Bible Survey: Philippians
Philippians is a letter about joy, written by a man in prison. Its key verse is Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4), and Paul wrote it as Nero's prisoner in Rome. A Christian's joy does not depend on what is going on around him but on what is going on within him: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
Paul loved this church. It had begun by a riverside, where the Lord opened the heart of a woman named Lydia, the first known convert in Europe, and Paul only got there after the Holy Spirit had closed two other doors. God still guides His people that way. Years later the Philippians were the one church that kept sending Paul help. He called their gift a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God (Philippians 4:18), and then gave them a promise for faithful givers: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Paul had learned to be content, and he could say, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13). Even prison had fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel (Philippians 1:12), because it put him before the soldiers of the palace.
There was no false doctrine to correct at Philippi, but two women were at odds, and Paul called the church to unity: in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3). Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). Christ laid aside the outward glory of God and took the form of a servant, though He never for a moment stopped being God.
Many love to quote That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, but the verse goes on, and the fellowship of his sufferings (Philippians 3:10). And for every worry there is prayer: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6).
Next in the series: Colossians.
Taught by Brother James Barker in Sunday School at Naples Independent Baptist Church, April 4, 2021. Watch the lesson.
