Sermon Notes: Philippians 1 & 2
So ends another Ps&Gs sermon series with new questions raised, challenges set and pledges made as we set our feet & faces to seek God's way with all of our selves. To keep track for myself of new things discovered & key verses...
(& here, particularly indebted to Dr. Chris Mackel & the excellent studies written for HG);
- Beginning to read from Acts 16:11-40
Context: Paul "in chains for the Gospel", writing to the Church in Philippi.
Philippi being a Roman colony: a place where the Roman soldiers had marched to & then been granted land to retire & settle there. This has key implications in terms of Paul's appeals to citizenship, as well as the military nuances within his letter.
Philippians 1:
Fellowship & accountability
I thank my God every time I remember you.. because of your partnership and the gospel.. being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..
- Paul's choice: servanthood:
For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.. Yet what shall I choose? 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.
1:27 - Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 2:
fellow workers / rejoicing & suffering
An attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
but made himself nothing, taking the very form of a servant.
- v.27: Timothy's demonstration of how each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (v4) .
- v.25: Epaphroditus:
- 'fellow-soldier' to Paul and over whom Paul writes to reassure the Philippian congregation.
- His Christlike demanour in service to the gospel - risking his life - & distress for the Philippians in his absence.
- Paul's praise of God's mercy in sparing him sorrow upon sorrow in delivering Epaphroditus from illness.
- Paul's concern that Epaphroditus' homecoming occurs with great joy & honour because of the service shown.
(& here, particularly indebted to Dr. Chris Mackel & the excellent studies written for HG);
- Beginning to read from Acts 16:11-40
Context: Paul "in chains for the Gospel", writing to the Church in Philippi.
Philippi being a Roman colony: a place where the Roman soldiers had marched to & then been granted land to retire & settle there. This has key implications in terms of Paul's appeals to citizenship, as well as the military nuances within his letter.
Philippians 1:
Fellowship & accountability
I thank my God every time I remember you.. because of your partnership and the gospel.. being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..
- Paul's choice: servanthood:
For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.. Yet what shall I choose? 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.
1:27 - Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 2:
fellow workers / rejoicing & suffering
An attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
but made himself nothing, taking the very form of a servant.
- v.27: Timothy's demonstration of how each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (v4) .
- v.25: Epaphroditus:
- 'fellow-soldier' to Paul and over whom Paul writes to reassure the Philippian congregation.
- His Christlike demanour in service to the gospel - risking his life - & distress for the Philippians in his absence.
- Paul's praise of God's mercy in sparing him sorrow upon sorrow in delivering Epaphroditus from illness.
- Paul's concern that Epaphroditus' homecoming occurs with great joy & honour because of the service shown.