi (during Paul's second missionary journey) and founded the church there.
   When Paul said that the Philippians were partners in the gospel, he was pointing out their valuable contribution in spreading God's message. They contributed through their practical help when Paul was in Philippi, and through their financial support when he was in prison. As we help our ministers, missionaries, and evangelists through prayer, hospitality, and financial donations, we become partners with them.
   The God who began a good work in us continues it throughout our lifetime and will finish it when we meet him face to face. God's work for us began when Christ died on the cross in our place. His work in us began when we first believed. Now the Holy Spirit lives in us, enabling us to be more like Christ every day. Paul is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that began when we accepted Jesus and continues until Christ returns.
   Do you sometimes feel as though you aren't making progress in your spiritual life? When God starts a project, he completes it! As with the Philippians, God will help you grow in grace until he has completed his work in your life. When you are discouraged, remember that God won't give up on you. He promises to finish the work he has begun. When you feel incomplete, unfinished, or distressed by your shortcomings, remember God's promise and provision. Don't let your present condition rob you of the joy of knowing Christ or keep you from growing closer to him.

3. Why did Paul say it was right for him to feel this way about the saints in Philippi, and what did he say God could testify to?

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   When he said, "in chains," Paul was probably referring to his imprisonment in Philippi, recorded in Acts 16:22-36. In verses 13 and 14, Paul speaks of his Roman imprisonment. Wherever Paul was, even in prison, he faithfully preached the Good News. Remember Paul's inspiring example when hindrances, small or large, slow down your work for God.
   Have you ever longed to see a friend with whom you share fond memories? Paul had such a longing to see the Christians at Philippi. His love and affection for them was based not merely on past experiences, but also on the unity that comes when believers draw upon Christ's love. All Christians are part of God's family and thus share equally in the transforming power of his love. Do you feel a deep love for fellow Christians, friends and strangers alike? Let Christ's love motivate you to love other Christians and to express that love in your actions toward them.

4. What was Paul's prayer to the saints in Philippi, and why did he pray this?

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   Often the best way to influence someone is to pray for him or her. Paul's prayer for the Philippians was that they would be unified in love. Their love was to result in greater knowledge of Christ and deeper insight (moral discernment). Their love was not based on feelings but on what Christ had done for them. As you grow in Christ's love, your heart and mind must grow together. Is your love and insight growing?
   Paul prayed that the Philippian believers would "discern what is best" - in other words, that they would have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad, vital and trivial. We ought to pray for moral discernment so we can maintain our Christian morals and values. Hebrews 5:14 emphasizes the need for discernment.
   The "day of Christ" refers to the time when God will judge the world through Jesus Christ. We should live each day as though he could return at any moment.
   The "fruit of righteousness" includes all of the character traits flowing from a right relationship with God. There is no other way for us to gain this fruit of righteousness than through Christ. See Galatians 5:22, 23 for the "fruit of the Spirit."

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Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel
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5. What did Paul want the brothers in Philippi to know, as a result, what did Paul say had become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else, and what has happened because of his chains?

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   Being imprisoned would cause many people to become bitter or to give up, but Paul saw it as one more opportunity to spread the Good News of Christ. Paul realized that his current circumstances weren't as important as what he did with them. Turning a bad situation into a good one, he reached out to the Roman soldiers who made up the palace guard and encouraged those Christians who were afraid of persecution. We may not be in prison, but we still have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged - times of indecision, financial burdens, family conflict, church conflict, or the loss of our jobs. How we act in such situations will reflect what we believe. Like Paul, look for ways to demonstrate your faith even in bad situations. Whether or not the situation improves, your faith will grow stronger.
   How did Paul end up in chains in a Roman prison? While he was visiting Jerusalem, some Jews had him arrested for preaching the gospel, but he appealed to Caesar to hear his case (Acts 21:15-25:12). He was then escorted by soldiers to Rome, where he was placed under house arrest while awaiting trial - not a trial for breaking civil law, but for proclaiming the Good News of Christ. At that time, the Roman authorities did not consider this to be a serious charge. A few years later, however, Rome would take a different view of Christianity and make every effort to stamp it out of existence. Paul's house arrest allowed him some degree of freedom. He could have visitors, continue to preach, and write letters such as this one. A brief record of Paul's time in Rome is found in Acts 28:11-31. The "whole palace guard" refers to the Praetorian guard, the elite troops housed in the emperor's palace.
   When we speak fearlessly for Christ, or live faithfully for him during difficult situations, we encourage others to do the same. Be an encouragement by the way that you live.

6. How did Paul say some preach Christ, how did Paul say other preach Christ, how did Paul say the latter preached Christ, how did Paul say the former preached Christ, what did Paul say the important thing is, and what did he say he did because of this?

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   Paul had an amazingly selfless attitude. He knew that some were preaching to build their own reputations, taking advantage of Paul's imprisonment to try to make a name for themselves. Regardless of the motives of these preachers, Paul rejoiced that the gospel was being preached. Some Christians serve for the wrong reasons. Paul wouldn't condone, nor does God excuse, their motives, but we should be glad if God uses their message, regardless of their motives.

7. What did Paul tell the saint in Philippi he knew, what did he eagerly expect and hope, and what did he say it was for him?

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   This was not Paul's final imprisonment in Rome. But he didn't know that. Awaiting trial, he knew he could either be released or executed. However, he trusted Christ to work it out for his deliverance. Paul's prayer was that when he stood trial, he would speak courageously for Christ and not be timid or ashamed. Whether he lived or died, he wanted to exalt Christ. As it turned out, he was released from this imprisonment but arrested again two or three years later. Only faith in Christ could sustain Paul in such adversity.
   To those who don't believe in God, life on earth is all there is, and so it is natural for them to strive for this world's values - money, popularity, power, pleasure, and prestige. For Paul, however, to live meant to develop eternal values and to tell others about Christ, who alone could help them see life from an eternal perspective. Paul's whole purpose in life was to speak out boldly for Christ and to become more like him. Thus Paul could confidently say that dying would be even better than living, because in death he would be removed from worldly troubles, and he would see Christ face to face (1 John 3:2, 3). If you're not ready to die, then you're not ready to live. Make certain of your eternal destiny; then you will be free to serve - devoting your life to what really counts, without fear of death.

8. What did Paul say it would mean if he was to go on living in the body, what two desires did he say he was torn between, being convinced of this, what did he say he knew, and why did he say he will continue to do this?

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   Paul had a purpose for living when he served the Philippians and others. We also need a purpose for living that goes beyond providing for our own physical needs. Whom can you serve or help? What is your purpose for living?

9. What did Paul tell the saints in Philippi to do no matter what happens, why did he tell them to do this, what did Paul say this was a sign to those who oppose them, and what did he say had been granted to them on behalf of Christ?

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   Paul encourages the believers to be unified, as they "stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith." How sad that much time and effort is lost in some churches by fighting against one another instead of uniting against the real opposition! It takes a courageous church to resist in-fighting and to maintain the common purpose of serving Christ.
   Paul considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ. We do not by nature consider suffering a privilege. Yet when we suffer, if we faithfully represent Christ, our message and example affect us and others for good (see Acts 5:41). Suffering has these additional benefits: (1) it takes our eyes off of earthly comforts; (2) it weeds out superficial believers; (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure; (4) it serves as an example to others who may follow us. When we suffer for our faith, it doesn't mean that we have done something wrong. In fact, the opposite is often true - it verifies that we have been faithful. Use suffering to build your character. Don't resent it or let it tear you down.
   Throughout his life Paul suffered for spreading the gospel. Like the Philippians, we are in conflict with anyone who would discredit the saving message of Christ. All true believers are in this fight together, uniting against the same enemy for a common cause.

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Answers for Philippians One
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1. Christ Jesus...all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons...their Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
2. Thanked his God...with joy...because of their partnership in the gospel from the first day until now...carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
3. Since he had them in his heart; for whether he was in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of them shared in God's grace with him...how he longed for all of them with the affection of Christ Jesus
4. That their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight...so that they may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God
5. That what has happened to him had really served to advance the gospel...that he is in chains for Christ...most of the brothers in the Lord had been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly
6. Out of envy and rivalry...out of goodwill...in love, knowing that he was put here for the defense of the gospel...out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for him while he was in chains...that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached...he rejoiced
7. That through their prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what had happened to him will turn out for his deliverance...that he will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in his body, whether by life or by death...to live is Christ and to die is gain
8. It would mean fruitful labor for him...his desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but is more necessary for them that he remain in the body...that he will remain, and he will continue with all of them for their progress and joy in the faith...so that through his being with them again their joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of him
9. Conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ...so then whether he came and saw them or only heard about them in his absence, he would know that they stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose them...that they will be destroyed, but that they, the saints, will be saved - and that by God...not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since they are going through the same struggles they saw Paul had, and now hear that he still has

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The Life Application Study Bible - Zondervan