Philippians

Joy in Jesus in all situations.

What was the situation in Philippi like? This Roman colony in Northeast Greece was

Where Paul first planted a church in Europe. (Act 16.11-40) because they were a Roman colony they were a privilege people. They had many rights and possibilities because of this citizenship. It could be bought for a lot of many. So many people around would envy the Philippians. This they may have carried into the church in thinking they were better than others 2.3 and pride. Maybe that’s why Paul is teaching about being known in Jesus, and loosing the wordily status and positions.  3.3-11. – And be a citizen of heaven 2.27.It may look as if they had some disunity among them – 2.2, 3.15 and 4.2. and Paul them to unite and settle the matter. In Tess 2.2 Paul says they were treated badly and suffered in Philippi. He wrote the letter in Rome while awaiting trial in yr.60-62

What is the main idea in is this letter

The main ideas in the book is that we can have Joy in Jesus in all situations; in hard conflicts, in serving in humility 2.28, in knowing Jesus and making His blessing known 2.17– and joy in walking in contentment and gratitude. 4.4-6,

Paul is asking them to be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves (2.1-4), and take interest in them and have the same attitude as Jesus (2.5)

Paul is showing how everything is worthless because of what Jesus has done, the “infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my lord “- and to “gain Christ and become one with him” 3.8-9. He says, “ I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law, rather I become righteous through faint in Christ “– depended on faith. He repeats – “I want to know Christ, experience the mighty power that raised Him from death, to suffer with Him, share His death and in one way or another be resurrected.

What does this letter show about the Character and Nature of God?

In this passage in 2.5-11, we see the principle of having the focus on others, right from God and Jesus themselves. Jesus gave up his equality and rights  - his divine privileges to become like a slave and a human being  -all in obedience of God – whom the back elevated Him high and said Jesus name shall be above all other names, and every tongue confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

God is a caring God and we see that in ch.4.19 – “ This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus “

  

Personal Application:

Phil 4.4-6 is among my favorite verses – especially the verse 7 – about God’s peace above all understanding! I love that – my mind can be on High-speed in May areas, practically and philosophic – and it is so good for me to fall to the peace in Jesus who always is above my understanding! I don’t need to grasp it, just receives is.

I was touch this week by Paul’s compassion in knowing Jesus  - and becoming one with Him – I want to grasp more of that – to gain Christ! He is just repeating and describing it  - so it became so essential.

Point of Passion:

Sharing the new or confirmed revelations in this season with the Parents of teenagers/ Youth Workers in Church:

The J-o-y teaching Scott gave will be great to give on to my P.O.P. Even though it is an English word – the Norwegian “ GLEDE” does not work the same way. But English will do. To share the focus of Jesus first, then Others and so Yourselves is a clarifying range of priority. This will speak both to the parents but also the very important to the teenagers in a period of our lives we are very self-centered. There is so much freedom in focusing outward.

Sources: Source View Bible (SVB), Nelson Maps and Charts (NB), Faith in Action Study Bible (FSB), notes form Scott Contivals teaching